reloading 40 caliber

halfcrazy · February 16th, 2008, 08:41 PM

i am new to reloading and i usually shoot federal 155 grain jhp's and would like to reload a targe round that will have similar characteristics to the federal ammo any suggestions?

Reborn · February 17th, 2008, 05:56 PM

Be really careful reloader the 40 caliber. I had a brand new model 27 Glock and blew it apart during the first 50 rounds with reloaded ammo. I did the reload myself and have been reloading for many years. I happened to attend a Shot Show right after that incident. I learned that every brass maker doesn't intend for you or I to reload. I was using Accuracte Arms powder at the time. The specs that were used in there book was remove because reloading the 40 is dangerous. Because the shell on a semi-auto is unsupported at the back the end of the casing will blow off causing the pressure to run backward thru the gun. Ouch

halfcrazy · February 17th, 2008, 06:04 PM

so are you saying don't reload 40 cal? i was under the impression if i stayed with the minimum loads out of a book like the 48th issue of lymans i would be fine? might really suck as i just came out of pocket for better then a grand getting set up to do this

. i am terribly confused now my gunshop and gunsmith both reload and swear by it. and helped me get into it?

srfl · February 17th, 2008, 06:19 PM

I don't think Reborn is suggesting you not reload...he is saying just be careful.

He used a Glock .40 which probably is the gun/ammo combo that suffers the most in the way of damage when reloads fail. One reason is due to the reported lack of adequate chamber support in most if not all Glocks.

Glocks' bores are not lead bullet-friendly either...no regular lands and grooves.

Not all brass is created alike either. Some can stand to be reloaded a number of times; others, not so. If you fire a round out of a Glock, be prepared to need to invest in dies that resize down to base of the case...like Lee dies. Some dies leave a minute area above the extraction groove "un-sized."

Take care in following major manufactures loading data; use their starting load by reducing by 10% of the powder charge and work your way up.

If you are shooting a Glock and want to use reloads, invest in a quality aftermarket barrel like one from Bar Sto, Jarvis, or Lone Wolf. I have a Bar Sto Match barrel in my Glock 20 10mm. I can now shoot lead reloads (that I make) to my heart's content.

halfcrazy · February 17th, 2008, 06:27 PM

thanks for the reasuring reply lymans has a starting amount and a max amount of powder so i should start with there starting load. and i am shooting smith and wesson m&p's but i have a heavy ruger p94 that i usually try things in first just seems smarter where it is a heavy gun.
where else can one look for load data for example i have a box of berrys bullets double struck plated flat point 180 grain bullets and havent seen any data in lymans that correlates to this bullet?

Super Trucker · February 17th, 2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Because the shell on a semi-auto is unsupported at the back the end of the casing will blow off causing the pressure to run backward thru the gun.

Not all semi autos are unsupported though.

halfcrazy · February 17th, 2008, 06:48 PM

well i am glad i learned this about glocks as i have a buddy that was going to reload for his glock but i will pass this on and let him know he needs a barrell or a new gun "we all like an excuse for a new gun right?"

cdwolf · February 17th, 2008, 08:39 PM

Who needs an excuse to replace a glock

jk I was wondering about getting into reloading myself, mainly .40. Now slightly concerned

rocky · February 17th, 2008, 08:50 PM

I reload .40 for Glock and HK pistols. As long as you are careful and inspect the brass I think you should be safe. Unfortunately it is easy to double charge a case if not careful. Be sure you are never double charging the load and watch your specs for COL. Also pay attention to what casings you are using. Some cases have a thicker web near the base than others. Keep track of how many times you have reloaded the cases and inspect them closely.
Typically I load 10% less than what the load table specifies , just making sure the gun will reliably cycle.
Changing the barrel on the Glock is only if you are loading using lead bullets without a jacket. This is because the Glock barrel bore is Polygonal rifled(same as HK pistols). Lead build up can cause too much pressure.

srfl · February 17th, 2008, 08:57 PM

You shouldn't be.....just be careful, careful look at your brass and chuck any that are cracked, tarnished, or look beat up.

Carefully calibrate your scale and confirm the measurement of your powder loads with the scale.

Ensure powder is being dropped into your empty cartridge cases and that the amounts are consistent between cases.

Load the rounds to a consistent overall length...in other words, measure your loaded rounds.

And for Pete's sake....if you use someone else's load data, start the load development at your end a tad lighter...recommended is 10% less.

February 16th, 2008, 08:41 PM	#1
halfcrazy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 100	reloading 40 caliber i am new to reloading and i usually shoot federal 155 grain jhp's and would like to reload a targe round that will have similar characteristics to the federal ammo any suggestions?

