Pistol reloading .40

[GoatLD259]

Good Evening Hide.

Question today is, for reloading pistols, is a ladder test necessary? Normally I just loaded to the Power Factor I want ( For USPSA) and just went with it. I never checked for accuracy or did a ladder test.

Also, I reload using 180 grain Blue Bullets. Website says that the crimp should show a slight impression, almost none. Three pictures shown below is what I’m getting. If I crimp less, I run into rounds not case gauging very well.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I use the same approach as you are using for USPSA I think if you were competing in something like Bianchi Cup or Bullseye shooting then accuracy becomes more important.

That crimp looks a little lite. If you give it a little more crimp does that make a difference with the case gauge?

If you drop the cartridges into the chamber do they freely fall all the way? ( you can take the barrel out of the gun and use it like a case gauge)

 

[culater]

What pistol are you using

 

[GoatLD259]

What pistol are you using

MPA DS40

 

[culater]

I shoot a 40 but hate using 180 gr bullets. I prefer the 155. It won't beat you up to much. Be sure to bugle bust your brass because you'll run into a lot of brass fired out if a glock barrel. If you can upgrade your recoil spring to 22lbs it will shoot very smooth like a 9mm. I have one on my g23 and love it.

 

[Gustav7]

I have never ladder tested, but I will check accuracy just to make sure it’s not a weird combo of bullet and powder charge that sucks at 25yds. Generally if I’m around a 3” group at 25, from a rest, I’m happy.

I haven’t had my S2 shoot anything bad but that doesn’t mean you can’t fumble upon a combo that is bad enough to give you more Charlie’s at distance. Probably not a huge concern over grip and sight picture but still, an easy check. I already practice at 20-50yds anyways so might as well check loads for accuracy.

I would also just use your barrel as the case gauge, at least initially. No experience with .40 though, as I’m all 9.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I wouldn't mess with ladder testing pistol ammo. Are you going to trickle the powder charge and measure the brass weight as well?

 

[supercorndogs]

I usually just load a few to make sure they function and are safe, and don't shoot crazy bad. I had combo with 165g Berrys plates bullets and 700x that shot like 10-12" groups at 25y in my STI. It shot like 5" in Para Ordnance.

 

[Gustav7]

I usually just load a few to make sure they function and are safe, and don't shoot crazy bad. I had combo with 165g Berrys plates bullets and 700x that shot like 10-12" groups at 25y in my STI. It shot like 5" in Para Ordnance.

Exactly, that’s what I mean. 90% of everything I’ve loaded for pistols has shot fine but every once in a while you hit the bad spot and it could literally cost you match points or anything you might hunt with it.

I had a 38spl sub load shoot like 5-6” groups at 50yds out of my rifle. Bumped it another 0.5gr and it evened out.

 

[Hoser]

Load to needed power factor and check for accuracy.

If it meets your needs, load a ton.

Dont mess with a case gauge, just use your barrel.

If you can find someone close by with a rollsizer, for sure buy them some beer and have them take care of your brass.

 

[supercorndogs]

My Lee FL 40 die sized the bulge on the belly.