Reliable 40 S&W load data can be found directly from major powder manufacturers and bullet makers, including Hodgdon, Alliant, Vihtavuori, Speer, Lyman, and Hornady. Published load data normally includes the tested bullet weight, bullet profile, powder type, starting charge, maximum charge, expected muzzle velocity, and the measured pressure. The most common bullet weights represented in published .40 S&W data range from 135 grains to 200 grains, with 165 and 180 grain profiles being the most heavily documented. Different component combinations affect internal ballistics drastically due to the cartridge operating at a high pressure of 35,000 PSI, which is why load data varies between sources and why using exact published recipes is critical.
40 S&W Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity (Max) | Pressure (Max) | Test Barrel / Firearm | Source |
| Nosler JHP | 135 gr | Hodgdon Longshot | 8.5 gr | 9.5 gr | 1,335 fps | 32,500 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon |
| HDY XTP | 155 gr | Hodgdon Titegroup | 4.7 gr | 5.2 gr | 1,058 fps | 33,500 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon |
| Speer GDHP | 165 gr | Alliant Power Pistol | 6.5 gr | 7.2 gr | 1,050 fps | Not published | 4″ Barrel | Alliant Data |
| HDY XTP | 165 gr | Winchester 231 | 4.8 gr | 5.3 gr | 948 fps | 32,900 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon / Winchester |
| Speer TMJ | 180 gr | Vihtavuori N320 | 4.0 gr | 4.6 gr | 935 fps | Not published | 5.5″ (140mm) | Vihtavuori |
| HDY XTP | 180 gr | Hodgdon Titegroup | 4.2 gr | 4.7 gr | 946 fps | 32,400 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon |
| Cast LFP | 180 gr | Hodgdon Universal | 4.0 gr | 5.0 gr | 988 fps | 33,200 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon |
| Hornady XTP | 200 gr | Winchester AutoComp | 4.7 gr | 5.2 gr | 903 fps | 32,900 PSI | 4″ Vented | Hodgdon / Winchester |
Understanding The .40 S&W Load Data
Reloading manuals and powder manufacturer websites provide testing data derived under strict laboratory conditions to ensure safe operation.
- Starting load: The lowest recommended powder charge. This represents a safe baseline for generating sufficient pressure to consistently exit the barrel while minimizing wear on the handgun.
- Maximum published load: The absolute highest powder charge tested by the laboratory that remains within the SAAMI specification limit for .40 S&W, which is 35,000 PSI.
- Velocity: The expected speed of the bullet as measured by laboratory chronographs.
- Pressure: The internal chamber pressure generated by the powder charge.
- Test conditions: Laboratories use specifically sized test barrels, often 4 inch universal vented receivers designed to mimic typical duty handguns.
- Why sources vary: Different laboratories use different cases, primers, bullet lots, and barrel setups. What Speer publishes for a 165 grain bullet might look slightly different from Vihtavuori data, even if the general bullet profile is the same.
.40 S&W Bullet Weight Load Data
The .40 S&W was designed to bridge the gap between 9mm and .45 ACP. Reloaders can find published load data for several bullet weights to suit various applications.
- 135 grain to 140 grain: Typically used for high velocity self defense loads or lightweight target rounds. Powders like Longshot can push these lighter projectiles past 1,300 fps.
- 155 grain: A popular weight favored by law enforcement agencies in the 1990s for its balance of high velocity and strong terminal ballistics.
- 165 grain: Widely considered the sweet spot for the .40 S&W. Published data for 165 grain bullets is abundant, offering an excellent mix of manageable recoil and deep penetration.
- 180 grain: The original design weight for the cartridge. The 180 grain bullet boasts the most comprehensive published data across all manuals and is heavily favored for USPSA competition shooting.
- 200 grain: The heaviest practical weight supported by published .40 S&W reloading data. These heavy projectiles are typically loaded with slow burning pistol powders to keep pressures safe.
.40 S&W Powder Load Data
Different powder burn rates serve different roles in the .40 S&W. Fast burning powders are excellent for target loads, while medium to slow burn pistol powders are required to safely push heavy bullets to duty velocities.
