.40 S&W 155 gr./ 165 gr./ 180 gr.???

[Enachos]

I'm starting this thread because i read a similar thread based on the 9mm. Basically... what are the differences between these loads? Besides the weight of the bullet, i already know that. I'm somewhat of a noob and i was just wondering because when i go out shopping for ammo i normally tend to stick with 180 gr. ammo simply because that's almost the only load that's ever in stock. But just last weekend i headed down to Bass Pro to pick up some ammo for my Glock 27 but they only had 155 gr. Hornady ammo-which i went ahead and bought. What are the differences between the loads?

 

[KBintheSLC]

The differences will also depend greatly on how hot they are loaded. Think of it this way...

Light and fast hallow points will expand rapidly and not penetrate as much. Heavy and slow hallow points will expand slower and therefor will penetrate deeper.

 

[makarovnik]

I like the 155 gr.

 

[bestseller92]

I prefer the increased velocity of the 155 grainers. But I'm sure they'll all do the job if you do yours.

 

[armsmaster270]

I prefer the 165 but am issued 180. The Border Patrol went to 135gr

Winchester Ammunition
8/21/2009
Winchester® Ammunition was recently awarded a contract by the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) division of the Department of Homeland Security to supply a maximum of 200 million, 40 cal. rounds over the next five years.

“Winchester has a proud tradition of providing high quality ammunition to our nation’s law enforcement agencies,” said Dick Hammett, president, Winchester Ammunition. “No matter if they’re protecting our block, our city or our borders, each special agent is an invaluable resource and we are committed to giving them the best products available.”

The load selected for this contract is a 135-grain, hollow point designed for the office of Field Operations of Customs and Border Protection. It will fall under the Winchester® Ranger® line of products

 

[Enachos]

Makes sense. But does that mean 155 gr. bullets can "under-penetrate?"

 

[C-grunt]

I doubt it, they should still penetrate well. Those 135s I would worry about though.

 

[ccsniper]

I prefer 180 grains just because I am stuck in thta whole "bigger is better" slump

 

[M&PVolk]

I prefer 165gr because I shoot from a compact size pistol. Best balance of velocity and penetration, IMO. Having said that, I don't mind carrying the 180's, either. In fact, in colder weather, the 180 is probably better.

I don't think border patrol is going to have an issue with the lighter stuff, seeing as how most of it is deployed in hot weather areas.

 

[wnycollector]

I prefer 165gr because I shoot from a compact size pistol. Best balance of velocity and penetration, IMO. Having said that, I don't mind carrying the 180's, either. In fact, in colder weather, the 180 is probably better.

I pretty much fall into the 165gr loading in warmer weather, but switching to 180gr when multiple layers of heavy clothing are the norm category.

 

[.45&TKD]

I prefer the 180's when I can get them. And bigger is better!

 

[Enachos]

Way I see it... As long as the 155 gr. bullets penetrate deep enough to damage vital organs, I'd rather stick with the fastest expanding bullet. Bullets travel quick (In case you didn't know!!! lol) so it's not gonna be traveling inside the body long so i figure the quicker the bullet can expand the better. I'm no expert though.

I am, however, most used to firing 180 grainers.

 

[belus]

I subscribe to the idea that you shoot the heaviest bullet you can find in uncompensated guns, and the lightest and fastest you can find in compensated pistols.

 

[MTS840]

I'm starting this thread because i read a similar thread based on the 9mm. Basically... what are the differences between these loads? Besides the weight of the bullet, i already know that. I'm somewhat of a noob and i was just wondering because when i go out shopping for ammo i normally tend to stick with 180 gr. ammo simply because that's almost the only load that's ever in stock. But just last weekend i headed down to Bass Pro to pick up some ammo for my Glock 27 but they only had 155 gr. Hornady ammo-which i went ahead and bought. What are the differences between the loads?

It's not just the bullet weight that determines effectiveness. Lighter weight bullets can be effective just as heavier ones may not be. Of course, shot placement is most important, but the design of the bullet itself and the obstacles it encounters also determine how well it may perform.

For concealed carry, I stick to the choices in this list:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

.40 S&W

Barnes all-copper bullets (140 & 155gr) loaded by: Cor-Bon (DPX40140)

Winchester Ranger 180gr JHP (RA40T)

Winchester Ranger 165gr JHP (RA40TA)

Winchester Partition Gold 165gr JHP (RA401P)

Winchester Bonded 180gr JHP (Q4355)

Speer Gold Dot 155gr JHP (53961)

Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP (53962)

Federal Tactical 165gr JHP (LE40T3)

Federal Tactical 180gr JHP (LE40T1)

Federal HST 180gr JHP (P40HST1)

Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)

 

[Philo_Beddoe]

Some of the loads particularly the lighter ones can underpenetrate the FBI min 12 inches.

I believe the FBI recommends a load penetrate 12-15 inches, but no more then 18 and that it expand to at least .50 or greater.

Most 40 loads do this.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/40s&w.htm

 

[RedAlert]

Given that there are so many loads available for the .40S&W, it makes sense to me to experiment with the various brands and bullet weights. What works for one guy/gal in one gun might be less accurate or produce greater recoil, etc.

What really matters is picking an effective round for your weapon that provides adequate stopping power but most important is the most accurate with the fastest return to POA.

Its a known fact that under the stress imposed by the gun fight; the shooter will be operating at about 1/2 his range skill level. Under these circumstances its a positive factor if the gun and ammo are optimized to provide their best performance.

Ralph

 

[.357 magnum]

Penetration-Accuracy-Expansion

You can put those in any order you wish, they are ALL important. I use Winchester LE 180gr Bonded or 180gr SXT. I Prefer the Bonded because of the Better Penetration. Do not let anyone sell you on the Over-Penetration Bull**** on a Human Targets. I was in LE for over 8 years and used .357 Magnum HP. Hollow Point Bullets Rarely Exit a Human Target. The 180gr loads create less Recoil and More Accuracy in a .40 and [you guessed it] they Penetrate more then the lighter loads do. Most LE agency's use 180gr in there .40 cal Pistols.

The Best to All!

Frank

 

[HydrostatiK]

180 grain fmj if im in a car, on a long trip. That way windshields and car door is less of an issue than with hollow points. I put 165 grain hollows and 180 grain fmj when i used to carry the 40 caliber. Right now all i have for it is 165 grain golden sabers, but it just sits near my bed now. Neglected and ugly.