How far does 1lb, 4lb, 8lb powder go in .40S&W

JPainter

JPainter

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Location
Victoria, BC
Hi Guys,

I am just rounding up my supplies for the first go at reloading with my shiney new SDB press.

My Shopping List so far (as deduced from Lyman's 48th manual)

Winchester WSP Primers
Alliant Unique Powder
Bullet Barn .40/10mm SWC BB

On the powder issue, at 4.7 - 5gr p/case how far will 1lb , 4lb, 8lb go? More directly, what would be the average magic number to reload 1000 rounds?

Any input on any of my shopping list would be appreciated. The cases are winchester brass I used recently, bought new factory. The gun that will be shooting the reloads is a HK USP .40


Thanks and all the best!
Jeff
 
At 7000 grains per pound, 1lb would yeild approx 1400 rounds.

7000/4.7=1489
7000/5=1400
 
Cheers!

I ordered my powder through a Co-op, the fella didn't load handgun rounds and figured I might need 4 lbs for 1000 .40S&W. LOL had me scared.

Well since I ordered 4lbs I should be good for 5000 or so rounds.

Thanks for the info.

Jeff
 
Well I am very excited and become more so with each new thing I learn about reloading. What other recommended reading is out there for reloading? All I have been through so far is the Lyman manual, and various forums reading other things people have posted questions and answers for.

Jeff
 
If memory serves me right, the HK USP has a poly barrel:confused: . You may want to reconsider the use of lead thru a poly barrel. It is generally reccomended that lead not be used as it fouls at a very high rate and you may experience keyholing or tumbling.:( Others may have a better opinion with regard to use of lead in the USP. I use Glocks also with poly barrels and altho not reccommended, I have had no problem using lead, but I also slide some jacketed thru every 100rds or so..It also has a lot to do with the composition of the bullet(hard cast vs pure lead)
Again, u may want to look into that further if it is a polygonal barrel.
Good luck
dB:)
 
Thanks for the tip dB. I have looked into that, my last gun was a Glock 22. I only used FMJ in it, but that was before I decided to start reloading. These bullets are Hard Cast that I am getting. I know a few people with thier glocks that shoot nothing but hard cast lead through thier poly barrels with seemingly no ill effect. I will just check throughout the day for excessive fouling, and then just run a brush through it if need.

However, if I decide that lead is not the way, where is the best source for cost effective, performance effective FMJ bullets?

Cheers!
Jeff
 
+1 for acrashb's comments. I use the Canadian BDX Montana Gold. His West Coast bullets are excellent but again not reccommended for poly barrels as they are a plated bullet. I have used them with no ill effect but that is what is said by the manufacturer. If u are using hard cast I think you will be fine, but either clean more frequently(a brush may be a labor intensive and time consuming operation) or run some jacketed thru every 100 or so. As few as 5 jktd will clear it right up. Keep in mind if u do experience keyholing or tumbling, the problem is most likely a result of the poly/lead.
Good luck
dB:)
 
Oh, come on. Reloading's fun. Relaxing, take your mind off the rest of the day. Turn on the radio, and give 'er.

For high-volume handgun reloading, you might want a progressive press, I know I would.
 
Just prior to returning from our visit in Edmonton, Sherwood Park actually, one of the 'things' I picked up on my shopping trip to P&d, was a new RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. :) I agree prosper, I enjoy reloading, one step at a time and someday may add a piggyback-4 setup, but not at the moment. Reloading is a activity I put aside for rainy days, and I live on Vancouver Island so what does that tell you?:rolleyes:
Picked up a Lyman Universal case Trimmer on the previous trip, part of my gradual equipment update/upgrade. Next item I'm thinking of upgrading, powder scale. Any recommendations or suggestions anyone? Then, perhaps a powder measure.
 
"...recommended reading..." The ABC's of Reloading. Cartridge Conversions isn't bad either. It's about how to and what cartridge to use to make an obsolete cartridge out of an existing one. Most gun shops will have both. Amazon.ca if you can't find either locally.
Get a copy of Hatcher's Notebook too. Even though it's not a reloading book. Lots of good info.
 
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