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Speer GDHP | 165 gr | 6.5 gr | 7.2 gr | 1,050 fps | Alliant |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | HDY XTP | 180 gr | 4.2 gr | 4.7 gr | 847 – 946 fps | Hodgdon |
| Vihtavuori N320 | Speer TMJ | 180 gr | 4.0 gr | 4.6 gr | 863 – 935 fps | Vihtavuori |
| Hodgdon Longshot | Nosler JHP | 135 gr | 8.5 gr | 9.5 gr | 1,222 – 1,335 fps | Hodgdon |
Data published for a cast lead bullet cannot automatically be used for a jacketed bullet of the exact same weight due to differences in bearing surface and friction.
.40 S&W Bullet And Powder Combinations
The exact component combination strictly dictates safe pressures. The .40 S&W is highly sensitive to bullet seating depth. Because the cartridge operates at 35,000 PSI inside a small case capacity, seating a bullet even a few thousandths of an inch deeper than the published Cartridge Overall Length (C.O.L.) will cause a dangerous pressure spike.
Furthermore, bullet construction matters. A 180 grain solid copper bullet is longer than a 180 grain lead bullet. This increased length reduces internal case volume and dramatically increases pressure. Always adhere to the exact C.O.L., use the recommended small pistol primer, and apply the correct taper crimp specified in the published manual.
.40 S&W Velocity From Published Data
Published velocities give reloaders a baseline expectation, but actual real world velocities depend largely on the firearm.
- Manufacturer published velocity: Generated in test environments, often using 4 inch vented test barrels.
- Independent chronograph testing: Measured by consumers using actual handguns. A load rated for 1,050 fps in a test barrel may yield slightly higher or lower numbers depending on the exact bore diameter and gas seal of a specific pistol.
- Ballistic calculator estimates: Software predictions based on bullet weight, powder charge, and barrel length. These are estimates and should not be treated as measured laboratory data.
.40 S&W Load Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length heavily affects .40 S&W velocity, though pistol powders generally reach optimal burn within short distances.
- 3 inch to 3.5 inch barrels (Subcompacts): Shooters can expect velocity drops of 50 to 100 fps compared to published 4 inch test barrel data.
- 4 inch to 4.5 inch barrels (Standard Duty Handguns): These barrels yield velocities nearly identical to laboratory test figures.
- 5 inch barrels (Competition Handguns): Extended barrels provide slightly more time for powder combustion, often yielding an extra 30 to 60 fps over standard 4 inch barrels.
- 16 inch barrels (Pistol Caliber Carbines): Fired from a carbine, .40 S&W loads can gain an additional 150 to 250 fps because the closed breech and long barrel allow the gasses to fully accelerate the bullet.
.40 S&W Energy And Ballistics
The .40 S&W is renowned for delivering substantial energy. Muzzle energy for standard loads typically ranges from 400 to 500 foot pounds. For example, a 165 grain bullet traveling at 1,100 fps produces roughly 443 foot pounds of muzzle energy. A lightweight 135 grain bullet pushed to 1,300 fps generates roughly 506 foot pounds. The cartridge maintains a relatively flat trajectory inside 50 yards, making it highly effective for defensive applications and practical shooting competitions.
Standard .40 S&W vs +P Data
This section is vital for safe reloading practices. There is no official SAAMI specification for .40 S&W +P load data.
- Standard pressure .40 S&W load data: The cartridge is already rated for a high pressure of 35,000 PSI. All published .40 S&W load data operates within this limit.
- The +P myth: Unlike 9mm or .45 ACP, the .40 S&W cartridge does not have a designated +P category recognized by SAAMI. Any secondary source claiming to offer .40 S&W +P load data is publishing overpressure, unsafe, and unsupported recipes.
- Safety warning: Reloaders must never attempt to create +P data by exceeding published maximum charges. Doing so will severely risk destroying the firearm and injuring the shooter. Standard pressure load data must always be adhered to.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
When researching .40 S&W reload data, always prioritize official manufacturer data over forum posts or user submitted recipes. Manufacturers rely on piezoelectric transducers to physically measure chamber pressure. Independent testers and forum users generally only have access to chronographs. While a user chronograph can confirm velocity, it cannot detect pressure spikes. A load might clock in at a normal velocity while simultaneously generating 45,000 PSI due to an incorrect seating depth, which a standard chronograph will not warn you about.
