Need Help with 40 S&W Precision Delta 180 gr. FMJ Load

[jim6918]

I hope I haven't committed a faux pas by posting the same information in two different posts, but here goes.  I have Googled this to death.

 

I was setting up first set of dies (40 S&W) in my brand new 550C and bought a package of PD 180 gr. FMJ bullets just to get the hang of decapping, sizing and seating depth and OAL and crimping.  I bought them without checking any load data first and am now having trouble finding a recipe.  I was hoping to be able to use Vit N320, but would settle for any decent soft recoil, clean burning powder, like W231 or HP-38.  Loading initially for plinking loads at this point; just punching holes.  No competition in my future.  LOL

 

PD website says to just use load data for any comparable bullet.  Viht load data doesn't list similar bullet.  Maybe I should just skip considering Vit until I do more research.

I hate to just put the PD 180's on the shelf to gather dust.

 

Any suggestions?  

 

 

 

[SCTaylor]

They are 180grain FMJ bullets... any other 180gr FMJ bullet should be about the same. Find the starting load and back of 10%, then start working up in .2gr incriments.

 

Or search here, quite a few guys run N320 & FMJ's in 40.

[Ssanders224]

N320 is one of the best possible choices under a 180gr FMJ. 

What length are you loading to?  If loading long, a good place to start is...

1.180" OAL

4.8gr N320

[jim6918]

33 minutes ago, Ssanders224 said:

N320 is one of the best possible choices under a 180gr FMJ. 

What length are you loading to?  If loading long, a good place to start is...

1.180" OAL

4.8gr N320

 

I have length currently setup to 1.125 OAL, but I am getting pretty good now at making fine tune changes.  Shooting in Gen 2 G22 and G23.  

Thanks

Edited August 27, 2018 by jim6918
additional date

[mstewart]

What power factor are you trying to load?  When I started using P Delta 180 gr. RNFP I was loading 3.5 gr. of N320 @ 1.145 OAL and getting a soft shooting load at a Power Factor of 134.1. The barrel of you Glock and your magazine .will determine what length you need to load at.  I load my 1911 to 1.165 and my STI to 1.180. I load 4.1 gr. to get 130 PF with the STI. That is with a P. Delta 180 gr, JHP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[noylj]

Here is some data.

Start at the start load for 180gn jacketed bullet and work up or down for PF.