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.40S/W with Clays

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30 January 2025, 05:03
georgeld
.40S/W with Clays
i had big notions a few years ago that a 40 in a 7 1/2" Blackhawk would make one hell of a handgun.

Had a .357 combo not needed. Used the 9mm cylinder and bored it out. Replaced the barrel. Mighty fine looking gun, can't tell any difference comparing to a factory by just looking.

Full case of #9S 170gr SWC very light load. About the same with factory ammo.

Bought 3#'s of Clays and haven't gotten back to loading any to try.

Do any of you shoot Clays in the .40 Smith??

I would like some info and details if you do.

Thanks much,
George


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George L. Dwight
05 February 2025, 07:59
crbutler
I used to.

It was a darling load with the .40 to make major in USPSA limited division.

Unfortunately, its a very sensitive powder for that use. If you load to factory OAL it is probably over pressure if you are shooting for major PF loads.

Yes, less recoil than most.

If I recall correctly I was using 4.1 at an OAL of 1.200 using a Zero 180 JHP. This was in a SV Infinity 2011 race gun- full ramped barrel.

I quit using it after seeing a buddy blow out a case with it- twice.

Either stay under 4 grains with a 180 bullet and don't try to get in the 900+ FPS range with it, or better yet, sell that powder to some shotgun guy (Clays has been unobtainium for years) and get something a bit more suited to the cartridge.