.40 S&W Pressure And Safety
The .40 S&W requires strict attention to detail during the reloading process. Early handguns chambered in this caliber often featured unsupported chambers, leading to case bulging near the case web when firing high pressure loads.
Reloaders must ensure their brass is fully resized. Because the cartridge operates at 35,000 PSI, the margin for error is incredibly small. A common mistake is deep seating the bullet, which reduces internal volume and causes chamber pressures to skyrocket past safe limits. Reloaders must follow published starting and maximum loads exactly, verify powder drops to prevent double charges, and never substitute components unless explicitly instructed by the manual.
Best Sources For .40 S&W Load Data
The strongest and most authoritative sources for reloading data include:
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: Excellent for online, up to date, pressure tested data for Winchester, Hodgdon, and IMR powders.
- Vihtavuori Online Data: Highly transparent data, explicitly listing barrel lengths, twist rates, and exact bullet profiles for their premium powders.
- Hornady and Speer Manuals: The best sources if you are loading their specific proprietary bullets to ensure the seating depth and bearing surfaces are perfectly matched.
- Lyman Reloading Handbook: Renowned for providing extensive data specifically for cast lead bullets and offering a wide variety of powder choices.
Common .40 S&W Load Data Questions
Where can I find .40 S&W load data?
Authoritative data is found in published manuals from Lyman, Speer, and Hornady, or online at the Hodgdon, Alliant, and Vihtavuori data centers.
What powders are used in published .40 S&W data?
Fast to medium pistol powders are standard, including Titegroup, Power Pistol, Unique, Winchester 231, Longshot, and Vihtavuori N320.
What bullet weights have .40 S&W load data?
Published data exists primarily for 135, 140, 155, 165, 180, and 200 grain bullets.
What is the best source for .40 S&W reloading data?
The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and the physical manuals printed by Hornady, Speer, and Lyman are the best verified sources.
Why does .40 S&W load data vary between sources?
Laboratories use different test firearms, different primers, varying case volumes, and differing bullet bearing surfaces, resulting in slightly different pressure and velocity readouts.
What is the difference between .40 S&W and .40 S&W +P load data?
There is no officially recognized .40 S&W +P data. The standard cartridge already operates at a high 35,000 PSI limit, and attempting to load past this is strictly unsafe.
Does barrel length affect .40 S&W velocity?
Yes. A 3 inch subcompact barrel will yield lower velocities than a standard 4 inch or 5 inch duty barrel.
Can the same powder charge be used with a different bullet?
No. A cast lead bullet and a jacketed bullet of the exact same weight create different barrel frictions and require different load data.
What is the difference between starting and maximum published load data?
The starting load is a baseline for safe load development, while the maximum load is the highest charge tested that remains under the 35,000 PSI limit.
Does Hodgdon publish .40 S&W load data?
Yes, the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center provides comprehensive pressure tested data.
Does Hornady publish .40 S&W load data?
Yes, Hornady includes this cartridge in their reloading handbooks, covering their XTP and FMJ bullet lines.
Does Nosler publish .40 S&W load data?
Yes, Nosler provides load data for their proprietary handgun bullets in their reloading guide.
Does Lyman publish .40 S&W load data?
Yes, the Lyman manual is especially useful for finding data on both jacketed and cast lead projectiles.
Final Verdict
For accurate and safe .40 S&W load data, reloaders should pull recipes directly from authoritative sources such as the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, Vihtavuori, Alliant, Speer, and Lyman. It is imperative to match the exact bullet weight, bullet profile, powder type, and seating depth directly to the published manual because the cartridge’s high 35,000 PSI limit leaves very little room for error. Reloaders must explicitly avoid any undocumented “+P” loads and adhere strictly to standard pressure limits to ensure the safety of their firearms. By following verifiable, laboratory tested data, reloaders can safely maximize the accuracy and terminal performance of the .40 S&W cartridge.