What is 40 S&W Ammo?🔔
It is a type of ammunition designed for handguns. Developed in 1990 in collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Winchester, it was intended to be a law enforcement round mimicking the performance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s reduced-velocity 10mm Auto cartridge. It is known for its balanced performance, offering a blend of power, accuracy, and recoil that many shooters find advantageous for various purposes, including self-defence and law enforcement applications.
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What is This Ammo Good For?💡
- 🔘 Self-Defenceself-defence: This ammunition is widely recognized for its reliability and stopping power, attributes that are critical for an effective self-defence round. Its adequate recoil control also makes it manageable in high-stress self-defence situations.
- 🔘 Law Enforcement: Originally designed for law enforcement, it offers an excellent balance of power and control, making it a popular choice among many police departments. It is well-suited for service use, providing the necessary firepower while maintaining manageability.
- 🔘 Sport Shooting: Due to its accuracy and manageable recoil, it is a favourite among many sports shooters. It allows for precision shooting in sports such as IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) and USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association).
- 🔘 Hunting: While not as common, it can be used for hunting small to medium games at close to moderate ranges. Its power and precision make it capable of humanely taking down the game at the appropriate distances.
Types🔎
There are several types, each designed for a specific application:
🔰 Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The FMJ is a common choice for practice and range training due to its affordability and reliability. While it does not expand upon impact, it provides consistent ballistics and is excellent for honing shooting techniques.
🔰 Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): Designed for self-defence and law enforcement, the JHP expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and maximizing stopping power. It is effective at neutralizing threats quickly and efficiently.
🔰 Frangible Rounds: These rounds are designed to break apart upon impact, minimizing the risk of over-penetration. Frangible rounds are ideal for use in environments where collateral damage is a concern.
🔰 Lead Round Nose (LRN): The LRN is a traditional type of ammo, known for its simplicity and affordability. It’s often used for range practice and plinking.
🔰 Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point (BJHP): The BJHP is a premium self-defence round, offering superior expansion and penetration characteristics. The bonding process improves weight retention and barrier penetration, making it a popular choice for law enforcement.
Advantages🔥
This ammo carries several advantages that make it an incredibly attractive option for various shooting applications.
✴️ It strikes a perfect balance between the smaller 9mm rounds and the larger .45 ACP, providing not only a good balance of power, control, and capacity but also a sense of confidence and reliability to shooters. This balance is particularly appreciated among law enforcement and self-defence practitioners, who rely on the .40 S&W’s exceptional stopping power and manageable recoil in high-stress situations.
✴️ Moreover, the versatility is truly impressive and demonstrated by its usage in sports shooting and hunting. Its unmatched accuracy and power come to the fore, allowing shooters to hit their targets with precision and confidence.
✴️ Another advantage is the wide variety of types available, catering to specific needs and preferences. From training rounds for honing skills to specialized self-defence and law enforcement rounds, there is a perfect option for every shooter. This wide range of choices ensures that shooters can always find the right ammunition that suits their specific requirements.
40 S&W Ammo Review | Top-15 40 S&W Ammo
#1 CCI Blazer Aluminum 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Experience cost-effective shooting without compromising on performance with the Blazer Aluminum line. Crafted with heat-treated aluminium cases, these rounds strike an ideal balance between affordability and reliable accuracy, making them a go-to choice for range training sessions. The use of aircraft-grade aluminium cases not only keeps costs down but also showcases a commitment to innovative design.
Within each round lies a high-quality bullet coupled with dependable primers, ensuring consistent functionality and shot placement. This ammunition is tailored for those seeking an economical solution for refining their skills at the range. While the rounds are competitively priced, the emphasis remains on delivering commendable performance without unnecessary frills.
#2 Winchester USA HANDGUN 40 S&W Ammo 165 grain
Greetings fellow shooters, today we delve into the Winchester Handgun ammunition in .40 S&W, designed to elevate your recreational shooting and target practice experiences. This cartridge boasts a 165-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet seated in a durable brass casing, delivering a muzzle velocity of 1060 ft/s and substantial muzzle energy of 412 ft-lbs for a satisfying range session.
Highlighted by its consistent accuracy, this ammunition is a trusted companion for both target shooting and range endeavours. The FMJ bullet design not only ensures reliable functionality but also prevents expansion, aligning with the needs of those who prioritize positive functioning over dramatic bullet expansion.
