I admit I'm a total newbie at reloading and this is my first real attempt at developing new loads for my pistols. First attempt was with my Ruger BH Bisley in .45 Colt. Discovered that I need the cylinder worked over to be uniform and just haven't gotten around to sending the cylinder off to DougGuy to have the work done yet, so I have put that project on hold for now; no sense in developing loads when it will be completely different when I get it back...
Now for my .40 loads...
I'm amazed at just how various loads will shoot differently in different pistols. I am working on loads for my two carry pistols; a Springfield Armory XDS subcompact and a S&W M&P Compact.
The M&P is my preferred carry gun when hiking and in the woods. Normal capacity is 10rds but I have an X-Grip which allows me to use the full-size M&P magazines with 15rds.
The good news is that all loads cycled reliably in both pistols and recoil was not punishing in either one; even the hotter 180gr loads in the XDS were not bad at all.
The purpose of the 180gr cast bullet loads are for woods carry. Which worked out nicely because my M&P really, really liked them. The XDS not so much. I did some 25yd bench rest shooting and noticed the accuracy results mirrored the 7yd off-hand shooting patterns.
First up are the results with the 180gr cast bullets using an RCBS mold. Used 4.7grs of Titegroup. The M&P really liked these giving a 1.25" 5-shot group:
Attachment 192395
Then the XDS, which gave a 3" group. Worst of all my groups:
Attachment 192396
Then I tried the Hornady XTP HP with 5.1gr of Titegroup. XDS loved it and I suspect the flyer was operator induced since other groups that I didn't record were tighter...
Attachment 192397
Same load in the M&P:
Attachment 192398
Last load was the Hornady XTPs with 5.5gr of Titegroup. Hotter load and acceptable for self-defense at around 1150fps. Hogdon lists max load of 5.7gr. Only did the XDS with this load since I had shot the rest up earlier seeing how controllable it was at double-taps.
XDS at 1.75":
Attachment 192399
I really like the XTP bullets and so does my XDS, which is my everyday carry pistol. I also like the Titegroup powder but also have Unique. Haven't seen any loads using Unique except for the 180gr bullets, and since the M&P really likes 4.7gr of Titegroup, and that is close to max load and 980fps, I don't see any need to try it out.
The bad thing about the XTPs is that they are relatively expensive at about $22 per 100 locally. I cast my own bullets so I'd like to find a good plinking load using 155gr or 165gr cast bullets.
Just looking for input as to if I'm on the right track and thinking clearly or if I may have overlooked anything.