Which powder for 40 S&W

Hodgdon Longshot. It seems to give the highest velocities across the board of bullet weights, without over pressure. Max loads are easily overlapping into 10mm factory ammo territory. And of course you can load it mildly too. It's like this powder was invented specifically for the .40 S&W. And it's a fine grained powder, so it meters very well to boot.

View their load data here:
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol
 
I use Hodgdon TiteGroup....and its a good option on 180gr or 165gr bullets FMJ bullets in my view ... ( I shoot Montana Gold FMJ bullets ).
 
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The best powder will depend largely on the bullet weight and make you choose to use. There are man bullets, even by the same manufacturer, that are different enough in construction to warrant very different loads.
Always check with the bullet manufacturers data to get reliably tested loads. You will have to call Sierra for loads with their bullets if you want to use TiteGroup because their manual doesn't list it for any of their bullet weights for the 40 S&W.
 
I use quite a bit of Unique for my .40S&W loads-there are many variables when using this powder-I guess that's why they named it Unique
 
Longshot is a solid performer in the 40SW for sure. I have used pounds of it to good effect.

Lately though I am finding the Vihtavuori line of powders to be top performing in many calibers including the 40SW. Velocities will be a tad lower than Longshot maximum loads sometimes but vvN340 is a much cleaner burning and very accurate powder. I also find the recoil impulse to be less offensive with the Vihtavuori powders.

Either one will serve you well in the 40SW.
 
I have loaded tens of thousands of .40 s&w.

I have used 3 powders, and either 165 or 180 gr bullets.

If you are new, HS-6 is a great choice. It meters VERY well so that you don't have to fear an overcharge as much. Also, it doesn't seem to spike up pressure as quickly, it's more linear, and therefore more forgiving. It also burns clean nearer to maximum. It gives velocities above 1000 fps with 180 gr bullets in my MP 40 full size. It works OK with 165's, but seems to be most efficient with 180's.

Longshot is a good powder too for .40SW. But, it works best near maximum charge and so if you don't want the recoil, it isn't ideal....But it does give the best/safest higher velocities.

CFE Pistol is a decent lower charge powder giving 850-900 fps cleanly and light recoil.

But, honestly, for your first go round, buy 1 lb of HS-6 and cut your teeth on that..Then after you get comfortable and more knowledgeable, feel free to try something else.. ...That's my advice.
 
Welcome to TFL RileyMartin.

To answer your question: It depends on your . . .

. . . ammunition purpose, and bullet weight. And other ancillary factors.

Someone mentioned TiteGroup. TG will work well with plated or jacketed bullets, but it runs too hot for lead. It's also pretty fast, so I'd steer clear of heavier bullets (180gn or more) with such a spunky propellant - especially if you're a novice loader.

In general, the new loader should probably start with a propellant that's a touch slower - something in the "intermediate" category.

If you are new, HS-6 is a great choice. It meters VERY well so that you don't have to fear an overcharge as much. Also, it doesn't seem to spike up pressure as quickly, it's more linear, and therefore more forgiving. It also burns clean nearer to maximum.
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I agree. Completely. HS-6 is an excellent choice for the novice loader. It meters well. And it behaves more predictably - more linear, as Mississippi describes - than many other propellants. It tends to like heavier bullets, but as a new loader, it's better to start with lighter ones. Lighter bullets buy you more forgiveness. 165's are a good way to go with 40 S&W all-around. If you wanna go 180's, I recommend getting some 'xperience first. Cut your teeth with 165's and an intermediate propellant.

With more information - your load purpose (basic range ammo; high-recoil practice; self-defense; sport shooting; pure target; etc.), what bullets you are thinking about using, etc., we'd be able to give more specific answers.

Load safe.
 
I load 180gr coated bullets using either Vihtavuori N320 or Vectan Prima V. Both a single base, clean burning powders
 
I've not started loading for the .40 yet, but when I do I will probably start with AA 7.

I originally bought 7 for loading my 10mm, but later sold the 10 and have been using the powder for .41 Mag.
 
For my range/practice ammo I have used lbs of Power Pistol. I use that one regularly for 9mm, 40, and 10mm. I enjoy Longshot as well but it costs more so I use that some for my 10mm hunting and max loads.

Sent from my XT1094 using Tapatalk
 
I use a lot of Longshot in my 10mm and 38 Super and have no doubt as to others claims that it would be great for hotter 40 loads. I use HP38/231 in my 40 for 180gr@900fps target loads as I have the aforementioned 10mm for heavy hitters.
 
I have used bullseye and unique. bullseye is ok for target or plinking rounds. Unique is what I prefer. I load 165s and 180s
 
With 165 grain bullets I've tested Unique, Winchester Super Field WSF, AA#5, and Power Pistol. Favorite is WSF followed by either Unique or Power Pistol. I'd check your manuals to see what powder they list data for with the bullet you'll be loading. I sometimes choose a powder that has plenty of data for the bullets I intend to shoot plus is readily available locally. I usually avoid the fastest burn rate powder and the slowest.
 
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