200gr .40 S&W info???

[RyanTV]

I m wondering if anyone out there has any reloading info for 200gr .40S&W or any experience with it, Thanks

[Seismic Sam]

55 reads and not one reply generally means "no". The 200 grain 40 caliber bullet was the original 10mm bullet, and it went out the barrel at 1200 FPS. The spec for the 40 is a 180 grain bullet at 980 FPS, while a 10mm will drive the same bullet at 1300 FPS. To maintain the OAL 0f a 40 round, you are going to have to seat a 200 grain bullet deeper, which means less free space in the case (if any), and that's going to jack the pressure through the roof. 40's have a nasty tendency to blow up if the bullet is seated too deep or sets back upon feeding, so you are playing with fire. If you don't have a chrono, there's no way you can safely work up a load, period. If you do, you are going to have to substantially cut the powder weight with 200 grain bullets and then work back up slowly, looking out for pressure signs on the case and primer, and any sudden spike in velocity of the rounds.

[timwarner]

Tried 200gr xtp's. Slow, but made major.

Plan to aim well ahead of moving targets.
They felt ok, but 180gr is just easier.

If you're desperate, I believe in my USPSA load spreadsheet I built off everyone on the enos forums, I may be able to give you a list of loads.

[870TC]

21 loads available here.

http://www.reloadersnest.com/query_bw_h ... Weight=200

[crbutler]

In my opinion, heavy bullets in a .40 are kind of an advanced reloading project.

You need to use faster powders, there is lots of case space left after you charge them, and you are using small amounts of powder. They tend to be touchy as far as correct OAL to feed also. Most of what I did with them was long loaded for a SVI Limited gun where it did work OK.

I did have some issues with a 220 grain lead bullet causing the case taper to bulge out when reloading to factory OAL. I just ended up using the bullets in a 10mm. Worked great for bowling pins though.

for 200 grain bullets I was using Vhita Vouri N320. The recoil impulse was slow, and more a push. I didn't care for it. VV no longer lists that load in its manual.

Current loads are available on their website- meaning I don't want to try and make sure I don't screw it up in transcription.

[Seismic Sam]

I agree with crbutler - 200 grain bullets in a 40 are an advanced reloading project. Apart from suggestions for the best powder to use, you are on your own to work up a load that works SAFELY in your gun.

[RyanTV]

Thanks to everyone about the info received. The only reason I ask about 200gr .40's is because I noticed thats what USPSA champion Robert Vogel uses then out of his Glock 24 (http://www.vogeldynamics.com/gear/).

[rugersol]

200gr .40's ... USPSA champion Robert Vogel uses ... Glock 24

Obviously, this's why I ain't made Master, yet!

Anyone wanna buy a few thousand 165gr and a .40 1911?!

[noylj]

I consider the .40S&W to be a poor choice for new reloaders, along with the 9x19.
I also remember warnings from the reloading companies that no bullets over 180gn should be used in the .40S&W--it was designed for 155-165gn bullets.
The .40 is a very temperamental round that will KB over any reloading error. The 200gn bullets simply intrude too much into the small powder space and will make a KB that much easier. Action Pistol shooters love very heavy bullets and very fast powders. This is not a combination for a beginner and can explain a lot of the KBs I read about.
If you HAVE to load bullets heavier than 180gn in the .40 S&W, make sure you are not loading max loads and that the cases grip the bullets tight so there is no bullet set-back during feeding--and this does NOT mean a heavy taper crimp.

[Rodentman]

Maybe .38 spl is a better starting choice for a total NOOB reloader, using lead bullets with a clear crimping area, and Trail Boss powder. Or cannelured JHP's with min loads of Eunuch or Bullseye.

But I wouldn't say "any reloading error" would cause a KB. Quality brass, min charge, proper bullet and seating depth should yield reliable results. While the 9 and .40 may not be "forgiving" they were some of the earliest calibers I started with and havn't had any issues. Also depends on the gun, obviously.