Your favorite powder for .40S&W?

[Iron Sighted]

Curious to know what powder everyone is using when loading for .40S&W. I just bought an M&P40 and have started loading for it while I wait for it to arrive. I bought a pound of bluedot because I like having fairly full cases when I load, but I wonder if there is a better powder that I could be using?

I want to find something that will give accurate, full power loads. I've got a bunch of Berrys 180gr plated FP and HP bullets, but I'd go to a lighter weight bullet if it results in better accuracy.

I understand I will have to answer most of my own questions through trial and error, but I've never loaded for handguns before, so a little guidance to get off on the right track would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[grizzly416]

i have used tite group with good sucsess but it also gives me lots of loads per pound i beleve im using a min load of 4.2 gr with 180s in my glock

 

[trebor2880]

Power Pistol 5.1 gr. with 180gr. Cam-Pro bullets in a Jericho 941.

 

[Got Juice?]

5.5gr wsf

 

[Craig67]

I was using 6.5gr of HS-6 in my Glock for near full power loads but 6gr was my plinking load.

 

[Hotwheels81]

Power pistol, works good in 9mm, .40, 10MM and alot of others... Too bad I'm fresh out and can't find any local to me... Any Alberta guys seen it on a shelf somewhere, i prefer the 4lb jug.

 

[easyrider604]

Titegroup. 4.7 grains under 175 grain TC cast from Lee 6-hole mold. Accurate and 100% reliable feeding in my Ruger P91.

 

[Neo]

4.6 grains of Tightgroup under a 180 jacketed bullet has been my major power load for years...

 

[jawsman]

+1 for titegroup.

I use 800X and Longshot in 10mm, so they may be good choices for .40 as well.

Power Pistol is used by a buddy of mine, and he loves it.

Hope this helps.

 

[aubie97]

I can't remember the weight, (without looking it up), but have been more than happy with longshot in .40 S&W

 

[agilent_one]

4.6 grains of Tightgroup under a 180 jacketed bullet .

Same,

 

[jporietis]

5 grains of Win 231 under a 180

 

[Ishodu]

I use various weights of w540 as I have around 10lbs of it. I have used 231, longshot and unique with good results as well.

 

[TPK]

When I bought my Glock 22, it came with dies and 8 lbs. of Universal powder. Been using that for some time now.

 

[grantmedic]

4.5 grains of Win 231 under a 180 grain TMJ

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I've been using 231 and accurate no. 2. Mediocre accuracy. I can keep them all in the circle at 20 yards, but that's about it. Using 180 gr cast bullets. This is about the same as Wolfe or Remington factory ammo in my M&P 40.

I'm going to experiment with some lighter charges.

 

[Colin]

I use 4.0gr titegroup behind 175gr cast SWC and 180gr plated TC

 

[just having some fun]

+1 for WSF for major

WST for lighter Practice Ammo as a pound of powder goes farther so Less Money

W231 is also good for light to major but has a higher pressure at the same velocity compared to WSF

Work up your loads with a bit of wiggle room if you are going to a match where your loads are going to be tested
I have seen people bumped to Minor over 10 fps (too low)

 

[Got Juice?]

+1 for WSF for major

WST for lighter Practice Ammo as a pound of powder goes farther so Less Money

W231 is also good for light to major but has a higher pressure at the same velocity compared to WSF

Work up your loads with a bit of wiggle room if you are going to a match where your loads are going to be tested
I have seen people bumped to Minor over 10 fps (too low)

Forgot to mention, I am using the WSF under Canadian BDX 180gr bullets.

What I really want to find is a load for my .40 using H322. I use it in my .204 and it smells really good and leaves zero residue.

 

[mudgunner49]

I use 6 gr Universal Clays under 180 gr hard cast or reduce to 5.6 for 180 gr jacketed.