Powder????

[Guest GLOCKGUY]

I'm about to get in to reloading .40 calibers. This will be the first time I've reloaded .40's, about 5 years ago I reloaded a few 9mm but got out of it. Now my 14 year old son is wanting to learn how to start reloading. What I'm needing to know first is what is a good powder to start out with? Back when I reloaded 9mm I used bullseye powder and everybody said I was crazy for using that brand as a beginner. I only loaded about 500 rounds and they worked out well. So should I go back to bullseye powder or try something else. I want something that will fill the case up so I will see if I did mess up and double load a case. I plan on taking my time but you never no.. I'm only reloading for range shooting. And will be loading some 180 gr and some 165 gr. Thanks for any info on this, I'm sure I will have many more questions later

[I_Like_Pie]

Bullseye will work just fine actually, but it isn't very versatile in the high pressure cartridges like .40 s&w. Only thing that means is that there really isn't much room to "work up" loads.

Most people who have tried a lot of different powders with .40 all can agree that HS-6 is one of the best.

[Grunt67]

Bullseye will work just fine actually, but it isn't very versatile in the high pressure cartridges like .40 s&w. Only thing that means is that there really isn't much room to "work up" loads.

Most people who have tried a lot of different powders with .40 all can agree that HS-6 is one of the best.

Agree. Haven't tried Bullseye, but HS6 works great for me. I have loaded 7.8 grs.

on up to 8.0 with no problems. 7.7 was a bit too light to cycle the slide. Start low

and work up as always. XDm full size.

Edit: 155gr. Hornady XTP for above load.

Edited January 28, 2011 by Grunt67

[Guest GLOCKGUY]

Thanks guys, I'll try HS-6..

[dlm37015]

i like tite group or power pistol most ammo mfg use power pistol in there loads

[Backon4]

titegroup as well. 4.5 grains with 180gr. Shoots very well and CLEAN!

[SpacemanSpiff]

titegroup as well. 4.5 grains with 180gr. Shoots very well and CLEAN!

What he said.

[DWARREN123]

I like Hodgdons Longshot for thr 40 S&W. Works well for different weight bullets.

[SonnyCrockett]

I used longshot and universal for most of my 40 reloads.......

[dlm37015]

the great thing about reloading almost everybody has there own load and there is so many powders to pick from

[McAllyn]

My usual input:

VV N320: 5.0g for 180 JHP in .40, 4.2g for 125 JHP in 9MM.

YMMV

Mac

[CatsEye]

Titegroup is a good powder for light to medium loads in .40 but it won't even come close to filling the case. Power Pistol works very well for medium to hot loads and fills the case nicely.