A simple caliber question: .40 vs 9mm

[BoneDigger]

Now, before anyone gets defensive or starts groaning about "another" caliber debate, this is not a debate, just a simple question...

If fired from two identical guns (i.e., a Beretta PX4), is the recoil from a .40 much more than that of a 9mm? Does it basically feel the same or is there a distinct difference in the way they feel (i.e., snappiness, push, etc.)?

Todd

 

[gandog56]

All I can tell you is I have a Ruger KP89 9mm and a Ruger KP944 40 S&W. The 40 definately kicks harder, but I expect that since it's throwing bigger hunks of lead.

 

[CPshooter]

I think it depends on the type of load you are using for each caliber. A 9mm +P or +P+ might hit harder some milder heavier .40 loads. At the same time im sure a Double tap 135g "nosler" .40 JHP packs quite a punch:

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/ca...d=107&osCsid=9e3281982e76b253ac95462d33840388

I don't know whether or not all this "snap" or "push" recoil stuff is accurate anyhow...I do agree that it's noticeable between different guns, but I would attribute that more towards the guns' dimensions and weight rather than the load being shot. I think perceived "snap" or "push" is just that. It is a perception. Either way the slide is coming straight back on every gun..it's just going faster or slower depending on the load being shot. And of course, the bigger the boom the more force the gun will push back with, so also take that into consideration. It depends more on how YOU perceive a certain gun and caliber when shooting it...all you can do is try as many combinations as you can until you find the setup that works for you.

 

[don95sml]

I don't believe that anyone will question that in the same basic gun design, a .40 will have more recoil than a 9 mm. However, for most people the recoil of either will be very tolerable. To me the choice between these calibers depends on the intended use. If you are mostly interested in a self defense weapon and will only spend a moderate time on the range for practice, go for the .40. If you plan to spend a good deal of time on the range, I'd recommend the 9 mm because of the ammo cost savings. And the 9 mm is certainly no slouch for self defense use if the right cartridge is chosen for that use.

 

[rbernie]

I have CZ75s and S&W M&Ps chambered both in 9mm and 40S&W. I mostly shoot 115gr 9mm ball ammo and 180gr WWB 40S&W. In these two platforms, I cannot honestly say that the perceived recoil is significantly greater/lesser between the two.

There are some caveats to this:

• The 180gr 40S&W ammo is reported to be less snappy than the high-velocity 155gr stuff
• I'm not shooting competitively, where there would likely be measurable split time differences between the two.

 

[Walkalong]

The 180gr 40S&W ammo is reported to be less snappy than the high-velocity 155gr stuff

Absolutely. In my XD .40 SC there is a definate difference. 165 Gr. is a little better than 155, but 180 is definately more comfortable to shoot for me. I don't care for "snappy" Some people it does not bother.

The 9MM barely gets my attention in my EMP ( light gun) and recoil is almost non existant in my brothers High Power. 9mm is a lot cheaper to shoot.

 

[MCgunner]

The "kick" of either is no big deal. I did switch from a P90 Ruger in .45ACP to the 9 in my P85 for a couple of reasons when I was shooting IDPA. One of them was quicker shot recovery, therefore, quicker times. That's the only reason I'd be concerned about the recoil of either. The power factor thing in IDPA is pretty minimal and 9s are pretty popular because they're quicker to shoot double taps with accurately. But, IDPA is a game, not a gun fight.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

My Glock 23 (.40) feels snappier than my Glock 26 (9mm), despite the size difference. In fact the .40 for some reason seems to snap harder than my commander sized 1911 in .45acp, which has more of a gradual push. I'm glad I went with a 26 instead of a 27 for a small carry gun, but if carrying a larger framed gun I'd probably opt for the .40 (I've had both a G23 and G19).

 

[Ultima-Ratio]

Answer-

or is there a distinct difference in the way they feel (i.e., snappiness, push, etc.)?
Yes
IF yer a number cruncher visit realguns.com
they have an online program to enter the weight of the gun, bullet weight and velocity to give ya a recoil number in foot pounds...

 

[10-Ring]

The 40 is snappier than the 9 mil regardless of the platform. Some platforms are better suited to shoot the 40 making it nicer to shoot. Me, I have found the Beretta 96 the nicest shooting 40 there is.
Strangely tho, the bigger bro of the 40 (the 10mm) is nicer to shoot than the 40 (IMO).

 

[.357 magnum]

BoneDigger

I find my .40's have more recoil then my .45's, or a 9mm. But that is just the way it is. I do not own any 9mm, but have shot freinds 9mm at the range. Like other posters have said the 180gr in the .40 is the only load that has pretty reduced recoil. I personally practice with 165gr loads which tend to be less recoil then some of the hot 155gr loads or the 135gr load, which is a real kicker. For SD loads I can use the Winchester 165gr SXT ot Remington 165gr Golden Saber. They are excellent man stoppers and have a medium recoil. As well as being very accurate loads. Especially the Winchester SXT.

The Best to you and yours!

Frank

 

[HGUNHNTR]

It is simply a physics question. The more energy you put out of the end of the bbl, the more energy comes back to your shoulder (all other variables being equal of course)