.40 S&W loading preferences?

[WB5QBK]

I plan to start loading .40 S&W in the next week or so. Do you have any powder preferences for cast bullets? I plan to cast and load 175 grain bullets sized 0.401" unless I find a source that has another weight. At this time I am leaning toward Titegroup as I have a new cannister on the shelf.

I will fire this ammunition in a Glock 22 with BarSto barrel.

also: Dmiculek mentioned a lee U die. I have not seen this cataloged, but I have not been looking for one. Who has this die and what is the advantage of it over using the Lee factory crimp die in the final station of my Dillon 550B?

Thanks,
Chuck

 

[dmiculek]

I use Unique or VV N320 to make major in my limited gun. Never tried Titegroup in a major cal load. N320 gave the most consistent velocities. N320 is a great powder but $$. Unique was not nearly as consistent. These are with self cast 170 gr swc's. Ultimately you'll need to experiment with what works best in your gun (bbl)

The Lee "U" die is available from Evolution Gun Work's. It sizes the case down slightly smaller than a standard die and this removes the "Glock Bulge" from 40 cal. cases. I have never had a loaded round fail to chamber since I started to use the "U" die. I also use it .38 Super.

 

[kz45]

I've ben using E3 with a 175 swc in my limited gun, very clean burning powder
4.1 gr aol 1.160

 

[Dave328]

I use Titegroup in my .40 loads. Very nice accuracy. However I only load plated/jacketed bullets, (Hk's polygonal rifled barrel and lead bullets are a no-no), so I can't help you with any actual loads.

 

[WB5QBK]

Thanks for the help. I ordered the .40SW and .38SPL undersize dies last night. I want to stay away from Unique and Clays in this cartridge due to past history of inconsistent powder drops in the Dillon. The Dillon powder funnel and case feed parts arrived Saturday so now I need to start casting!

The cleanliness of E3 has me interested.

Thanks!