.40sw vs. .45acp question

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retgarr

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I'm not looking for speculation or who like what calliber better. What I am trying to find is hard data on muzzle energy of a .45acp vs. a .40sw out of a 3.5" barrel. Recoil has never been a problem for me so I'm not worried about it. I hope someone out there knows where I can find this data!
 
Can't help out w/ the 3.5" barrel, but I think you can figure out the kinetic energy at muzzle via the following formula:

Kinetic energy = 1/2 x Mass x Velocity^2
 
its not about what energy the projectile is, what maters is how much energy the projectile transfers to the target.
 
Federal Premium Ballistics Site

94GT, that's a good site. You're right, it's not all inclusive, but it certainly answers many of the main question s we see over and over again. :)

Thank
Ron Cole
 
In that case I am having trouble finding data to compare penetration and expansion comparison of the two rounds out of a 3.5" barrel. I know there are different rounds for each. But I am trying to compare the best of each.
 
Kinetic energy = 1/2 x Mass x Velocity^2

That formula is difficult to use when trying to get foot pounds from bullet weight in grains and feet per second.

Use velocity squared, divided by 450,240, then multiply by bullet weight in grains. This will give you foot pounds of energy.

Example:

A 230 gr. bullet at 850 FPS. 850 times 850 = 722,500. 722,500 divided by 450,240 = ~1.6047. 1.6047 times 230 = 369 ft/lbs.
 
Heh....

Long story short, a .40 will generally do better than a .45 out of a barrel that short, at least if you're looking at mathematical figures on paper. Personally, if the ammo design and platform are up to par, you'll be fine with either. Keep in mind that the .45 is usually truly optimized when coming out of 5" barrel and weighing in at 230 grains. Yes, it's an opinion, but it's a widely held opinion by a lot of folks who know what they're doing. Or so I read and hear...
 
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