Help Choosing a 40 S$W mold

[barnabus]

I have a FNS 40 on the way and hope to get it up and running soon. I realize typically that most folks shoot a 175-180 grain bullet in this cartridge but I was wondering your thoughts on the 145-155 grain projectile in the 40. I was thinking i was wanting a bullet weight that falls in the middle of my arsenal.I currently have a 9mm(115) -357 SIG (124)-45 ACP(180,200) Therefore i thought the 40 S&W 145/150 would work. This FNS 40 is just something to play with at the range,I didnt need it or really want it but I got a great deal on it so why not..right? LOL Do any of you shoot the lighter bullet and if so plz give me your thoughts on mold selection.thank you!

[warf73]

Not sure how much $$ you want to spend but Lee 2-Cavity Bullet Mold 401-145-SWC 40 S&W. Can always give NOE a try 402 150Gr. FN RG4 cavity HP or 162grs without HP. There is always Tom (accurate molds)he has molds from 135grs and UP.

That might get ya started

[warf73]

If I were to go custom it would be this from Tom.
159711
Get it in a nice 5 cavity mold.

[barnabus]

lyman has a 150 bevel base bullet.what kind of problems would i run into with this bullet? would a gas check be required?

[Ed_Shot]

I use the Lyman 401654 (mine drops at 155 gr) and 401043 (mine drops at 170 gr). Both molds cast .403. Both give outstanding performance ... my favorite is the 401043. I had the Lee 145 gr and 175 gr and got rid of both.

The bevel base on the 401654 is a non-issue and no, it does not take a gas check.

[popper]

I use a 165gr T/C from Accurate, just cast a bunch yesterday (4x is about all my shoulder will take anymore). I load it to 950 fps so I can shoot it single handed. I changed to coated boolits so if I got another I'd remove the L.G. and bevel base it (easier to seat) - might even try some BLL tl. Got a feral pig @ 25yds with it so not a wimpy load. 130 gr. BB T/C in the 9 gives about the same performance. Both are very accurate.

[Mk42gunner]

When I had a couple of different .40's back in the '90's, I shot a lot of commercial cast 155 and 175 SWC. Once I found the right seating depth for reliability, I liked the 155's better.

Robert

[plainsman456]

I got 2 molds from N.O.E,the 160 and the 180 round nose.

I seem to shoot the 160 more.

[tazman]

I have a Lee 6 cavity from a custom buy that is a smaller version of the 175 grain. It drops at 150 with my alloy. It worked extremely well in my 40 cal gun. I have sold my 40 cal guns and this mold is going to be sold in the near future.

[David2011]

The 155 grain Lyman 401654 TC mold is a ton of fun for light duty like plinking and steel plate matches and works well with reduced loads. The other molds in my collection are an RCBS 2-Cavity Bullet Mold 10mm-170-SWC 40 (excellent mold) and a 175 grain Lee 6 cavity that I hate every time I use it but it produces boolits faster than the 2 cavity molds. For me, the production of a 6 cavity Lee is about the same as a 4 cavity iron or steel mold. The .40 is almost as easy to cast IMO as the .45. I used the Lee for USPSA reloading but I don't have the opportunity to shoot as much USPSA as I once did so I just try to cast about 800 at a sitting so I don't have to use it too often.

David

[Sgtonory]

I have a Lee 6 cavity from a custom buy that is a smaller version of the 175 grain. It drops at 150 with my alloy. It worked extremely well in my 40 cal gun. I have sold my 40 cal guns and this mold is going to be sold in the near future.


Id be interested.

[tazman]

Id be interested.

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