BigBore56

Had the same problem with one of my Kimbers...traced it to Federal primers. Switched to CCI and Remingtons, and no problems. My Beretta 96 Vertec .40 really did not like the soft Federal primers...switched to Remington Small Rifle BR's with much better results.

Alliant built Power Pistol just for the 9mm and .40 S&W. At $52.50 for a 4# jug (Powder Valley), it's a bargain. Lots of load data on the web also. I shoot it with MG 124's in my STI Trojan 9 and 180 XTP's in my 40's. A little on the LOUD side, but thats why I wear good ear protection.

I just loaded 600 rounds of 9mm thru mine. I have it set up exactly like above. I also use RCBS dies with a separate RCBS crimp die. I don't use a lock out die or Hornady Powder Cop, as it is so easy to visually inspect my case before setting on a bullet. I use 6.0 gr Power Pistol, and it is about 3/8" below the case rim. I might consider a powder cop if I were using Clays or very small charges (where I could not see it as well). I know they make the L-N-L expander that goes on the powder measure, but it flexes the powder measure quite a bit when it has to also do expanding.

My Beretta 96 Vertec did eject the .40 brass with the primers protuding outward. They looked like they were flowing back into a hole in the breechface! Wierdest thing I ever saw from a load that I knew was safe. Sold the gun for an STI Trojan, and never looked back.

Alliants web site shows 7.2 grains of Power Pistol under a 180 JHP for a .40 S&W. I loaded 100 of these, and the primers look just like yours in the picture. This was a STOUT load...lots of flash and LOUD. They were even bulged more. I heard that a SR primer would work better in the .40 to stop this? I loaded 6.0 under a 124 MG JHP in my 9mm. and the primers looked normal. Alliant recommended a load of 6.4 for that bullet. I will try that load this weekend.

No, I decided not to go through with the conversion. And, just planning to buy a separate single stack in 40 cal. probably STI Trojan. I just keep my Kimber 9mm the way it was and use it for steel. thanks! I too wanted a Kimber in .40 S&W. My dealer said Kimber no longer built a .40, and could not find a left over model anywhere in the US. I already have an STI Trojan in 9mm, and love how it shoots. Ordered a new Trojan in .40;Dawson will ship within a week. These STI pisols are spoiling me...just sold my Kimber Team Match II .45 to buy more STI's!

I just bought a new STI Trojan. After putting 200 flawless rounds thru the gun...I sold my Kimbers. I just can't get over how well this gun shoots and handles...right out of the box. My next purchase will be an STI in .40.