A standout feature is its contribution to maintaining a cleaner firearm. The FMJ construction minimizes barrel fouling, translating to less frequent cleaning requirements and more quality time at the range honing your skills. This ammunition package, neatly presented in a box, comes complete with standard accessories and employs a centerfire primer style, tailored for handgun use.
#3 Winchester SUPER-X HANDGUN 40 S&W Ammo 155 grain
Hello fellow firearms enthusiasts, today we’re delving into the Winchester Super-X Handgun ammunition in .40 S&W, specifically tailored for personal defence applications. This package contains 20 rounds of potent firepower, each housing a 155-grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet encased in brass. With a muzzle velocity of 1205 ft/s and impressive muzzle energy of 500 ft-lbs, this ammunition offers a robust solution for self-defence scenarios.
At the heart of this ammunition’s effectiveness is its Hollow Point design, crafted to deliver maximum stopping power in critical moments. The engineered jacket profile ensures not only precise accuracy but also consistent expansion, two factors crucial for reliable functioning and performance when they matter most.
#4 Winchester USA HANDGUN 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Today we delve into the time-honoured tradition of Winchester’s “USA White Box” ammunition, a legacy built upon generations of excellence. This iconic brand represents not only consistent performance but also exceptional value, providing shooters and hunters with high-quality ammunition that caters to an array of needs.
Now, let’s explore the specifications of the ammo. With a focus on recreational shooting and target practice, this cartridge carries a 180-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet encased in reliable brass. Its muzzle velocity clocks in at 1020 ft/s, delivering a muzzle energy of 416 ft-lbs, ensuring a satisfying shooting experience.
This ammunition boasts a track record of consistent accuracy, making it a trusted companion for both range enthusiasts and those refining their target shooting skills. The Full Metal Jacket design emphasizes functionality without bullet expansion, ensuring reliable performance without unnecessary frills. An added benefit is its contribution to reduced barrel fouling, leading to fewer cleanings and more quality range time.
#5 Sig Sauer Elite Performance 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Check Sig Sauer’s Elite Performance Ammunition, a name that resonates with its promise of excellence round after round. This ammunition lives up to its reputation with the steadfast performance of its copper-jacketed bullets that remain intact upon impact. The combination of reliable primers and clean-burning powders doesn’t just ensure dependable functionality; it also contributes to reduced barrel fouling, allowing for more time spent shooting and less time cleaning.
At the core of this ammunition’s reliability is its use of solid brass cartridges, meticulously manufactured to exacting standards. These cartridges are a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision and quality. It’s important to note, however, that this ammunition comes with a California Proposition 65 warning.
#6 Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Welcome to a review of Federal Champion Aluminum .40 calibre ammunition, where a fusion of training and hunting loads provides a unique training experience. This line brings together the twin virtues of speed and precision, making it an apt choice for a range of training disciplines. The standout feature lies in its aluminium cases, guaranteeing a steady powder flow and consistent primer performance. This, in turn, leads to reliable ignition and bullet expansion with every shot – an essential aspect of effective training.
Reliability is further underscored by the ammunition’s consistent primers and bullets, ensuring that each shot performs as expected, thus fostering a dependable training routine. The stability of the lubricant over time, courtesy of the aluminium cases, adds an extra layer of assurance. Despite the ammunition’s full metal jacket composition, it leans predominantly towards the lead, rendering it a fitting option for indoor ranges where lead projectiles are favoured.
An additional perk of this ammunition is its ease of reloadability. Shooters can conveniently collect and return empty rounds to the range for repeated use, creating a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly cycle.
#7 Winchester USA HANDGUN 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Today, we considered the storied legacy of Winchester’s “USA White Box” ammunition, a testament to enduring excellence that signifies reliability and value. This iconic line is synonymous with unwavering performance, catering to a broad spectrum of hunters and shooters, upholding the promise of top-notch ammunition that’s suited to a range of needs.
With an impressive quantity of 50 rounds, this ammunition offers a robust solution for those prioritizing personal defence. Each round houses a 180-grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet enclosed in brass casing. Its muzzle velocity registers at 1010 ft/s, with a powerful muzzle energy of 408 ft-lbs, underlining its capabilities for personal safety.
The ammunition’s reliability for personal defence stems from its consistent accuracy, making it a dependable choice for those who prioritize safety. In high-stakes situations where personal safety is paramount, the high energy deposit of these rounds contributes to the ammunition’s effectiveness. The Jacketed Hollow Point design ensures maximum stopping power, a crucial attribute when one’s safety is on the line.