February 17th, 2008, 05:56 PM	#2
Reborn Distinguished Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rowlett, Texas Posts: 1,273	be careful Be really careful reloader the 40 caliber. I had a brand new model 27 Glock and blew it apart during the first 50 rounds with reloaded ammo. I did the reload myself and have been reloading for many years. I happened to attend a Shot Show right after that incident. I learned that every brass maker doesn't intend for you or I to reload. I was using Accuracte Arms powder at the time. The specs that were used in there book was remove because reloading the 40 is dangerous. Because the shell on a semi-auto is unsupported at the back the end of the casing will blow off causing the pressure to run backward thru the gun. Ouch __________________ Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. Senior Instructor for Tactical and Defensive of Texas CHL INSTRUCTOR Retired LEO NRA member TCHA member

February 17th, 2008, 06:19 PM	#4
srfl Senior Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: FL Posts: 6,432	I don't think Reborn is suggesting you not reload...he is saying just be careful. He used a Glock .40 which probably is the gun/ammo combo that suffers the most in the way of damage when reloads fail. One reason is due to the reported lack of adequate chamber support in most if not all Glocks. Glocks' bores are not lead bullet-friendly either...no regular lands and grooves. Not all brass is created alike either. Some can stand to be reloaded a number of times; others, not so. If you fire a round out of a Glock, be prepared to need to invest in dies that resize down to base of the case...like Lee dies. Some dies leave a minute area above the extraction groove "un-sized." Take care in following major manufactures loading data; use their starting load by reducing by 10% of the powder charge and work your way up. If you are shooting a Glock and want to use reloads, invest in a quality aftermarket barrel like one from Bar Sto, Jarvis, or Lone Wolf. I have a Bar Sto Match barrel in my Glock 20 10mm. I can now shoot lead reloads (that I make) to my heart's content. __________________ USAF: Loving Our Obscene Amenities Since 1947

February 17th, 2008, 08:39 PM	#8
cdwolf Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MS Posts: 1,669	Who needs an excuse to replace a glock jk I was wondering about getting into reloading myself, mainly .40. Now slightly concerned __________________ GUN CONTROL= I WANT TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF THE GUN A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

February 17th, 2008, 08:50 PM	#9
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,768	I reload .40 for Glock and HK pistols. As long as you are careful and inspect the brass I think you should be safe. Unfortunately it is easy to double charge a case if not careful. Be sure you are never double charging the load and watch your specs for COL. Also pay attention to what casings you are using. Some cases have a thicker web near the base than others. Keep track of how many times you have reloaded the cases and inspect them closely. Typically I load 10% less than what the load table specifies , just making sure the gun will reliably cycle. Changing the barrel on the Glock is only if you are loading using lead bullets without a jacket. This is because the Glock barrel bore is Polygonal rifled(same as HK pistols). Lead build up can cause too much pressure. __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

February 17th, 2008, 06:04 PM	#3
halfcrazy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 100	so are you saying don't reload 40 cal? i was under the impression if i stayed with the minimum loads out of a book like the 48th issue of lymans i would be fine? might really suck as i just came out of pocket for better then a grand getting set up to do this . i am terribly confused now my gunshop and gunsmith both reload and swear by it. and helped me get into it?

February 17th, 2008, 06:27 PM	#5
halfcrazy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 100	thanks for the reasuring reply lymans has a starting amount and a max amount of powder so i should start with there starting load. and i am shooting smith and wesson m&p's but i have a heavy ruger p94 that i usually try things in first just seems smarter where it is a heavy gun. where else can one look for load data for example i have a box of berrys bullets double struck plated flat point 180 grain bullets and havent seen any data in lymans that correlates to this bullet?

February 17th, 2008, 06:48 PM	#7
halfcrazy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 100	well i am glad i learned this about glocks as i have a buddy that was going to reload for his glock but i will pass this on and let him know he needs a barrell or a new gun "we all like an excuse for a new gun right?"

February 17th, 2008, 08:57 PM	#10
srfl Senior Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: FL Posts: 6,432	You shouldn't be.....just be careful, careful look at your brass and chuck any that are cracked, tarnished, or look beat up. Carefully calibrate your scale and confirm the measurement of your powder loads with the scale. Ensure powder is being dropped into your empty cartridge cases and that the amounts are consistent between cases. Load the rounds to a consistent overall length...in other words, measure your loaded rounds. And for Pete's sake....if you use someone else's load data, start the load development at your end a tad lighter...recommended is 10% less. __________________ USAF: Loving Our Obscene Amenities Since 1947

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