Magnum primers for .40 S&W?

[Capn27]

I've no experience with this cartridge. A non-reloader friend is going to be using my press and "expertise" to learn the craft and using this shell.

With the dearth of small pistol primers and the glut (around here) of small pistol magnum primers, I'm wondering if they would be suitable to work up a load for his Glock (something else new to me).

Any advice?

 

[Skalkaho Slim]

I'd advise not. The 40 is operating at fairly high pressures already. I've used magnum primers with non-magnum powders in non-magnum calibers in my USPSA days, but you have to adjust your load. I no longer do so.

I would go to the Brian Enos forums and search for answers as well. You'll find out a whole lot of info on this particular topic.

New to reloading - 40 S&W - and in a Glock - I wouldn't. But that's just my opinion. Worth about as much as you paid for it. ;)

 

[Capn27]

I hear ya. He just told me he ordered a thousand small primers from Tennessee for $75 + $15 shipping. It's his money.

BTW, I bought him a set of dies from Dillon for $65. They came in yesterday and I am seriously impressed! They have come up with some impressive improvements since I last bought a new set. They are beautimous and I'm looking forward to trying them out.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Lead bullets not recommended for Glock polygonal barrels unless the barrel is cleaned often. Like after every 20 rounds or so. Any lead build-up can raise pressures rapidly. :shock:

 

[mattsbox99]

If its a factory barrel, avoid top end loads unless you're using new brass. By avoid, I mean stay the heck away from them. I use standard primers in my .40s and they are plenty sufficient to light off the small powder charges.

 

[Doug in Alaska]

I use nothing but small pistol magnum primers for my Glock 27 (.40 S&W). However, I also use an after market barrel and shoot cast bullets. You'll be fine.

 

[Capn27]

Lead bullets not recommended for Glock polygonal barrels unless the barrel is cleaned often. Like after every 20 rounds or so. Any lead build-up can raise pressures rapidly. :shock:

Thanks. We are aware of those problems and he wants to try plated cast boolits. We will use light loads and discretion, inspecting often for any Lead (or plating) deposits. We would use jacketed bullets, but there are none available here or online.

He has a Wolf 9mm barrel on order, delivery expected around the end of May. His factory ammo stock may last until then, so we may not have to resort to the plated bullets.

I'm just exploring all avenues - to demonstrate my "expertise". ;)

One of my standard barrel .45's (not Glock) Leads up after just a few magazines of cast unplated bullets. Another one, same gun, make, model, etc. eats them like candy. Go figure.

 

[DeletedMember275]

Glock tightened up their chamber dimensions for the .40 S&W in 2005-2006. This minimizes or totally eliminates the dreaded 'Glock bulge.' If his gun was made after that time, there's much less to worry about.

Re: primers for the .40S&W. I use small rifle primers, as do many, many others who load for the cartridge. Pressures are virtually identical with SPPs, and it's one less thing to worry about.

Use of cast bullets in a Glock factory barrel is a very divisive subject. Some report absolutely no problems over many thousands of rounds. Others report terrible leading after only a couple of magazines. Plated bullets loaded to mid-range velocities seem to alleviate these concerns.