#8 Federal Premium American Eagle Indoor Range 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
This ammunition presents a thoughtful solution with its reduced-lead bullet, cleverly enveloped in copper to ensure a safer training experience. By eliminating any airborne lead hazard, this ammunition prioritizes both safety and environmental considerations.
A standout feature is the inclusion of a toxic metal-free primer, adding an extra layer of safety to your range sessions. Beyond safety, this ammunition doesn’t compromise on performance either. Its full metal jacket design translates to ballistic equivalence with self-defence rounds, creating a training environment that closely mimics real-world scenarios.
Switching gears to specifications, the Federal Premium American Eagle Indoor Range Ammunition comprises a brass casing housing a 180-grain FMJ bullet. Its muzzle velocity stands at 1000 ft/s, generating a muzzle energy of 400 ft-lbs – a suitable combination for focused target practice.
#9 Hornady Critical Duty 40 S&W Ammo 175 Grain
Designed for self-defence scenarios, this ammunition features a jacketed hollow point bullet weighing 175 grains, making it well-suited for those prioritizing terminal performance. The incorporation of an InterLock band works to prevent separation between the bullet and core, enhancing weight retention for reliable penetration through various barriers – a vital attribute validated through FBI test barriers.
Notable in its construction are the corrosion-resistant nickel-plated crimped cases. These cases not only contribute to the ammunition’s durability but also offer the advantage of easy chamber checks, even in dimmer settings. The patented Flex Tip design stands as a testament to Hornady’s dedication to reliability, ensuring clog-free performance for consistent operation.
Further ensuring exceptional performance, the ammunition’s core is crafted from high-antimony lead, boasting remarkable toughness for controlled expansion. The nickel-plated crimped cases not only resist corrosion but also facilitate easy chamber checks, a valuable feature in low-light conditions. The cannelured bullet with crimped case design guarantees no bullet setback during feeding.
#10 Sig Sauer V-Crown 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
Discover the world of Sig Sauer’s Elite Performance Ammunition, an offering that truly lives up to its name, delivering exceptional performance round after round. At the heart of this ammunition lies the ingenious Sig V-Crown stacked hollow point design, featuring an additional cavity behind the main one. This distinctive design, coupled with meticulously crafted V-shaped jacket skives and scores, ensures controlled and uniform expansion across all effective distances and velocities.
What sets this ammunition apart is the meticulous matching of each calibre loading to the core temper of its Sig V-Crown bullet. This precision ensures that every round achieves the maximum terminal performance desired for critical scenarios. With a focus on self-defence applications, this ammo stands as a testament to this commitment.
Diving into the specifications, this ammunition comprises a brass casing housing a 180-grain Jacketed Hollow Point bullet. The bullet’s design is optimized for self-defence, boasting an impressive muzzle velocity of 985 ft/s and muzzle energy of 388 ft-lbs, translating to the desired terminal effects.
#11 CCI Blazer Brass 40 S&W Ammo 165 grain
CCI Blazer Brass FMJ Ammunition is a choice that holds strong appeal for those who relish the joy of plinking with purpose. Crafted by CCI, this ammunition brings together a host of features that align with the preferences of avid shooters.
This offering of ammunition presents a valuable proposition with its reloadable brass cases, ensuring an eco-friendly approach and economic advantage for those who reload their own ammunition. Reliability is paramount, thanks to the presence of dependable primers and clean-burning propellants, making each shot count and contributing to a pleasant shooting experience.
The search for accurate ammo can be a challenge, but CCI Blazer Brass offers a dependable design that’s perfectly tailored for plinking. The resalable brass case and standard boxer-type primers facilitate easy reloading, adding to the appeal for those who enjoy customizing their ammunition.
Diving into the specifications, this ammunition comprises a brass casing housing a 165-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet. With a muzzle velocity of 1050 ft/s and muzzle energy of 404 ft-lbs, it offers a balanced combination for precise target practice.
#12 Liberty Civil Defense 40 S&W Ammo 60 grain
These rounds, meticulously crafted by Liberty Ammunition, offer a blend of stopping power and precision that’s essential for safeguarding yourself against potential threats, both in outdoor settings and within the confines of your home.
What sets these rounds apart is their unique ability to produce more stopping power without compromising on over-penetration. This balance is crucial for incapacitating targets effectively while minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The velocity of these .40 S&W Ammunition rounds is truly remarkable, firing at a blazing-fast 2000 fps – a remarkable 70-95% higher than competitors. This advantage not only enhances your accuracy but also contributes to the ammunition’s overall efficacy.
