Reliable .40 S&W reloading data can be found in official manufacturer manuals and online databases published by industry leaders such as Hodgdon, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, Speer, and Alliant. Published data typically covers bullet weights from 135 grains up to 200 grains, detailing starting and maximum powder charges, muzzle velocities, chamber pressures up to SAAMI maximum limits around 35,000 PSI, cartridge overall length, and test barrel specifications. Because the .40 S&W operates at high working pressures within a compact case capacity, minor component variations in brass wall thickness, primer selection, seating depth, and firearm barrel length can significantly alter pressure and velocity outcomes.
.40 S&W Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady JHP | 135 gr | Hodgdon Titegroup | 5.3 gr | 5.9 gr | 1,050 to 1,150 fps | 4″ / Test Barrel | Hodgdon / Sierra |
| Hornady JHP | 155 gr | Hodgdon Universal | 5.8 gr | 6.5 gr | 1,000 to 1,100 fps | 4″ / Test Barrel | Hodgdon |
| Sierra JHP | 165 gr | Hodgdon CFE Pistol | 6.0 gr | 6.8 gr | 980 to 1,080 fps | 4″ / Test Barrel | Hodgdon |
| Nosler Sporting Handgun | 180 gr | Alliant Power Pistol | 4.8 gr | 5.8 gr | 850 to 933 fps | 4″ / S&W Test Barrel | Nosler / Alliant |
| Nosler Sporting Handgun | 200 gr | Alliant Longshot | 4.9 gr | 5.9 gr | 824 to 942 fps | 4″ / S&W Test Barrel | Nosler / Alliant |
Understanding The .40 S&W Reloading Data
Working up .40 S&W load data requires careful evaluation of technical parameters due to the high operating pressures inherent to the cartridge:
- Starting Load: The conservative minimum charge weight recommended by testing laboratories to ensure safe ignition and clean propellant combustion.
- Maximum Published Load: The absolute peak pressure threshold established by testing facilities. Exceeding this value can result in dangerous overpressure events.
- Velocity: Quantified in feet per second at the muzzle, indicating how efficiently a given powder charge accelerates a specific projectile weight.
- Pressure: Measured in PSI or CUP. SAAMI establishes a Maximum Average Pressure limit of 35,000 PSI for the .40 S&W cartridge.
- Compressed Loads: Marked in select data tables when powder fills the internal case volume completely enough to experience slight compaction upon bullet seating.
.40 S&W Bullet Weight Reloading Data
Published .40 S&W load data spans several distinct projectile weight classes tailored for duty, self defense, and target shooting:
- 135 Grain: Ultra light options using lightweight jacketed hollow points. These achieve maximum muzzle velocities frequently exceeding 1,100 to 1,150 fps, creating a flat trajectory for target use.
- 155 to 165 Grain: Mid weight projectiles offering a balanced combination of high velocity, manageable recoil, and deep terminal penetration.
- 180 Grain: The historic benchmark weight for law enforcement and defensive applications, balancing momentum and reliable expansion at standard service velocities.
- 200 Grain: Heavy sub sonic options that deliver deep tissue penetration and high momentum, though requiring careful attention to seating depth to manage internal case volume.
.40 S&W Powder Reloading Data
Selecting the correct .40 S&W powder involves matching fast to medium burn rate propellants that maximize efficiency inside a small handgun case:
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | Hornady JHP | 135 gr | 5.3 gr | 5.9 gr | 1,050 to 1,150 fps | Hodgdon / Sierra |
| Hodgdon Universal | Hornady JHP | 155 gr | 5.8 gr | 6.5 gr | 1,000 to 1,100 fps | Hodgdon |
| Hodgdon CFE Pistol | Sierra JHP | 165 gr | 6.0 gr | 6.8 gr | 980 to 1,080 fps | Hodgdon |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Nosler JHP | 180 gr | 4.8 gr | 5.8 gr | 850 to 933 fps | Nosler / Alliant |
| Alliant Longshot | Nosler JHP | 200 gr | 4.9 gr | 5.9 gr | 824 to 942 fps | Nosler / Alliant |
.40 S&W Bullet And Powder Combinations
Because the compact case capacity of the .40 S&W leaves very little room for error, exact component selection is critical:
- Cartridge Overall Length (COL): Standard specifications require an overall length limit typically set around 1.125 to 1.135 inches. Seating bullets deeper than specified drastically reduces internal volume and causes dangerous pressure spikes.
