Starting to load 40 s&w, need powder recommendation

[natgas]

I'm going to start loading 40 tomorrow; been loading only 45 and 9mm but I'm going to purchase a new 40 (something) and just want to add the 40's to my inventory.

I use clay's exclusively for both the current calibers but would like some of the experts opinions on whether Clays is a good powder for the 40.

Thanks

[two shoes]

Straight "Clay's", "Clay's International" or "Clay's Universal"? Pretty big difference...

[JaeOne3345]

What gun?

[motosapiens]

clays is an awesome powder for 40 minor, and is very popular.

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable loading to major with clays (I use n320 for major), but many people do. If you load 9mm with clays, you probably have a higher comfort level than I do, so you might be fine.

[carter300]

Clays minor would be a good choice.

[powderMonkey]

2.88gr-2.94gr clays (straight, not gay) under a 180gr Ranier Plated loaded to 1.125" is suuuuper soft in my XDm 5.25. Quickload shows 790fps IIRC which would be 142pf. Mousephart is a little too strongly worded. More like a mouse poot.

[Merlin Orr]

Titegroup or Solo 1000 for major. Gotta know what you are shooting it out of to go any further with info.

[natgas]

Thanks everyone; I haven't chosen my 40 yet but probably an M&P; I only use straight clays now; this will be for practice only so I'll stick with it and the 180's with 2.88 to 2.94 gr

I appreciate the input

[powderMonkey]

Oh, forgot this semi-important point... This is such a reduced load (2.88-2.94 clays) that it requires a 14lb Wolff super light spring to cycle my XDm.

You'll have to develop your load a bit. Don't load more than 10 or 20 this light without firing to make sure they work for you! ; )

[powderMonkey]

One more semi-drunken follow up thought... No I don't have some $500 scale to get the hundredths of a grain - my weights are 10 drop averages.

[carbonman556]

One more semi-drunken follow up thought... No I don't have some $500 scale to get the hundredths of a grain - my weights are 10 drop averages.

I was wondering about those numbers...

[ohsevenflhx]

I always 10 drop weight my loads. I have several partial grain loads like 5.55. It takes a little more time,but I believe you get a much more accurate load.

[-Ace-]

For major I'm using 4.7gr Titegroup behind a 180gr HAP at 170pf and it's a pretty soft load, however it's the only powder I've loaded, so there may be softer?

[natgas]

I'm picking up a very nice M&P this morning along with a complete Dillon caliber change kit; looks like I'll be putting some loads together this weekend!

Thanks again

[Steve RA]

Try 4756, around 5 grains as a starting load and work up.

[Maksim]

4.9 grains of n320 for me.

I used Winchester Super Field too, and is a good powder to shoot, only very much temp sensitive. (inverse).

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[feederic]

.40 major and clays was a no no for me. I loaded out to 1.23 and still had overpressure.

.40 major and universal was OK.

I recommend and EGW U-Die for .40.

[FightFireJay]

I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations. Unique works well for me when shooting moly coated lead. Not to fast, not to slow, fairly fluffy, and decently clean at .40 S&W pressures.

[OUshooter]

After 6 different powders I ended up with an 8lb jug of Autocomp. Lots of people Spockbrow me when I tell them what powder I'm using. It's cheap super clean, great in my G35 with 180gr FMJs, and makes major PF at the low end of the scale not the top end.

[Jonathan Taliani]

Another vote for Titegroup or N320. I use N320 if I'm running Moly bullets (typically Bayou) but Titegroup is solid for CMJ/JHPs.

[natgas]

I appreciate all the input; I have prepared 15 test cartridges using 3.7gr of Clays, OAL of 1.125; I am starting with a 155gr plated bullet rather than the 180's (just for now). I will be testing these within the next couple of days and see how that works. I do believe I will try another powder just to have some variety.

[Smitty4313]

WST!!

Smitty

[FightFireJay]

While clays will work for .40 S&W, you are using a very fast powder in a cartridge that has a reputation for not being very forgiving. That said, I think you can safely use Clays if you are careful and don't expect full power loads (wont make major power factor at SAAMI pressure and OAL.)

[natgas]

Haven't had an opportunity to test my 15 rounds yet. I feel given the loading data, 2.6-3.7 gr of Clays will probably be reasonable and soft shooting; I am going to pick up some w231 or Bullseye tomorrow

[jetdriver71]

I know some shooters prefer Clays, some are pro shooters, for their major PF load. But be careful! Start low and work up if you do. It's easier to come by than VV powders as well. I personally use vvn320.