A notable feature is the reduced felt recoil, offering a range of 34-39% less recoil compared to others. This characteristic plays a pivotal role in assisting your aim, enabling you to maintain accuracy across varying distances. Beyond this, the ammunition’s kinetic energy is increased by 5-23%, further highlighting its potency.
#13 Hornady Handgun Hunter 40 S&W Ammo 135 Grain
In terms of specifications, the Hornady Handgun Hunter MonoFlex Centerfire Pistol Ammunition comprises 20 rounds. Within the brass casing, a monolithic bullet weighing 135 grains is contained. This bullet’s performance is marked by a muzzle velocity of 1130 ft/s and a muzzle energy of 383 ft-lbs, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios.
The MonoFlex handgun projectile is engineered from a resilient copper alloy, ensuring both deep penetration and remarkable weight retention of up to 95%. Its design is further augmented by an elastomer material present within the bullet’s open cavity. Upon impact, this elastomer compresses and then propels outward, facilitating rapid expansion that surpasses the capabilities of standard hollow point designs.
The ammunition is backed by Hornady’s reputation for producing top-notch MonoFlex rifle bullets. This lineage ensures that the ammunition retains the same level of performance that shooters have come to expect.
#14 CCI Blazer Brass 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
We checked CCI Blazer Brass .40 S&W ammunition, a choice that packs a punch and stands out in a sea of competition. Developed by CCI Ammunition, this ammo offers compatibility with a variety of shooting interests, catering to diverse preferences and scenarios.
Characterized by its reloadable brass cases, premium CCI primers, and a propellant that burns cleanly, CCI Blazer Brass Ammunition emerges as a reliable companion for sustained shooting endeavours. The seamless reloading process contributes to its appeal, allowing shooters to enjoy uninterrupted range time. However, it’s worth noting that the occasional stray propellant might pose a challenge, emphasizing the importance of vigilant purchasing practices. Beneath its surface, it is more than just aesthetics; it boasts a performance level that’s suitable for both practical scenarios and competitive bench-rest shooting.
#15 Speer Gold Dot 40 S&W Ammo 180 grain
We discovered the prestigious realm of Speer Gold Dot .40 S&W ammunition, a proven benchmark revered by both self-defence proponents and law enforcement worldwide. This line has garnered trust through its exceptional performance in duty scenarios, marked by its meticulously engineered design.
At the heart of this ammunition lies a pressure-formed lead core that’s bonded to a uniform jacket on an atomic level. This innovative manufacturing process virtually eradicates core-jacket separation upon impact, ensuring greater retained weight and penetration to optimal depths. The Gold Dot hollow-point design contributes to consistent expansion across a range of barriers, encompassing the critical aspects of self-defence effectiveness.
The ammunition’s reliability is further fortified by sealed primers and nickel-plated brass, guaranteeing reliable ignition and cycling. The nickel-plated brass casing not only enhances visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of durability. It’s important to heed the California Proposition 65 warning associated with this product.
Reloading🔄
Reloading ammunition can be an economical and rewarding process for shooters. It allows for customization of the load to suit specific shooting needs and preferences, in addition, to cost savings over time. The process involves four main steps:
- ✔️ Case Preparation: This is the initial step where the spent casing is cleaned and inspected for any defects. It is important to ensure the casing is free from any visible cracks or deformations. The primer pocket and flash hole are cleaned, and the case is resized to its original dimension using a resizing die.
- ✔️ Priming: In this step, the old spent primer is removed from the bottom of the casing and replaced with a new one. This is accomplished using a priming tool. Care should be taken to ensure that the primer is seated correctly, flush with the base of the casing.
- ✔️ Charging: Here, the casing is filled with a pre-measured amount of gunpowder. The type and quantity of gunpowder used can vary based on the desired performance of the round. A powder measure tool is used to ensure an accurate and consistent amount of gunpowder is dispensed into each casing.
- ✔️ Bullet Seating: The final step is to seat the bullet into the casing. A bullet seating die is used for this purpose. The depth at which the bullet is seated can be adjusted to control the overall length of the cartridge. Once the bullet is seated, a crimp is often applied to ensure the bullet stays in place.
It’s important to note that reloading should be done with care and exactness, following the recommended procedures and using the correct tools and components. Always refer to a reliable reloading manual for specific load data. With practice and attention to detail, shooters can produce high-quality, custom ammunition that perfectly suits their needs.
