Rambling Questions Of A Newbie (.40, 180gn, Titegr

[Phantast]

I've been reading over these forums daily for the last month or so, finally got my XL 650 in, assembled and ready to make my first round. As I was getting ready to do it, I thought I'd just triple-check what I think I know.

I've got:

(500) Berry's Plated 40 S&W 180 GR FP

(500) West Coast plated 40 S&W 180 RNFP

(1000) CCI 500 small pistol primers

1lb of TiteGroup

A bunch 'o brass

From what I found in a bunch of searches, it seems like there are at least a few people around here using 3.5 grains of TiteGroup @ 1.135 for a good, light .40 round, but when I look at my speer manual, I see that they list 4.0 --> 4.7grains of TG @ 1.120 OAL.

After worrying about the large difference in suggested minimums, then reading what people at to say here: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2122 I've come to the conclusion that I should be able to safely load a 180gn anywhere from 3.5 --> 4.5 with an OAL of 1.135, and with an OAL of 1.120, I should be able to safely load 4.0 --> 4.5ish? Does this sound right?

I'm just looking to punch holes in paper right now, but since I live about an hour from the range, I'd like to make a bunch of configurations in small batches (different brands of bullets VS different amount of powder), and take them all at once (of course, starting with the lightest loads, and working my way up so long as everything looks ok). My idea behind this is just to see if I can notice any accuracy difference between the two brands of bullets I have, and also to "feel" the difference between various powder amounts.

If it changes your answers any, I’ll be shooting with a G27 and a G35

Does everything seem kosher, or have I missed something?

Thanks!

[Rising Sight]

I use the 180gr Berry's with TightGroup and Federal primers. 1.135 OAL with 4.4gr of TightGroup gives me a 170 power factor. I like this load alot,it shoots really clean and accurate.

[Flexmoney]

In your Glock...

I've come to the conclusion that I should be able to safely load a 180gn anywhere from 3.5 --> 4.5 with an OAL of 1.135,

Yes. You likely won't need to go up to 4.5g, however. I get to Major in my G35 with 4.1-4.2g

... and with an OAL of 1.120, I should be able to safely load 4.0 --> 4.5ish? Does this sound right?

Not really. Going shorter in OAL means more pressure (so, use less powder). You may be able to load up to the numbers you qouted, but there is no need to do so, really.