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While doing some custom precision reloading for the .40 S&W today, I came across some reloading manual information that, to me, is somewhat confusing and somewhat contradictory.
For example (I'm using Accurate #7 powder, and a 180 grain jacketed hollow point bullet and another 'brand' name for jacketed hollow point is XTP):
The Speer Manual Number 113 edition (page 545) gives the following:
Case length: 1.120" (assuming that is the MINIMUM case length after loading).
Minimum load of powder: 8.7 grain
Maximum load of powder: 9.7 grain
On the OTHER hand, Lee (Modern Reloading Second Edition) (page 616) says:
Minimum overall length: 1.135"
Minimum load of powder: 7.7 grain
Maximum load of powder: 8.5 grain
I can live with a case overall length of .015" which is usually nominal in the scheme of things.
What gets me is that Speer's MINIMUM powder load is over the MAXIMUM of Lee's.
All reloaders are told and taught to consult reloading manuals for, no other reason, than safety.
My question in this case (and I'm sure there would be other examples as reloading goes on) is which one do you believe...which load is the safest assuming the firearm is a modern firearm?
See where I'm coming from?
For example (I'm using Accurate #7 powder, and a 180 grain jacketed hollow point bullet and another 'brand' name for jacketed hollow point is XTP):
The Speer Manual Number 113 edition (page 545) gives the following:
Case length: 1.120" (assuming that is the MINIMUM case length after loading).
Minimum load of powder: 8.7 grain
Maximum load of powder: 9.7 grain
On the OTHER hand, Lee (Modern Reloading Second Edition) (page 616) says:
Minimum overall length: 1.135"
Minimum load of powder: 7.7 grain
Maximum load of powder: 8.5 grain
I can live with a case overall length of .015" which is usually nominal in the scheme of things.
What gets me is that Speer's MINIMUM powder load is over the MAXIMUM of Lee's.
All reloaders are told and taught to consult reloading manuals for, no other reason, than safety.
My question in this case (and I'm sure there would be other examples as reloading goes on) is which one do you believe...which load is the safest assuming the firearm is a modern firearm?
See where I'm coming from?