[Kelly J]

I am interested in some input of Defense loads for the 40 S&W cal. Mainly in the Commercial Ammo compared to Reloaded Ammo, and I am not concerned at all about the argument of using Hand loaded Ammo as a defense Ammo in a CCW situation of the use thereof. I prefer my Ammo over the Mfg. Ammo.

I'm only interested in the performance of the Ammo in my weapon and will it do what it is supposed to do.

I am interested in loads that are in the 155 Grain bullet class as I understand that this bullet weight will produce very good results, and at acceptable velocities, I shy away from +P, or +p+ loads as I'm not interested in that level of velocity, If needed I only want to stop the Guy in front of me not the three or so that are behind the one posing the threat.

Any suggestions of comments are welcome both pro and con, I'm after input.

[Shoney]

Kelly J: SAAMI does not recognize any plus loads in 40 S&W, only one pressure max.

I carried 155 Hydroshocks for a long time until the ”down jacket” factor was publicized. I switched to 155 Gold dots. One day I downloaded the Vihta Vuori data

http://www.vihtavuori.fi/

and discovered N105 powder with a 200 grain bullet. I now carry my own loads, 200 gr XTP with a velocity at 1100 fps (not a max load), with accuracy under 4” at 25 yrd.. That is more stout than factory 10mm 200 gr loads.

Check out the load data and try them.

[Kelly J]

Just wondering, have you tested the HDY XTP/HP's for expansion, to see that they perform at your velocity?

I added the +P and +P+ info because there are people that no mater what want a load that is SUPER this or that, I have always felt that if I need more out of a 44 Special I will use a 44MAG. and if I want more from a 40 S&W I will use a 10mm, you get my drift.

[Shoney]

The XTP is the only 40/10 bullet available for reloading so you don’t have much of a selection there. I have shot the above 200 gr load into 3 inches of wet phone books, which was not enough to stop the bullets. So, let me direct you to the proper end of the horse for the expansion test question. Stephen A. Camp, moderator of THR Handguns: Autoloaders Forum has written some excellent articles on the subject. I admire him for his independent and scholarly approach, and after reading Mr. Camps’s and other writers articles, I have great confidence in the XTP. Before you visit Stephen’s sites, read Firearms Tactical Institutes Personal Defense Ammunition Data 40S&W, but for the 200 gr XTP you will have to read the 10mm data at this site
http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/ammodata.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HornadyXTP.htm
www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Expansion%20and%20Penetration.htm

[RooK]

Kelly, I'd look into the 165gr loadings. There's a wider variety of bullets in that weight: Sierra, Golden Sabre, Gold Dot, etc. and they have proven performance. The Gold Dots have done well in ballistics tests and I'm loading up some ammo myself with 165gr in my 10mm for self-defense.

For data, check out the powder manufacturer's websites. I'd recommend some 10mm powders, but they're generally a tad too slow for the .40. AA#7 might be a good bet though and possibly Power Pistol.

With .40 S&W, don't ever try +P data from anyone. Specs for the cartridge have it running in the mid-30k psi range, and the brass is thinner in the web than that of a 10mm. This leads to problems in unsupported chambers like Glocks. If you have a Glock, shoot loads and look for the 'smiley' and be careful.

[jhawk92]

Check out either the 165gr Speer Gold Dot or Remington Golden Sabre. I use the GD as my carry ammo, and loaded up GD and GS in my "go" box. I would recommend using factory loaded ammo for carry, as that helps with liability/legal issues if you ever need to use it. I've taken self-defense classes and the instructors have horror stories about the families of bad guys killed who sue in civil court. Their lawyers go after the shooters as "evil people who load up their own bullets just to kill people." Another recommendation is to find out what your local PD carries and then use that. If it's good enough for the PD, then it's good enough for you.

[Ben Shepherd]

That gold dot load does right at 1100 out of my barreta. And extreme spead is under 20 fps for a 10 shot string generally. Acuuracy is exellent.

VERY tough to beat with a handload.