My first Time

[Guest m&pc9]

I found a hand loader yesterday and I tried reloading some .40sw. It went pretty good the book said to start at 5.8 grains and not to exceed 6.4 gr.

I loaded some at 5.8gr and some at 6.0 gr. I am nervous because Im just starting but, Should I load some at 6.2gr and 6.4gr?

Heres a good one.

Heres a couple of mistakes. I think I put to much pressure on them.

I think reloading is going to be addictive.

[Johnny_Utah]

Everyone says you need to work up to the "right" load. I have to agree!

I'm waiting for a crono to see what I'm getting out of my first loads. This will help me understand where to settle on the "perfect" load.

As for the mistakes, I've always learned from them.

Have fun, and watch the clock!

[glockster157]

The best advise I can give in this day is to get a chronograph, if I had one thirty years ago I would, and could, have avoided some mistakes and made better loads much quicker. I say that because being younger, I was always pushing for more velocity. Never made any major mistakes but I am sure I pushed the limits beyond safe many times. One other thing about having a chronograph, I do not care what the loading manuals say, you pretty much have to use velocity and pressure signs to build decent loads. The new books are giving the same velocities with 1-2 grains less powder and when I chrono them the velocity is way off. So are the pressure signs. Somebody is lying and playing it too safe.

The next point is related. Study and learn to read pressure signs. Like those loads I just mentioned. Velocity was off by a 150fps and the mouth of the cases were badly blackened, indicating the case did not have enough pressure to seal.

Last note, I have used a Oehler 33, Chrony Beta Master and now a Competition Electronics ProChrono and the $100 ProChrono is the absolute simplest, best I have used. Simple and fast with virtually no setup. I highly recommend it.

Edited September 3, 2009 by glockster157

[ted]

diff powders differ oal needs to be cheeked get you a digital caliper etc before its to late

[TNTitan]

what powder are you using? I would consult the powder mfr website or email the chief ballistician for the exact specs you need.

[Guest m&pc9]

what powder are you using? I would consult the powder mfr website or email the chief ballistician for the exact specs you need.

I am using Unique powder, and modern reloading book.

[TNTitan]

what grain bullet are you using?

check this out: Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

[DWARREN123]

When I change any component I back down to at least mid level. I do 40 S&W only and use Longshot powder. I make sure the rounds look pretty good and are not over OAL specs, mostly shorter to fit the barrel and magazine of firearms I am loading for.

I work up in increments of .2gr for Longshot, it depends on the powder.

Then crimp should be tight enough to keep you from pushing the bullet into the case with finger pressure but not so tight as to distort the case.

Some will have a slight ridge where the bottom of the bullet stops inside the case, this seems to depend on case brand used.

I like Remington or Winchester brass, they work well for me.

Go by the powder company data since they know the powder best.

I do 10 rounds at each change I do to see how it does without having too many on hand if not good.

The good looks good but I would not go to max until you have more exprience with the components and powder you are using.

The most important thing I can think of is to inspect at each step to make sure everything especially the powder charge is correct.

Be safe and have fun.

Yep, reloading can be fun and for me relaxing.

[Guest Cajun_Chuck]

I think reloading is going to be addictive.

HAHA! Understatement of the year! You will be picking up brass every chance you get!!

[Guest m&pc9]

what grain bullet are you using?

check this out: Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

180 gr FMJ

[TNTitan]

Handloads says:

Bullett............. Powder Weight... Powder .....Velocity... OAL .....Primer ......Source

40 S&W 180gr ...........5.3 gr...... ....Unique .......904 fps ....1.125".... CCI SP .....ednred

Average velocity was 904 for 10 rounds. Extreme spread was 28. Gun was a Colt Z40 with a 4.4" barrel. Bullet was a Berry’s plated 180 grain RS.

Email author:

ednred

See all of ednred's loads

Edited September 7, 2009 by TNTitan

[Guest m&pc9]

The powder was 5.8gr I shot 25 on friday and they were very good. They were very accurate. And then I loaded up 50 and shot them saturday. They were very accurate also. I would like to know the velocity shot out of a 3.5 in barrel.