40 S&W load needed

[Freedomofchoice]

All 40 S&W gurus out there. I need a load for a 165Gr. lead TC bullet using Unique, preferably.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[frankmako]

check the books for a load. i use titegroup and #5 for my 40 reloads. it has been years since i used unique. around 1983 was the last time that i use any.

[aus71383]

I'm quite surprised that you're wanting to load the .40 S&W with Unique.

If you go to Alliant Powder Company's website (www.AlliantPowder.com) they have all their reloading data posted.

They don't list any data specifically for a 165 LTC, but with a 180 grain cast lead bullet the max is 5.5 grains - so I'd start with 5.0 grains and work it up by .2 or so until you get the right velocity.

There should be lots of data that will give you an idea of the velocity you should be getting with safe pressures from other powder companies' websites using the same weight bullet. Using velocity is the safest way to keep pressures under control when extrapolating data.

Austin

[Freedomofchoice]

aus71383 Why are you surprised I would use Unique on a target load for 40 s&w? What would you recommend in its place?

[aus71383]

I like Unique for big cases like .44 Special (or downloaded .44 Mag) or for .45 LC. I've used it when demonstrating how to load before as well. It just doesn't meter well for me - the big flakes have to get cut a lot by my powder measure so it ends up being less accurate. I use Titegroup for .40 S&W because its cheap, meters well, and burns pretty clean. However, if you are using powder dippers or have a powder measure that meters well with flake powder, more power to you! Unique is a great powder - very versatile. I've heard of practice loads for .45-70 using Unique...it has a wide range of uses.

Austin