W231 in a S&W 40?

[LMWIS]

I started with Blue Dot, and liked the results, but since I can't get any Blue Dot I looked through the manuals for a mix that uses W231.

The numbers are all over the map. Lee lists a max of 5.0grains, but that seems to be the minimums in other manuals. One actually reaches out to over 8grains.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Chuckbuster]

Yes, I use 231 in my SIG behind 175gr LSWCs. I use 5.4gr. The Lyman manual lists 5.8 as max for this bullet weight and 5.2 for 180. However, truth be told, I've used the same powder charge for cast bullets of both weights.

 

[AB.boy]

If it helps W231 and HP-38 Powder are apparently the same (since 2006ish). Don't know if its any easier to find data for HP-38, or if it just muddies the waters.

 

[L Frame]

I've used 4.9 grns of 231 180 grn plated out of a 96D slick side with great results.

 

[Ganderite]

231 is a good powder for 40. Better than Blue Dot unless you are going for max velocity.

I suggest starting at 4.0 and making a series of 10 round batches in 0.3gr increments to see what works best in your gun. You may be surprised to find that a particular load will group half the size of another.