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Conflicting Load data for .40 using Power Pistol

jsurvantjsurvant Member Posts: 85 ✭✭
edited July 2008 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
Hey guys,

I am a new loader. Loading .40 using HS-6 and Power Pistol. I am finding conflicting starting and max load data for Power Pistol. Bullet is Rainier FMJ 155gr.

Lee sources have referenced 6.4gr for starting and 6.9gr for max. However, Alliant is referencing 8.0gr for start and 9.0gr for max. Seems like a pretty big difference or is that due to my inexperience?

Any suggestion on loads using Power Pistol? Or heck, any good HS-6 loads would be good too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Jay
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Comments

  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Alliant's top load for a 150 gr JHP on their www site is 8.2 gr Power Pistol. Where do you see 8.0 start and 9.0 maximum?
    I do not have the latest Lee book with Power Pistol loads. They usually quote the powder maker.

    The .40 does not have as much safety margin as other calibers. If you see conflicting data, use the lighter loads. Work up to get function of the gun or power factor if for IPSC.
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  • jsurvantjsurvant Member Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I found the max load on Alliant's Reloader catelog. It states max load for 155 gr Speer GDHP (Power Pistol) is 9.0 gr. To get to the starting load I simply reduced charge by 10% (approx 8.0 gr).

    I will be using a Rainier FMJ 155 gr, which should not be that different you would think. Thanks.

    Jay
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    HS-6 load data lists, 7.7-8.5grs.
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  • skyfishskyfish Member Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I loaded 6.1 grains of Power Pistol with a 180 grain Rainer bullet. I CAN'T believe your info is correct. Also remember you need to load 10% below max with Rainier bullets as the jacket is very soft, very similair to lead.

    My books show for: 40 S&W
    Hornady manual: 6.2gr Start - 8.6 Max (You need to back off 10% from this)for 155 grain HP-XTP
    Lyman: 7.0 start - 7.8 max for Jacketed silver tip 155 (again back off 10% for your bullet)
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  • jsurvantjsurvant Member Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Very helpful Skyfish. Thank you!
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  • jsurvantjsurvant Member Posts: 85 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wrote Tech Support at Alliance on this and here is the their response. Very helpful to me; I hope it is can be helpful to some of you too.

    quote:
    The plated bullets, such as those from Rainer or West Coast, are treated much like a lead bullet. When you find data that conflicts, it is probably best to go with the more conservative data first. Load just a few to be sure they will cycle the action of your pistol. I suggest you look at our data for the 155 gr Laser Cast bullet. The starting load will be about 6.3 grs and the max around 7 grs.

    Thanks for your note and let me know how your loads work out.

    Ben Amonette
    Consumer Service Manager
    Alliant Powder Company
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