Bullet for 40 S&W H&K USP

R

Roy Allain

New member
I'm going to start reloading for my son's 40 S&W H&K USP, but I haven't a clue about which bullet to use. I have never loaded this caliber before.

I'm thinking in terms of 165 gr. Sierra, but I don't know if this is best. For home use if needed. I heavier better? I am well versed in ballistics, so no problem there.

Also, lead SWC for targets at the range. Recoil is not a factor here, but less is more accurate. Especially I will shoot 300-500 rounds per day at the range.

Please give your reasons why you suggest a particular bullet.

Many thanks.

Roy Allain
 
I bought the same pistol for my daughter a few years ago, I have settled on a 180 gr RNFP plated bullet from RMR. fairly inexpensive and shoots well. I am not home so I can't tell you what load, sorry

David
 
Home defense? I liked Hornady 180 XTPs when I shot .40 (and 10mm). Sierras are too rich for my blood.
The Hornady HAP is a slightly cheaper version of the XTP meant for range practice, but is still probably too expensive for hundreds of rounds a day.

I found the plated bullets weren't match accurate, nothing under 4" @ 25 yds, in my USP .40. Only jacketed hollow points gave really good results.

Traditional wisdom is that lead bullets are a no-no in polygonal bores, but that decision is yours.

In my HK45C I shoot a lot of powder coated SWCs (SNS casting) with great results. Powder coated cost about the same as plain cast, so for me they're a no brainer. Powder coated bullets weren't available when I owned the USP .40, so I have no experience with them in .40.
 
My best pistol results come from xtp's and gold dots--usually in the 180-200 range. I fire 10mm--but I occasionally load them down to 40 S&W power.
 
We're getting into shooting steel challenge and go through 4-500 rounds of 40 a week.

Either Precision 170 or 185 coated lead bullets running 850fps with a fast powder to yield a nice light recoil.

Heavy bullets with a SMALL amount of fast powder to get smooth pushy recoil impulse. I've run 200 gr and even 220gr at 800 anf 750fps respectively. The 220s felt like marshmallows!

For home defense, gold dots or ranger in 165 or 180gr. I think top shelf ammo is the way to go when my life is on the line!
 
40 S&W bullets

Many thanks.

I'll probably go for the Missouri Bullets 170 gr. SWC. They shoot great in my 45's and .357 ruger Blackhawk.

What is a polygonal bore? It is mentioned in the users manual, but I have no idea. Is it the shape of the lands? Leading or trailing edges?

Roy
 
Generally speaking, polygonal rifling has an arced channel rather than the "traditional" 90 degree angled channel groove that is more popular. Theories (and arguments) abound on the virtues and vices of each. For example, my Glock 20 came with polygonal rifling and for shooting cast lead bullets I switched to a hex-channeled barrel. I built an AR using a Black Hole weaponry polygonal rifled barrel and it was stunningly accurate.
 
A 155 gr. XTP moving around 1250-1300 fps has awesome down range results.

In the 165 gr. I would load the Gold Dot to around 1200 fps.

In 180 gr. back to the XTP but only around 1000 fps, I'm not a fan of the heaver weight bullets in the .40
 
Out of a USP recoil shouldn't be as pronounced as some 40 cal pistols regardless of choice. It's big, heavy, has a wide grip/backstrap, which is good for extended sessions.

The projectiles I buy depend on what deals I find and if I want jacketed, copper plated, or lead. I usually find more 180 grain projectiles in lead rather than plated or jacketed. Lead projectiles typically have more variety of shape available. Typically the 180 grain will look like a blunt missile cone (truncated cone or flat point) while 165 or 155 grain will have a sharp shoulder (semi wad cutter) which punches neat visible holes. In copper plated or jacketed, I usually see 165 grain truncated cone. I buy for price when a good deal comes up, and then test to see if it's acceptably accurate. So far I haven't had any undersized bullets and accuracy has been equivocal between all weights at my distance (7-10 yards). I have found that powder choice makes a difference for one of my pistols though since it has a short barrel - just don't choose too slow of a powder.

If you have a polygonal rifle and are worried about fouling, avoid lead.. or just clean your guns.

I usually buy my carry rounds for greater shot-to-shot consistency and hopefully better powder metering than my Lee progressive spits out.

Note: this could have gone in the reloading sub-forum. If it gets moved... that's likely where it'll be
 
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