180 vs 150 for 40SW

[bryonbush]

Would there be a noticeable difference between the two when shooting? Also, is there more of a chance of one leading than the others if everything is the same for sizing and lube?

[Oreo]

My experience is that the differences are minor, bordering on splitting hairs. All else being equal the 180gr will have deeper penetration, softer recoil, and maybe in theory less leading then the 150gr boolit of the same design. Splitting hairs though, IMO.

[sqlbullet]

I like heavier bullets in cast. For most of the reasons that Oreo mentions. But generally if the bullet fits you won't have issues. The trick with a short high pressure case like the 40 S&W and a long bullet like the 180 is making sure the case is expanded deep enough that seating doesn't change the bullet base diameter.

[popper]

Save 20% lead, 150 could be loaded for same POI with less powder and recoil. 180 & 165 are normal factory loads.

[David2011]

Noticable difference in shooting? Depends on how fast you drive them. In my experience if they are both driven to factory velocities the 150 grain has a slightly sharper, snappier recoil. Like Oreo said, not much difference.

If the 150s are loaded lightly (800-850 fps), they are very sweet to shoot. Comparisons are in my STI Edge, the gun in my avatar. I use the light boolits for steel plate where power factors are not an issue. The 180s are used for games where the power factor matters. In some guns a light load with a 150 may require a lighter recoil spring but it's worth the little bit of trouble!

David

[bryonbush]

i would be running it in my M&P full size and XD sub. i try to keep my loads under 1000 fps for leading issues. i dont shoot at steel plates or anything that needs power or weight behind it, just put holes in paper. i like the idea of saving lead where i can. im looking into the NOE mold thats 160 gr round nose with the hallow point pins. i didnt think that weight would have much of an affect on leading, but wanted to get others advice on the subject

[9.3X62AL]

I have fired very few bullets/boolits lighter than 175-180 grain weight in my 40 S&Ws. My issue/required carry ammo was and remains 180 grain W-W SXT JHPs, and I load a duplicator for these ballistics with the Lee 175 grain TC for affordable practice.

I don't do much hunting with the 40 S&W or the 45 ACP. To me, these are "people calibers"--and most of their range time is focused on defensive practice. The 45 ACP does get a little paper-punching now and then with 200 grainers through the Gold Cup, but that's about as far as purely recreational work goes with these two chamberings.

Saving lead makes sense, for darn sure.

[gray wolf]

Personally I believe the 180 to be a little heavy for the 40,
and 200 grain over the top.
Julie's carry load is 165 golden saber with long shot for about 1,150 FPS
The long shot gets the FPS and keeps the pressure down. Loading long also helps with pressure.
For the range and paper punching--we shoot 145 grain with light loads of tite group. everything works fine and we don't chase all over for the brass.
the cans and paper are as dead as can be, we never had one escape.

Just sayin.

[popper]

CB weight won't affect leading at all! Is that a 165/150HP mould? IMHO I don't understand the RN or HP. A TC feeds great, smacks hard, it's a 40 -who cares if it gets to be .45", it's a LOT easier to cast. It's not a 100 yrd gun. Calculate the drop for 800-1000 fps @ 10 yds. Any real difference?

[fcvan]

When I first started loading for 40 I bought the Lee 401-145 SWC and the Lee 401-175 TC. I like the way the 145 shoots and prints on targets. My brother didn't really care for the SWC boolit so I haven't cast more than a couple thousand of them.

My wife briefly owned a Taurus 740 Slim (I have the 709 Slim) and she shot a box of the lighter 145 SWC. I shot it with both the 145 and the 175. Recoil was sharp and snappy with either load. My wife shoots either boolit through her Glock 23 without much preference.

The 175 TC shoots so well I ended up buying a second mold so I can really crank them out. I generally cast a warm melt and rotate between two double cavity molds. If I'm not in a hurry I'll cast the 175 TC and whatever other boolit I'm loading for. Frank

[mxjunky78]

As stated above I prefer the 180 over the 150. The 150 seems to be too snappy where the 180 seems like a push.

[popper]

Just shot 150 165 TC HT 97/3/0 HT in XDm & PX4. XD was OK for 4.3 & 4.8 W231, px4 didn't like to hold lock open on empty mag on 4.3. Accuracy and recoil are really good, slight improvement over TC 180 gr 95/2.5/2.5. I like my new mould and new alloy appears better, saves tin. Did have a problem with the follower getting stuck in the px4 mag - I've got to fix that for HD. Anyone have experience with aftermarket mags for the Beretta?