Is there anything the .40 S&W can do that the .45acp can't?

Yes...

Get 12+1 rounds into the CZ75 frame (and others which are not large enough for the fat 45), and basically do the same thing. Would I rather have a 97 with 10+1 in 45? Maybe not - because the Kadet kit fits, other parts like my 9mms, etc. I used this gun as a comparison.

Some would rather have 10+1 in the 97.

In polymer guns like the XD its hard to argue against a 45 with 10+1 in a Compact or 13+1 in a Service - but the XDM does give you 16+1 in 40.

It basically gives you more rounds in a similar platform, it costs about 20% less to shoot, and does a similar job. Thats the major difference as I see it.

Is there anything the .40 S&W can do that the .45acp can't?

Click to expand...

Fit in a grip frame the same size as a 9x19mm.

Provide more ammo in the same sized magazine. Usually, 2-3 rounds more.

wow

Here we go again ain't it fun though

When it comes to these two, the 40 S&W is moving faster, though it has a snapier recoil. I personally prefer to carry a Glock 23 40 S&W over a 45, simply because with the right ammo, there's less of a risk over over penetration. While 45 is a great round, many 45s are really designed to be reliable with a 45FMJ, a round that can pass through your target easily and hit something you really didn't want to.. They're about the same price, though 45ACP may be easier to find overall. Like was previously posted, you'll find higher capacity guns with 40 S&W than 45ACP, often with a slimmer frame.

+1 for here we go again! I have the popcorn, who has the beer/soda?

All things being equal, a .40 shoots flatter than a .45, which at the 25 yard line you kind of arch it over to the target.

Trajectory doesn't really come into play unttil 50+ yards

I have a 1911 .45 ACP and CZ 75B 9mm Luger - i'll get a
.40 S&W some day, very undecided on platform.

R-

I just like the sound a box of 50 .40 cal. rounds makes when shaken.

Compared to the .45 the .40 will....

1. Sound substantially louder (supersonic.)
2. Penetrate steel plate better (higher velocity coupled with smaller diameter.)
3. Cost less; .26 cents a round at WallyWorld vs. .30 for .45.
4. Give you 20% more rounds in the same package.
5. Fit into a slightly smaller frame and grip.

Also, if you get a .40 S&W, usually you can change it out to 9mm and .357 Sig (with guns like the XD, Glock, etc.). As far as I know, you can't do that with a .45.

The 40 penetrates better, especially against light barriers such as car doors, heavy clothing etc.

Big Bang Theory

I think two rounds of .40 equal the potential of one round of .45 ACP: 16=8 rounds. I think the U.S. Military would have used .40 caliber ammo if they thought it superior in anyway. Anyway a .357 Magnum would be the best second choice in combat, since a single round of metal penetrator can crack the engine cooling block on most engines, except for Volkswagen air-cooled engines. On those, it merely removes all four cylinders as a twisted unit, or at minimum two. cliffy

shoot holes in paper that are smaller then .45"

Personally, I think that the 40 doesn't have a huge advantage over the 45. If I need a handgun with some firepower, I would go with a 9mm. If I want a no nonsense gun, I'll strap on my 1911. The 1911 is as time proven as it gets. If not that, an XD45 would do as well. This is just MY opinion, but I would rather a 9mm or a 45 than a 40.

When it comes to these two, the 40 S&W is moving faster, though it has a snapier recoil. I personally prefer to carry a Glock 23 40 S&W over a 45, simply because with the right ammo, there's less of a risk over over penetration. While 45 is a great round, many 45s are really designed to be reliable with a 45FMJ, a round that can pass through your target easily and hit something you really didn't want to.. They're about the same price, though 45ACP may be easier to find overall. Like was previously posted, you'll find higher capacity guns with 40 S&W than 45ACP, often with a slimmer frame.

Click to expand...

I've never heard of the .45 overpenetrating compared to 9mm and .40. Also, only older 1911's aren't designed for hollow points. Virtually all modern .45's will be fine with hollow points (especially the Glocks you mention).

The .40 I talked to said that his qualifications for going faster, penetrating better, and making louder noises were changes we could all believe in. The .45ACP just shrugged and said he had more experience......

Boogalou Nailed It!

Yep, what he said +1.

Yes.

The .40 S&W can make people post threads like this day after day, month after month, year after year.

Better penetration.

The .40 shoots MUCH flatter at longer distances. For those that engage in extreme long distance shooting, the .45 requires a hell of a lot elevation. Even at 50 yards you're only talking about less than 3" with 25 yard zero. When you get out past 100 yards is when it shows the rainbow trajectory.

In compact guns with barrels in the 3" range, 40s&w has proven to be a somewhat better fight stopper than 45acp from the same length barrel in the data from real world shootings that I have seen. In a full size gun, I would say it is a toss up on effectiveness from what I have seen.

I would not want to be shot with either one from any length barrel, I guarantee that.

It's not what either can or can not do it's what the operator wants. A subjective area.

so how many of this thread have we gotten in the past week?

" The .40 shoots MUCH flatter at longer distances. For those that engage in extreme long distance shooting, the .45 requires a hell of a lot elevation. Even at 50 yards you're only talking about less than 3" with 25 yard zero. When you get out past 100 yards is when it shows the rainbow trajectory."

Comparing similar weighted bullets, this is not true.
180 gr. .40 is traveling 862 fps at 100 yards.
185 gr .45ACP is traveling at 860 fps at 100 yards.
from Hornady chart.

If physics haven't changed lately, objects fall the earth at the same rate regardless of mass. It each bullet above leaves the barrel at the same time they will reach the target about the same time at the same height. Of course, comparing a 230gr. .45ACP vs. a 155gr. .45 would be a little different.