.40 Cal Shot Loads

[mrblue]

Im just wondering if there are any options to reload shot loads in bb for the 40 cal or 45 acp. Also would it be possible to make a buckshot type load? Thanks

[Mk42gunner]

Shotloads can be made for autoloaders, and some even work the action.

This subject has been done before, try searching for "shotloads for autos" or some variation of that. Also Ed Harris wrote an article or two about making .45 shotloads that appeared in one of the Gun Digests or Handloaders' Digest back in the 1990's.

For the .45 ACP, if you are going to buy brass, the .45 Win Mag is the one to get. If you cut down any of the .308 family of cartridges you end up within a few thousandths of the Win Mag. With a big enough selection of reloading dies, it is possible to do the initial loading without buying the special RCBS (high dollar) set.

For the .40, I am guessing you will need 10mm Magnum brass, I don't think regular 10mm brass will be long enough.

Don't think about buckshot or even coarse birdshot, think 7½ or smaller.

Good Luck,

Robert