Newbie question - .40S&W

[toxic]

Back in the early 90's I did some reloading for my .270 so I know very little. My reloading stuff has long since been sold but now I want to get set up to reload .40S&W to shoot IPSC.

My question is motivitated by a desire for a reduction in recoil. I shoot IPSC standard and still want to make the 170 major power factor. What is the power factor for 180 grain factory loads and what kind of recoil reduction could I expect from handloading to just make 170?

 

[willysman]

I use 6.5 Gr of HS-6 and get a power factor of about 160 with it. I am only shooting production however with my XD. But as for recoil I have very little muzzle jump with my XD with that load. I am going to try a few other powders though I think and probably lower my PF to around 145 or so.

 

[762nato]

Would need to know what you are shooting it out of and what length you can load to (throat).

 

[toxic]

The gun is an XD .40 with a 5 inch barrel. No idea on the throat.

 

[beltfed]

Try Titegroup.
You need 1060fps with 180s. You could try 200 grainers as well.

 

[nognog]

To get to 170 major pf, you need at least 945 pfs for 180 grains.
Load safely

 

[SandRoad]

I use Titegroup with 180gr plated, loaded long OAL. I know that some mags won't take a longer cartridge. 1911's are OK

Some people load with Clays, which is a very fast powder. With Clays you need to load long otherwise pressures are very high.

 

[nognog]

I just chronoed my load last weekend and they are around 950-990 pfs
Primers = WSP
OAL = 1.185"
Excel 180-182 grains FMJ
4.8 Grains Titegroup
STI Edge: 5.0" bbl = 950-995 fps
Tanfo LC: 4.25" bbl = 950-970 pfs

 

[beltfed]

To get to 170 major pf, you need at least 945 pfs for 180 grains.
Load safely

You're right of course, I don't know how I mathed that