Max load for a .40 cal.

[Jay Gardner]

What would be the max load for my .40 using FFF? Say I was hunting deer-sized game (and a .40 was legal) what load would you use?

 

[Packdog]

Doublegun,
I have not shot a deer using a .40 myself but know several who have. It is legal in TN to hunt deer with a .40.

They all used 65 grains and said the ball passed completly thru. I stress...all shots reported were perfect heart lung shots and in the 25 to 30 yard range. :results:
PD

 

[OldHilljack]

PackDog has hit it on the nose...I have used a 40 cal to shoot deer and a hog...and I use 60 grains of 3F Swiss, the deer were pass throughs with 2 heart/lung shots and one broken neck, no recovery of the ball...And the shot on the hog was behind the ear (left) exiting just under the right eye at about 20 yards...You have to be very sure of your shot placement, close with a 40 doesn't count, it is not like shooting a big bore...

OHJ

 

[Ridge]

I've hunted with a 40 for quite a few years now. 65 grains would be the max charge. Works good on deer out to about 50 yards.

 

[CrackStock]

What kind of 3f? Swiss and Goex are not the same. If you suggest max loads, you really should give all of the info about the load.

As to me, I would look it up in the Lyman's manual.

CS

 

[Herb]

Lyman's "Black Powder Handbook and Loading Manual", 2nd Edition, does not have ANY .40 caliber loads. The First Edition does. With a 43" Universal pressure barrel and .395 ball, 80 grains of G-O 3F was their max at 2255 fps and 14,320 CUP pressure. Many of the loads of other calibers in that book are 15000 to 16000 CUP pressure

 

[Bill/Ms.]

I've been shooting a .40 caliber with a Douglas barrel a lot lately and for target shooting/squirrel hunting, I shoot 35 grains fffg; for deer hunting I use 70 grains. Both are good accurate loads with either GOEX or some of the really old Curtis & Harvey I have. You neglected to say what brand barrel you have, if you take the time to shoot it a lot, you can determine a good accurate heavy charge by trial & error.
Bill

 

[Jay Gardner]

Pawbill,

I am not sure of the barrel manufacturer, but I'll find out. The componets and workmanship are pretty much top shelf so I would assume the barrel is also higher-end.

How is the gun for squirrel? I have had people look at me like I was nuts when I told them I would be using a .40 for tree-rats. I assume head shots are pretty much a must. I shoot GOEX, exclusively.

We can not use a .40 for deer here in MI nor in IN where I also hunt. But who knows where the gun and I may wind up.

 

[B.Habermehl]

I have a friend that uses 25 or 30 gr of goex in his .40 flint rifle for squirrels. He is deadly on those critters. I would just expiriment to see the lightest accurate load you can use in your gun. Head shots are preferred but a clean broadside ribcage shot does not mess up much eating either. Most of our shots are in the 30 yds or less range any how. BJH

 

[CrackStock]

Thanks for looking it up Herb. I was unaware that the latest edition did not have the .40 data in it. I guess that I am showing my age on this one.

I do know of shooters who often use 70 grains Goex 3f. One used to put awful dimples in our sihouette targets because of these hot loads. I never load that high in my .40 as I see no reason to. 65 grains of 3f Goex has been my limit simply because I got good accuracy with it and it will stop on the skin on the opposite side of a deer at the ranges that I will use it. On the other hand, I generally prefer to use my .50 or .54 for deer as I believe the .40 on the weak side for deer.

I would also note that the Swiss is reputedly 10% hotter than Goex and therefore the recommendation that Old HillJack gave above is pretty close to mine.
<<<I use 60 grains of 3F Swiss,>>>

CS