Confused about which .40 to use...

[Brandon223]

Hi, I believe this is my first post here. I have been a long time surfer of THR and decided that if anyone could help me it would be you people. Here's my dilemma, I have a Springfield Armory XD40 4" that my parents bought me for Christmas and I have been using 165gr Federal HSTs as defensive ammo and I really feel that I need the best ammo that I can get, becuase the neighborhood has been declining since about 2000 and I rarely don't have the XD on me when I'm inside (can't carry outside cause I'm 17). So, yesterday I went to Cabelas to deplete my cash supply and I saw a really good price on ammo that I have been looking to try, Black Hills JHPs, the thing is that these bullets are 180gr and are loaded with a Gold Dot bullet and I'm kind of skeptical about the velocity of the 180gr slug and it's lack of "claws" in comparison with the HST.

So my question is to you...

If you had to pick between the 165gr Federal HST and the Black Hills 180gr JHP (Gold Dot), which would you pick and why?

Thanks ahead of time,
Brandon223

 

[S&Wfan]

I really wouldn't want to get shot with either one.

 

[ugaarguy]

I suspect that were a neighborhood thug to break in and require taking a round or two to the chest only you and the coroner would know which round he was shot with

 

[Chupacabra]

In the end, the only question you should be asking is, "Will these work in my gun?" After that, the difference between a 180gr Hydrashok and 165gr Gold Dot is probably fairly negligible. The most important thing is for them to function properly in your weapon.

I like the 165grain Gold Dot, but would feel comfortable carrying any of the HPs offered by the major manufacturers in either 165gr or 180gr weights. I've carried Hydrashoks, Gold Dots, and Golden Sabers. All have functioned perfectly in my carry weapons and I think any of them would "get the job done" as long as I do my part *cough*shot placement*cough*

 

[petr]

acc

the question to answer is which ammo is more accurate in your gun. but, gold dots have put more people in the morgue than most.

 

[Brandon223]

Uh

I'm not talking about Hydrasucks, I'm talking about Federal HST (Hi Shok Twos) these expand symmetricly and have petals that are suppose to do extra damage by lacerating tissue and muscle. The HSTs are suppose to be "the new standard for police ammo" but I have heard of problems with Gold Dots when going through heavy clothing. But as of now I have the Black Hills in the magazine. I really doubt that either bullet design is "deadlier" than the other, I'm just having second thoughs about the 180s becuase they are loaded kind of cold in comparison to the 165 HSTs. The XD is really the second line of defence though, becuase less than 2ft away is my NEF Protector loaded with 5 rounds of Winny 00 Buck

 

[ugaarguy]

I will quote a former gunshop co-worker when I asked him why he didn't get pre-ban standard capacity magazines for his Glock 23. His response "If someone walks in here to rob us and takes 11 rounds of 40 S&W and is still standing I'll help him load the truck" You got a good price on the Black Hills ammo, you already have good Federal ammo, and both are quality loads. Way I see it you're laying in a good supply of defensive ammo when the prices are right. Combine that with your pump gun loaded with 00 Buck and you've got a pretty good little HD setup.

 

[cookekdjr]

I actually think the 180gr loads are the best combination of weight and velocity for this round. But really, it doesn't matter. ANY of the "normal" loads (155gr -180gr) are world-class manstoppers. I've analyzed a number of shootings involving the .40, and it stops the bad guy every time. Sometimes he dies. Sometimes he doesn't. But he's always disabled.
Load is not as vital a choice with the .40 as it is with 9mm.
-David

 

[boomstik45]

I've noticed some velocity disparity amongst the .40 loads, but between 155 gr and 180, depending on the bullet design, you have good loads. However, I would assume that heavier loads also carry more momentum, meaning better penetration. I have not heard that Speer Gold Dots have problems with heavy clothing. I did read that about hydroshoks, though. In fact, I've read that Gold Dots are a great all-weather cartridge. Not being an expert, I could be wrong....

 

[ball3006]

I have shot several pigs....

with my Glock 27 using Corbon 135 gr hp. All of the shots were head on and the bullet penetrated the skull, down the spine, and lodged in the shoulderblade area. Shot distance was between 15 and 20 yards. Good enough for me. Besides, the lighter bullet means the gun will weigh less for carry too........But, shoot what functions in your gun the best......chris3

 

[DonGlock26]

Golddots are one of the best bullets you can use.

 

[MAGNUMMAN]

The heavier the better for penetration. With the Gold Dots you do not have to worry about them shedding their core. I believe, somebody correct me if I am wrong, the 180 gr. Gold Dot is the number 1 police load in the country. I use the 180 gr. Gold Dots in my G22.

 

[Zundfolge]

I have owned several pistols in .40 over the years and I've always had the best accuracy with 155gr or 165gr.

135gr. is usualy a lot more flash and noise, but no more accurate. I've never had decent accuracy with any 180gr. and the rare occasion that I've had any feed or ejection problems with either of my Steyrs has been on 180gr. But remember, just 'cause it works well in my gun doesn't mean your gun will like it as well. You'll have to experiment a bit.


While this doesn't apply to your pistol, the problems that older .40 Glocks had (blowing up and all) was with 180gr. ammo which aparently is more prone to pressure spikes due to bullet setback (if you constantly load and unload the same ammo from your gun there can be a tendency to push the bullet deeper into the cartridge).



Right now my Steyr S40 is loaded up with 165gr Gold Dots ... but I've been known to pack 155gr Winchester Rangers as well.




However, after all that, I'd still have to say that time at the range is more important than which brand of ammo you choose.

 

[boomstik45]

Zundfolge, are you talking about the Gold Dot 155 and 165 gr loads?