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FAQ❓
Conclusion🤩
The 40 S&W ammo is a versatile and powerful ammunition choice, offering a range of benefits from its balanced performance to its wide variety. Originating from a law enforcement background, this ammunition has proven its value across a variety of applications, including self-defence, sport shooting, and even hunting. Its unique blend of power and control, coupled with its varied types, allows it to cater to the specific needs and preferences of different shooters. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a sports shooter, or a civilian seeking reliable self-defence ammunition, this ammo delivers a performance that you can rely on.
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I’ve been hearing mixed opinions on the future of .40 S&W. Some say it’s losing popularity while others swear by it.What do you all think? Is it still worth investing in?
There was a trend of declining popularity for the .40 S&W cartridge. This decline was attributed to a few factors:
🔵 Law Enforcement Trends: Many law enforcement agencies that had previously adopted the .40 S&W round started shifting back to 9mm due to advancements in ammunition technology. Modern 9mm ammunition was found to offer comparable stopping power and improved capacity while being more manageable in terms of recoil and faster follow-up shots.
🔵 Ammunition Innovation: Advances in bullet design and powder technology have made 9mm ammunition more effective for self-defense, narrowing the performance gap that the .40 S&W once filled.
🔵 Recoil Considerations: Shooters, especially those who value ease of shooting and quick follow-up shots, tend to prefer calibers with lower recoil. The .40 S&W can have snappier recoil compared to 9mm, which might affect accuracy for some shooters.
🔵 Cost and Availability: The cost and availability of ammunition can also influence popularity. As law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters transitioned to 9mm, the demand for .40 S&W ammunition might have decreased, impacting both cost and availability.
🔵 Trends in Firearm Design: Firearms designed for concealed carry and personal defense have leaned towards calibers with higher capacity and reduced recoil. This has contributed to the resurgence of interest in 9mm.
I think it really depends on your intended use. For self-defense and duty use, .40 S&W is still solid. But for casual range shooting, 9mm might be more cost-effective and have lighter recoil. It’s all about what suits your needs!
Hey folks, I reload my own ammo and was wondering if anyone has experience with reloading .40 S&W? How’s the brass life and any tips on finding the right powder charge?
The brass life for .40 S&W cartridges can vary based on factors such as the load, powder used, firearm characteristics, and how well you maintain your brass. Generally, brass life for .40 S&W is comparable to other pistol calibers. With proper care, you can reload brass multiple times before it starts showing signs of wear, such as splits or cracks near the case mouth.
To maximize the brass life:
✅ Inspect brass before reloading to ensure there are no visible defects or damage.
✅ Avoid loading hot loads that can accelerate wear and increase pressure on the brass.
✅ Use appropriate resizing dies and lubrication to prevent excessive stress on the brass during resizing.
I’ve been reloading .40 S&W for a while. Brass life is generally good, just keep an eye out for signs of wear. As for powder charge, start low and work your way up while following reputable reloading manuals. Unique, Power Pistol and Titegroup are popular choices
Hello. I have a 10mm handgun and .40 S&W ammo. Can I use these bullets for my gun?
❌ Using .40 S&W ammo in a 10mm handgun is generally not recommended. While the cartridges have similar dimensions, they are not the same, and there are important differences between the two that can affect safety, accuracy, and reliability.
The .40 S&W cartridge is shorter and operates at lower pressure compared to the 10mm Auto. While it might physically fit into the chamber of a 10mm handgun, there are potential risks associated with doing so
Using the wrong ammo can lead to serious safety risks. Apart from possible accuracy and reliability issues, there’s a risk of increased pressure or cartridge jamming. It’s crucial to match the caliber exactly to your firearm’s specifications
I’ve seen some discussions about people trying this for cost savings or recoil management. But honestly, the potential risks aren’t worth it. Ammo compatibility is non-negotiable for firearm safety.
I’m a gunsmith, and I’ve encountered cases where people used the wrong ammo, like .40 S&W in a 10mm gun. In addition to potential safety issues, you could damage your gun’s barrel and chamber, leading to costly repairs.
I’ve been using .40 S&W ammo for a few years now and I’m really digging the balance between stopping power and recoil. It’s my go-to for concealed carry. Anyone else feel the same?
I switched to .40 S&W for my duty pistol and love the extra punch it offers compared to 9mm. It’s reassuring to have that kind of stopping power on my side.