40 SW vs 45 ACP

[mavracer]

funny I do

All of these tests were done using 10% ballistic gelatin provided by Vyse gelatin using all FBI protocols and 4 layers of denim and two layers of light cotton T-shirt in front of the gelatin
DoubleTap 9mm+P
115gr. Gold Dot JHP @ 1415fps - 12.00" / .72"
124gr. Gold Dot JHP @ 1310fps - 13.25" / .72"
147gr. Gold Dot JHP @ 1125fps - 14.00" / .68"

DoubleTap .40 S&W Penetration / expansion
165gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1200fps - 14.0" / .70"
180gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1100fps - 14.75" / .68"

DoubleTap .45ACP
185gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1225fps - 12.75" / .82"
200gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1125fps - 14.25" / .88"
230gr Gold Dot JHP @ 1010fps - 15.25" / .95"

 

[MikePGS]

I'm still amazed that you can get 950 fps out of a 3 inch barrel with DP Mav. Now thats what I call a bullet!

 

[mpmarty]

The .40 S&W operates at twice the chamber pressure of the .45acp and produces no more energy and less momentum. Why on earth would anyone prefer the .40 is beyond me. I've got a PT145 and an XD45 4" and both of them are a pleasure to shoot and do so quite accurately. In fact, the XD is one of the most accurate out of the box pistols I own.

 

[mavracer]

875 from 3" 950 from 4" acually had 1 go 1032 from 5" but they averaged 1005. yes its one heck of a load.hurts out of backup I use 185 golden sabers to carry for control but both 1911s get DT

 

[elkhuntingfool]

MPMarty - I've wondering what my next 45acp would be - an XD? How do you like it? Do you have a 3" or 4" barrel? I already own the PT145 and love it, but already thinking about the next one.

 

[briang2ad]

What IS the best 'defense load'?

Is it not the 357 Magnum in 125gr JHP generally? What auto gets closest? 45 or 40? (probably the SIG round, but that is not the option in this discussion).

 

[Dgindlesperger]

Go .45 better stopping power. I love my .45's but ballisticly 10mm would be the perfect choice

 

[Scorpiusdeus]

funny I do
All of these tests were done using 10% ballistic gelatin provided by Vyse gelatin using all FBI protocols and 4 layers of denim and two layers of light cotton T-shirt in front of the gelatin
DoubleTap 9mm+P

link?

So far you're just showing me that the Winchester Ranger ammo is better than the Double Tap?

 

[mavracer]

link?

So far you're just showing me that the Winchester Ranger ammo is better than the Double Tap?

per denim test ranger and DT 40 are equal, DT 9mm is as good as 40 ranger and where do you see a load that comes close to DTs 230 45 load .95" come on look at the data.
I'll agree the ranger 40 is a good load about as good as any 40 but all 40 is loaded near saami max and all bullets are of new design.loaded properly a 45 will push a 185 faster than a 40 will push a 180 with less muzzel flash and less felt recoil.If you think its better some how, great for you I'll chalk it up to another I agree to disagree with

 

[mpmarty]

Elkhuntingfool

I love the XD45. It's a 4" and is box stock with no changes and it doesn't need any. I do have an M2 90 lumen light hooked to the rail in the nightstand but it comes off when I take it out to play. Accurate, reliable, easy to maintain and the support from Springfiled is great.. I lost the striker cap plastic piece that holds the striker in place while trying to re-assemble after major strip down to clean after a couple of thousand rounds. Called SA customer support and they mailed me two of them and thanked me for buying the XD45. Cant beat that.

 

[Wayne G.]

If they both can kill a dog equally well, it stands to reason there could be no possible difference in self defense performance. (I wonder if a .44mag could kill a dog too?)

I agree with what's already been stated by others.

45 advantages:
equal capacity to 40
lower felt recoil than 40
heavier than 40
penetration better than 40

9mm
higher capacity than 40
lower felt recoil than 40
quicker on target than 40

I would not feel undergunned with any of the calibers mentioned. However, I carry 45.

 

[coylh]

Whatever you get, carry at least 29 rounds.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Does it really matter? Is the thug going to know the difference being shot with a 9mm, 40, or 45? Personally, I like the 40 due to its velocity advantage, the shorter the barrel gets, the bigger the advantage, over the 45. The 40 is very efficient in short barrels, under 3.5 inches. When you get down to a 3 inch barrel, the 230 grain 45 drops down to 750 fps. My 155 grain 40 rounds are still clocking 1030 fps, in a 3 inch barrel. Translation, better expansion with the 40.

 

[mavracer]

Does it really matter? Is the thug going to know the difference being shot with a 9mm, 40, or 45? Personally, I like the 40 due to its velocity advantage, the shorter the barrel gets, the bigger the advantage, over the 45. The 40 is very efficient in short barrels, under 3.5 inches. When you get down to a 3 inch barrel, the 230 grain 45 drops down to 750 fps. My 155 grain 40 rounds are still clocking 1030 fps, in a 3 inch barrel. Translation, better expansion with the 40.

no in most cases it won't,buit at least compair apples to apples doubletaps 185 golddot is still going 1050 out of my 3" ported bbl.
translation the 45 is still more powerful and gonna' make a bigger hole

 

[MikePGS]

What IS the best 'defense load'?
Is it not the 357 Magnum in 125gr JHP generally?

That seems to still be the gold standard, though i've also read that 135 grain .40 cal is excellent as well. Heres a chart that may provide some useful info http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=0

 

[jad0110]

I always liked this photo. Shot placement X 10: