Reloading 40 S&W: A Comprehensive Guide for Accuracy and Cost Savings

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The .40 S&W cartridge is a popular choice for law enforcement, self-defense, and competitive shooting. While factory ammunition is readily available, many shooters are turning to reloading 40 S&W rounds as a way to improve accuracy, tailor ammunition to their specific firearms, and significantly reduce costs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire reloading process, from gathering the necessary equipment to producing safe and reliable ammunition.

Why Reload 40 S&W?

There are several compelling reasons to consider reloading your own .40 S&W ammunition:

Cost Savings: Reloading can significantly reduce the cost per round, especially for high-volume shooters. The initial investment in equipment is offset by the savings on components compared to purchasing factory ammunition.
Accuracy: Reloading allows you to fine-tune your ammunition to your specific firearm, resulting in improved accuracy. You can experiment with different bullet weights, powder charges, and seating depths to find the optimal load for your gun.
Customization: You can tailor your ammunition to specific purposes, such as target shooting, self-defense, or hunting. This includes choosing specific bullet types and powder loads.
Availability: During ammunition shortages, reloading allows you to continue shooting even when factory ammunition is scarce. Component availability is often better than loaded ammunition availability.
Personal Satisfaction: Many reloaders find the process of creating their own ammunition to be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby.

Essential Reloading Equipment for 40 S&W

Before you can begin reloading 40 S&W, you’ll need to acquire some essential equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary tools:

Reloading Press: This is the central piece of equipment. Single-stage presses are good for beginners, while progressive presses are faster for high-volume reloading.
Dies: A set of 40 S&W reloading dies is essential. These dies resize the case, deprime the spent primer, expand the case mouth, seat the bullet, and crimp the finished round.
Shell Holder: A shell holder is needed to hold the 40 S&W case securely in the press.
Priming Tool: This tool is used to seat new primers into the primer pocket. Options include hand priming tools and priming systems integrated into the reloading press.
Powder Measure: A powder measure is used to dispense accurate powder charges. Options include manual powder measures and electronic powder dispensers.
Scale: A scale is crucial for verifying powder charges. Both beam scales and digital scales are suitable, but accuracy is paramount.
Calipers: Calipers are used to measure case length, bullet seating depth, and overall cartridge length.
Case Tumbler: A case tumbler is used to clean and polish brass cases. This helps to remove dirt and grime, making them easier to handle and inspect.
Case Lube: Case lube is essential for resizing cases, especially when using carbide dies. It helps to prevent the case from sticking in the die.
Loading Blocks: Loading blocks are used to hold cases upright during the reloading process.
Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are essential to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Reloading Manual: A reliable reloading manual is essential for providing safe and accurate load data.

Gathering Components for 40 S&W Reloading

In addition to the equipment, you’ll also need the following components:

Brass Cases: You can either purchase new brass cases or collect and reuse fired cases. Ensure that the cases are in good condition and free from damage.
Primers: Small pistol primers are used for 40 S&W. Choose a reputable brand and follow the reloading manual’s recommendations.
Powder: Select a powder that is suitable for 40 S&W. Reloading manuals provide load data for various powders.
Bullets: Choose bullets that are appropriate for your intended use. Options include jacketed hollow points (JHPs) for self-defense, full metal jackets (FMJs) for target shooting, and lead bullets for plinking.

The Reloading Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have all the necessary equipment and components, you can begin the reloading process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Case Preparation:
- Cleaning: Tumble the cases to remove dirt and grime.
- Inspection: Inspect each case for damage, such as cracks or bulges. Discard any damaged cases.
- Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the cases with case lube.
Resizing and Depriming:
- Use the resizing die to resize the case to the correct dimensions. This also removes the spent primer.
Priming:
- Seat a new primer into the primer pocket using a priming tool. Ensure that the primer is seated flush with the case head.
Powder Charging:
- Use a powder measure to dispense the correct powder charge into the case. Verify the charge weight with a scale. This is the most critical step for safety. Double-check your measurements.
Bullet Seating:
- Place a bullet on top of the case mouth and use the bullet seating die to seat the bullet to the correct depth. Refer to your reloading manual for the recommended seating depth.
Crimping:
- Use the crimping die to crimp the case mouth around the bullet. This helps to prevent bullet setback during feeding.
Inspection:
- Inspect each finished round for any defects, such as bulges, cracks, or improperly seated primers.
- Measure the overall cartridge length to ensure that it is within specifications.

Safety Precautions for Reloading 40 S&W

Reloading can be a safe and rewarding hobby, but it’s crucial to follow these safety precautions:

Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Never smoke or eat while reloading.
Keep your reloading area clean and organized.
Always double-check your powder charges.
Never exceed the maximum powder charge listed in your reloading manual.
Store powder and primers in a safe and secure location.
If you are unsure about any aspect of the reloading process, consult a qualified reloader or refer to your reloading manual.

Troubleshooting Common Reloading Problems

Even with careful attention to detail, you may encounter some common reloading problems. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Primer Seating Problems: If primers are difficult to seat, check the primer pocket for obstructions. You may need to ream or swage the primer pocket.
Bullet Seating Problems: If bullets are difficult to seat, check the case mouth for damage. You may need to expand the case mouth slightly.
Case Sticking in Die: If a case sticks in the resizing die, ensure that you are using sufficient case lube.
Inconsistent Powder Charges: If you are experiencing inconsistent powder charges, check your powder measure for proper adjustment.

Advanced Reloading Techniques for 40 S&W

Once you’ve mastered the basic reloading process, you can explore some advanced techniques to further improve your ammunition’s performance:

Case Annealing: Annealing softens the case neck, which can improve accuracy and extend case life.
Bullet Casting: Casting your own lead bullets can significantly reduce the cost of reloading.
Powder Coating: Powder coating lead bullets can reduce leading in the barrel and improve accuracy.
Experimenting with Different Load Data: Once you have a good understanding of the reloading process, you can experiment with different load data to find the optimal load for your firearm. However, always start with the starting load and work up gradually, carefully monitoring for signs of excessive pressure.

Finding Reloading Data for 40 S&W

Reliable reloading data is crucial for safe and accurate reloading. Here are some resources for finding load data:

Reloading Manuals: Reputable reloading manuals, such as those from Lyman, Hornady, and Sierra, provide comprehensive load data for various cartridges and powders.
Powder Manufacturer Websites: Powder manufacturers often publish load data on their websites.
Online Reloading Forums: Online reloading forums can be a valuable source of information, but be sure to verify the data with a reliable source before using it.

The Importance of Consistent Measurement in Reloading 40 S&W

Accuracy in reloading 40 S&W, or any caliber, is paramount. Consistent measurements are the cornerstone of safe and effective reloading practices. Variation in powder charge, bullet seating depth, and overall cartridge length can have significant impacts on pressure, velocity, and accuracy. Using a high-quality scale and calipers, and meticulously verifying each measurement, can help ensure consistent and safe ammunition.

Reloading 40 S&W for Different Applications

The versatility of the .40 S&W cartridge allows it to be used in various applications, from target shooting to self-defense. Reloading allows you to tailor your ammunition to each specific purpose. For target shooting, you might opt for a lighter bullet with a moderate powder charge to minimize recoil. For self-defense, a heavier, expanding bullet with a higher powder charge is often preferred to maximize stopping power. Understanding the nuances of each application and tailoring your 40 S&W reloads accordingly can significantly enhance your shooting experience.

Conclusion: Is Reloading 40 S&W Right for You?

Reloading 40 S&W can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to improve your shooting accuracy and tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. However, it’s essential to approach the process with caution and follow all safety precautions. If you’re willing to invest the time and effort to learn the proper techniques, reloading can be a valuable skill for any serious shooter. Whether you are looking to save money, improve accuracy, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own ammunition, reloading 40 S&W is a worthwhile endeavor for many gun enthusiasts. [See also: Beginner’s Guide to Reloading] [See also: .40 S&W vs 9mm: Which is Better?]