DIY .40 S&W shotshells

[Member 34319]

Pretty freaking cool! I'll have to make this into a project to try out.

 

[g.i. joe]

How so they shoot?

They shot a pretty tight group, most of the shot staying on a 12" x 12" target of 1/4" ply at about 8-9 feet. Surprisingly the plastic wad penetrated half way through the plywwod, and very close to point of aim.

 

[CaesarGerdes]

Just about ready to make an attempt at these.
Did you use the shotgun powder for your powder?

 

[g.i. joe]

Just about ready to make an attempt at these.
Did you use the shotgun powder for your powder?

Yes, i used the shotgun powder. I have read online people using Unique, blue dot. There doesnt seem to be a huge amount of risk as its a low pressure situation. The key is creating enough pressure to cycle the slide by manipulating the weight of shot vs powder charge. More powder does not necessarily equal more pressure as you are reducing the available volume/weight of shot. I started at 5 grains and worked up to where it would cycle.

 

[CaesarGerdes]

Yes, i used the shotgun powder. I have read online people using Unique, blue dot. There doesnt seem to be a huge amount of risk as its a low pressure situation. The key is creating enough pressure to cycle the slide by manipulating the weight of shot vs powder charge. More powder does not necessarily equal more pressure as you are reducing the available volume/weight of shot. I started at 5 grains and worked up to where it would cycle.

THANKS!

 

[g.i. joe]

@CaesarGerdes, what part of Colorado you in? Im near Taos NM.

 

[CaesarGerdes]

Im actually in SE Louisiana right now. But I lived in Cortez for a little over 10 years. I know your area well!

 

[g.i. joe]

Im actually in SE Louisiana right now. But I lived in Cortez for a little over 10 years. I know your area well!

Ah yea, Louisiana. "Where you at, babe", "hows your mom 'n them?"
Lived in old Metarie (New Orleans) for a year and a half.

 

[CaesarGerdes]

Just across the lake in Hammond, LA.
I go to New Orleans all the time to the VA. Its a bit freaky though. Back in February they (the city folks) said they averaged 1.5 people shot per day for something like 2.5 months.

 

[g.i. joe]

Update on .40 SW shotshells effectiveness: the other night my wife went out on the deck to see what the dog was barking at. Turns out it was a raccoon hanging from the beam 8' off the ground. I shot it with a single shotshell, it fell to the ground and ran away. I found it the next morning stiff as a board about 20-30 yards away.
The slide had nicely cycled another shotshell round into the chamber. Success!

 

[CaesarGerdes]

HI Again!
So I am at the 2nd sizing step and have run into an issue. It says:
"Follow this with a .223 rem sizing die to create a shoulder for the case to headspace on..."
But the 10mm Mag case does not fit into the .223 sizing die that I have. Or am I just not understanding something?

 

[g.i. joe]

View attachment 472375 View attachment 472376
HI Again!
So I am at the 2nd sizing step and have run into an issue. It says:
"Follow this with a .223 rem sizing die to create a shoulder for the case to headspace on..."
But the 10mm Mag case does not fit into the .223 sizing die that I have. Or am I just not understanding something?

OK, sorry, I made a mistake when writing this, I used the Dillon .223 taper crimp die. I immagine a .223 bullet seat die will work just as well, the key is that the die should have a considerable "funnel" at the entry which will help start the case into the opening of the die. Remember to use a thick paste case lube, or mink oil boot conditioner.