- Primer Selection: Most verified recipes call for standard small pistol primers such as CCI 500 or Winchester WSP. Substituting magnum primers can alter ignition brisance and raise operating pressures.
- Taper Crimp Application: A light to moderate taper crimp applied in a separate reloading step ensures proper chambering without deforming thin jacketed walls or excessive case mouth digging.
.40 S&W Velocity From Published Data
Manufacturer velocity figures are typically generated using test barrels measuring 4 inches in length to simulate standard compact and full size service handguns. For example, pushing a 180-grain bullet with maximum charges of Power Pistol achieves velocities near 933 fps. Real world results from handguns featuring polygon rifling or varying barrel lengths can introduce minor velocity variations. Handloaders should always distinguish controlled laboratory chronograph measures from unverified web estimates.
.40 S&W Reloading Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length directly influences final velocity outputs in pistol cartridges. While standard testing utilizes 4-inch barrels, sub-compact handguns with 3-inch barrels will experience noticeable velocity reductions. Shooters must account for these speed drops when evaluating performance for self defense applications.
.40 S&W Energy And Ballistics
When reviewing ballistic performance data for a standard 180-grain defensive load exiting the muzzle at roughly 930 fps:
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 345 to 365 ft-lbs, offering strong stopping power for defensive use.
- 25-Yard Metrics: Retains stable velocity and energy, maintaining flat trajectories across typical self defense engagement distances.
- 50-Yard Metrics: Velocity begins to drop predictably, requiring standard handgun holdovers for extended target practice.
.40 S&W Hunting And Self-Defense Applications
The .40 S&W data profile is optimized primarily for defensive and tactical roles:
- Concealed Carry and Home Defense: Jacketed hollow point bullets driven by medium burn rate powders offer reliable expansion and controlled penetration.
- Target and Competition Shooting: Lighter target loads utilizing clean burning propellants provide accurate, manageable shooting profiles for practice sessions.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
Official laboratory data uses piezoelectric pressure barrels to record exact chamber metrics under controlled conditions. Independent chronograph testing by private reloaders reflects real world performance from unique factory firearms, which may introduce variations due to bore dimensions or environmental changes. Official manufacturer data should always serve as the primary reference baseline.
.40 S&W Pressure And Safety
The .40 S&W operates at a high maximum average pressure ceiling of 35,000 PSI. Because of the limited case volume, safety precautions are mandatory:
- Never exceed published maximum loads or attempt to compress unverified powder charges.
- Monitor primers and case heads closely for signs of excessive pressure, such as flattening or cratering.
- Reduce charges by 10 percent when changing component lots, brass brands, or primer types.
Best Sources For .40 S&W Reloading Data
The top references for reliable data include:
- Hodgdon Online Reloading Center: Offers extensive, pressure tested recipes covering diverse powder lines.
- Nosler Reloading Manual: Provides comprehensive data specifically optimized for defensive handgun projectiles.
- Sierra Reloading Manual: Features detailed accuracy nodes and velocity tracking for pistol bullet lineups.
Common .40 S&W Reloading Data Questions
Where can I find .40 S&W reloading data?
Reliable data is available through official online portals and print manuals published by Hodgdon, Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra.
What powders are popular for .40 S&W?
Top performing propellants include Hodgdon Titegroup, CFE Pistol, Universal, Alliant Power Pistol, and Longshot.
What bullet weights are supported?
Published data accommodates weights ranging from 135 grains up to 200 grains.
Does barrel length affect velocity?
Yes. Shorter sub compact barrels reduce muzzle velocity compared to standard 4-inch test barrels.
Can I use standard small pistol primers?
Most published loads call specifically for standard small pistol primers, and component specifications should always be verified against official manual data.