40s&w

[nwslopoke]

Another thread from the crypt. My 1st pistol was an SD9Ve, unfortunately. It was an ok pistol but wouldn't cycle steel case reliably. The unfortunate part was that pistol sent me on a decades long multi-gun search for the perfect gun. Some came and went but nearly 30 guns later I realize that doesn't exist. I learned to be happy with what I have now, including several 40 cals. My favorite caliber.

 

[MikeInOr]

What got me into 40 S&W pistols was the wealth of pistols on the used market for cheap when the FBI dropped the round.

The FBI twice found that they had to standardize on ammo for the least common denominator... rounds that lighter, less capable and less firearm fluent agents can shoot well enough. Hence 10mm --> 40 S&W, then 40 S&W to 9mm. This doesn't mean the 40 S&W isn't more effective than 9mm in competent hands... it just means that 9mm can be more effective than 40 S&W in less competent hands.

I never bought a 40 when they were popular... 40 S&W cases are a pain in the rear to cull out of a batch of 9mm brass... and out of a batch of 45 acp brass. One 40 case always seems to slip through sorting which would always jam my progressive press. But when the pistols lost popularity and hit the used market cheap they were too good of a deal to pass up!

I.e. I am a cool dude because I like to buck the popular trends!

 

[oremike]

I like 165gr's in my 40's. Both JHP and Blue Bullet target ammo.

 

[JuglansRegia]

From what l remember heavier loads came out first then the transition was to go lighter and faster. I prefer 155-165gr, the gold dots work well or Winchester defender.

 

[1911Fanatic]

Hey all. Curious quest here. What was the original grain weight intended for the 40 s&w. I know 230 gr was and still is standard for 45 acp. But can't seem to find what is the standard go to bullet weight is for my 40. I am shooting an sd40ve and 180 gr ball and hollow points are tending to shoot low. But man is this thing fantastic. Cycling everything I feed it.

Added a picture of my sd40ve and bersa thunder 380.

View attachment 456333

Welcome. I really like that gun. I had the first version Sigma in 40 when they first came out. I used to have and SD 9 and am looking for an SD 40VE with the High Viz Fiberoptic sights. I haven't tried the 2.0 version yet, but still like the sigma/M&P trigger.

The Sigma did something that Glock failed to do. They left a little space between the polymer frame and the bottom of the slide so that the polymer wouldn't swell and friction lock the slide under rapid/repeated firing. I've had that happen on Glocks twice.

As far as defensive rounds, +P rounds in 165 gr are common. The 40mS&W has kind of fallen out of favor as of late.

What distances are your shooting at that the rounds print low?

 

[gmerkt]

I've thought that somewhat lighter bullets were a better defensive choice in both .40 S&W and .45 ACP than typical "service" load weights. 165 gr. in .40 and 185 to 200 gr. in .45. That 230 gr. FMJ Ball ammo in .45, that's a Geneva Convention design. The 180 gr. is a good weight for 10mm auto.

 

[oremike]

There is a nice article in this months Hand loader magazine on the 40 S&W .