Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Loading for 40 S&W

I just recently purchased a S&W M&P 2.0 Compact 4” in 40 S&W. I haven’t loaded for a handgun in many years and then it was .38/.357. I plan to start handloading for my new pistol and I’m thinking 180 grain plated RN for plinking/practice and 180 grain HP for concealed carry. What powder/bullet combinations will work best?
Thanks
Paul

I just bought the same pistol - the sale was too much for me to resist
I'm partial to slower powders and nothing heavier than 180gr. My favorite powder is Longshot, mainly because of availability. Brass is Starline. Missouri Bullet Company fodder, 155gr and now 170gr coated. I always start with Hodgdon's load data, run them over my Crony and go from there.
I like Speer Gold Dot for SD bullets now, 155gr, because they make prettier mushrooms. I was a Hornady XTP fan for years, so I like pushing a 155gr @1200fps. But I don't think that is necessary with the Gold Dot and I may go to 180gr @1000fps for a change with the M&P.
I like Winchester primers best when loading on my Dillon as CCI gives me a bit more trouble priming sometimes.

My powder of choice was Accurate's True Blue until I used up the 6 pounds I had on hand. Then it was Auto Comp for the next 3 pounds and then Power Pistol for two pounds. There were a couple one pound canisters of other powders used here and there too. My next batch will probably be 231/HP-38 as I have something like 10 pounds of that on hand. Needless to say, I don't have a preferred powder and what I have used has worked well enough for me.

I use a lot of Berry's Bullets as I found a bunch for cheap. There was a large mix of bullet weights and types and I am now on the 180 gr bullets after loading up everything lighter. I shot a few thousand lead bullets too with mostly no problems. The XD did not like the bullet meant for the 40 S&W but never bobbled with the one designed for the 44/40. Go figure. My last batch was with Hornady's 180 gr HAP bullet.

I don't load my SD loads, I have Remington Golden Saber, Winchester Ranger, Hornady XTP, and Federal HST coming out of my ears. I choose to not purposely use handloads for self defense- not due to possible criminal or civil repercussions but for possible civil action against the manufacturer if the ammunition fails. It isn't likely but Murphy is my wingman and if I am so unfortunate to get into a gunfight, odds are good that something significant and unexpected is going to also happen. I know how deep my pockets are and it is not enough for a lawyer to take my case on a contingency basis.

Brass is whatever I have on hand and pretty much can be said regarding primers. I don't push the envelope much so pressures tend to be reasonable. I've used more Wolf and especially Sellier & Bellot primers than everything else combined. The latter I was picking up $5/brick less than the major brands at normal pricing, up to $10 less on sale. I stock up when I can.

Btw, if you will drive those 180gr Gold Dolts hard, you'll get some pretty mushrooms. And we all know that pretty mushrooms are the goal

I don't see the need for plated bullets now that coated bullets are available.

It is pretty easy to load for. I have used a gamut of bullets with largely Bullseye powder as it was available in the great powder drought. Loading for USPSA I ran the 180’s at 950 for a very soft shooting round.

I don’t load the 40 very much. But when I do. I like power pistol. Tried several other powders but this seems to be the best. I’m loading for a USP 40.... Hasbeen

be careful when loading as to o.a.l. and bullet setback. setback can increase pressures a whole lot.
I am an old fahrt, and have some 155gr silvertips at 1200fps i am fond of.
for screwing around it kind of goes to 180grain bullets.
power pistol works pretty good for higher end loads.
i have used a lot of accurate mainly because of fine metering.

I load for a few of my .40's and have come up with a formula for most of my shooting needs.

I use any of the faster burning powders for low velocity bunny loads. For full on loads it's Power Pistol all the way.

Good luck and you'll have fun.