40 Minor 200 Grain Coated Bullets

[alien_pickles]

I'm trying to load some minor 40 ammo for an upcoming steel match. I'd rather just change the powder amount to avoid messing with my press, but I can't find a good recipe. The only powder I have is sport pistol, and, with the shortage, it's unlikely that I'll be using anything else.

 

I currently load 4.0 grains sport pistol at 1.175" with 200 grain coated bullets that chrono 175 out of a 5" 2011. I'd like to drop the charge enough to be noticeable but still make the gun run reliably. I only have occasional access to a chrono, and the match is in a few weeks (it won't have chrono... I'd just prefer not to shoot major), so building a ladder isn't really an option.

[himurax13]

What is the lightest load that you have used with that gun? I have run as low as 3.2 with my Tanfiglio's and they cycled reliably.

[alien_pickles]

I haven't ever loaded minor before. Do Tanfos run a shorter OAL?

[Silver_Surfer]

I did this for a while using my CZ TS & Beretta 96. I got keyholing on my targets. My guess was the heavy 200s would not stabilize at the slower speeds? I did not get keyholing when using both 180 & 165s

[thermobollocks]

The frequent strategy is to change bullets and keep the charge the same. When you start reducing velocity on those 200s there's a chance you'll run into stability problems. Maybe try to obtain some 135s or 155s of the same profile.