Need suggestions on JHP loads for XD40 SC

[inSight-NEO]

I have been looking into what would be ideal for my XD40 Sub Compact (3" barrel), when it comes to CC or HD use.

Yes, I realize that +P loads would possibly be more effective, but given that the caliber already exhibits very high pressure, I would like to stick with "standard pressure" JHP loads.

Therefore, I am looking for the most reliable, available, and proven (capable) standard pressure .40 S&W JHP load available for my weapon of choice.

Currently I am looking at Speer or Federal...

Any advice/suggestions are welcome.

 

[Dnaltrop]

I don't think they make + P 40 yet.

That being said I just picked up a M&P 40 and am trying a pack of federal Hydrashock, and a box of Pow-r-ball, and a box of gold dot if I can find it.

 

[inSight-NEO]

I don't think they make + P 40 yet.

My mistake....bad wording. My mention of "+P variants" pertained to ammo, not the weapon itself.

-Correction made-

 

[Dnaltrop]

No, no mistake, there doesn't appear to be an actual SAAMI rating for +p in 40 ammo yet, I was confused myself after hunting down +p for the wife's 9mm sigma.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Someone more venerable put the pressures etc up, as i'm sure someone has it as their Desktop background out there.


Bah sorry for the double post, 3 kids running around make things hectic

 

[inSight-NEO]

No, no mistake, there doesn't appear to be an actual SAAMI rating for +p in 40 ammo yet, I was confused myself after hunting down +p for the wife's 9mm sigma.

Hmm...interesting.

 

[RETG]

I use Winchester PDX1 in 9mm (+P124 gr) and in .40 caliber. In fact, just purchased some more .40 last night from Bass Pro. For what it's worth, the FBI picked this ammo for their issued loads.

 

[Dnaltrop]

I also wanted to track down some Corbon DPX, the wife picked that one for her carry, pure copper bullet means no lead residue in her bag.

Honestly, I think it's just a giant excuse to load the car up with milk jugs filled with water and shoot them with expanding bullets... More the merrier. ^^

 

[Manco]

I use the 180 grain Winchester Ranger Bonded .40 S&W load, which is the same as the 180 grain PDX1 and the current FBI load. It's a deep penetrator, which I would recommend for short barrels because it will give you some margin to work with.

 

[JAguirre]

Speer Gold Dot, Remington Golden Sabers, Winchester Hydra-Shocks are all good in .40.

 

[speaksoftly]

Federal Hydra Shok JHP .40 145 grain. It's not cheap but not ridiculously priced either. I shoot it better than the rest and the hole it leaves is pretty great for a handgun. Cheaperthandirt has good prices on it often and I try to buy a box of 50 every couple of weeks for my "stache".

 

[harmon rabb]

buffalobore makes .40+p. why are you worried about the high pressure? the xd barrel fully supports the case. nothing to worry about.

anyway, i carry 180gr winchester ranger sxt in my glock 27. i'm also always a fan of corbon because they tend to run hot.

 

[71Commander]

If you want store bought ammo, Buffalo Bore is the only way to go.

I carry handloads.

 

[Manco]

buffalobore makes .40+p. why are you worried about the high pressure? the xd barrel fully supports the case. nothing to worry about.

Only speaking for myself and not the OP, I prefer to stay away from extra-hot loads because they tend to produce excessive blast & flash (particularly with a short barrel), which I consider detrimental in a self-defense situation, especially without hearing protection and in low light. They can also feel different and potentially shoot differently from practice loads. If standard-pressure .40 S&W wasn't enough and I couldn't go larger for some reason, then maybe I'd consider +P ammo (although it's not currently defined by SAAMI) or maximum loads (e.g. Double Tap ammo), but regular loads from the major manufacturers are enough to get the job done, in my opinion.