Major/Minor Loads in .40 S&W

[Jeff Koke]

Has anyone worked up major/minor loads for .40 S&W? Recommended bullet weights and powders?

Background: I'm getting back into shooting after a long hiatus. I did a lot of reloading for NRA bullseye, but this is completely different.

AdvanceThanks,
Jeff

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

What powder are you planning on using?

Bullet type?

Weight?

[Joe Ford]

That's a very broad question, with very little specifics, probably millions of suitable loads and combinations. for most gaming loads I would recommend Tightgroup. It is clean enough, cheap enough, readily available, works well in auto rounds, accurate, low flash and light recoiling. I shoot mostley major and occasionally minor. What works well for me is 180gr and 155 gr moly coated cast lead from the same company same bullet shape. Depending on your guns and OAL, you'll end up with 4.0-4.5 grs of tight group to make major with a 180 gr, then with no changes to your press or powder measure simply switch to 155 gr bullets and you'll come in about 140pf. Generally this is enough to be reliable without switching your gun springs back and forth.

[Jeff Koke]

What powder are you planning on using?

Bullet type?

Weight?

Powder: Winchester Super Target (WST)
Bullet: FMJ
Weight: Not sure: 155, 165 or 180 grain

Am open to recommendations ;)

The reason I put FMJ is that I recall some issues/discussions with respect to shooting non-clad rounds through a Glock. Any talking/discussion points on that?

BTW, I'm currently shooting a stock Glock 23 & 27...until I talk to DR about some mods!

[Jeff Koke]

...I shoot mostley major and occasionally minor. What works well for me is 180gr and 155 gr moly coated cast lead from the same company same bullet shape. Depending on your guns and OAL, you'll end up with 4.0-4.5 grs of tight group to make major with a 180 gr, then with no changes to your press or powder measure simply switch to 155 gr bullets and you'll come in about 140pf. ...

Thanks for the suggestions, Joe. I failed to mention that I already have a lot of WST, so I'll be using that. I've shot 135, 155, 165 and 180 factory, but need to settle on a good bullet shape for TSA.

What's your take on shooting non-clad lead in a Glock? I only recall discussions from several years ago about only shooting jacketed rounds.

[Joe Ford]

WST is a good powder for 40 especially at sub 140 pf. It takes up more room in the case and SD's and resulting groups stay small. Tightgroup will tend to open up below 140. WST is dirtier than TG but shouldnt be a problem in a 100 round match. If I was loading only 40 minor I would probably be using WST. I have no first hand knowledge of Glocks and lead other than knowing aftermarket barrels with conventional rifling are available specifically for lead. Personally I wouldnt own a gun that wont shoot cast bullets just too big of a price difference. 155's and 180's seem to be the standard for 40, I would say 180's for major, 155's for minor.