Range Report!

[m00se]

I fired my first 10 reloads today. These are 40 S&W:
180 gr Berry's RNFP
5.9gr CFE Pistol (Hodgdon's starting load)
CCI 500 primer
~1.126 OAL
Mixed brass

No problems whatsoever. This is a mild load but it cycled the action of a SR40c reliably. I don't know how tight it grouped, but it was within "minute of soda bottle" at seven yards. And then 8 yards. And 10 yards...

Time to go load a few more at 6.1 or 6.2gr.

Thanks again to everyone who offered suggestions and wisdom.

 

[Jim Puke]

Good job...you will find that reloading adds to the pleasure that you derive from your guns.

Be safe and enjoy.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Good job...you will find that reloading adds to the pleasure that you derive from your guns.

Be safe and enjoy.

+1

 

[cadillo]

Glad to hear it. If you can load .40 S&W, you will be able to load anything. I've loaded a lot of it because it was my duty round for over eleven years, and I practiced with it a lot, but it is the most difficult of all the calibers that I load to obtain accuracy. It can be done, but it takes more, a lot more experimentation compared to .38 Special, 45 ACP, or .44 Special, which I find to be the easiest of all.

I like your choice of bullet weight. The forty is a good defense round that comes in some good platforms.

 

[skip]

Surprisingly easy and economical and fun....

 

[m00se]

Update...

I've now loaded CFE Pistol from minimum to maximum in .2gr increments. I have had no problems at any charge weight - everything cycled the action and there were no signs of excessive pressure. The max load was the most accurate, but that's anecdotal at best. I'm far from a pistol marksman

Load info:
40S&W
180gr Berry's RNFP
CCI #500 primer
CFE Pistol - 5.9 to 6.5 grains
1.125" OAL
mixed brass