[Mapnapkin]

I can not figure out which caliber to get.
I don't know that much about the subject so maybe you guys could help me.

how do these compare as far as:
damage, stopping power (is there a big difference in stopping power)
availability of bullets
price difference of bullets
recoil

which would you get?


thank you for any info

[c3shooter]

Well, in the same ballpark- but the 40 is generally a heavier bullet than a 9mm Parabellum, with more energy. And it has a larger cross section. With a bigger bullet, more juice, that will equal more stopping power.

The tradeoff for that is that the recoil will be greater, the ammo can cost more (fairly cheap 9mm available for practice, not much cheap 40, and NO millsurp 40) and if you dropped me a a major city anywhere on the planet, I COULD find 9mm Parabellum somewhere.

If you run a google search for ballistic .40 S&W, and ballistics, 9mm Parabellum, Wikipedia has a short article on history of each cartridge, and claimed factory ballistics for different loads.

You pays your money, and you takes your pick.

[sweeper22]

These are the two least expensive, most common centerfire cartridges out there. While 40sw rounds are slightly more expensive, the difference in cost and availability is negligible. You can find 9mm practice ammo for $10-12/per 50. 40sw will run you $13-16. For quality defense ammo, you're looking at about $30/per 50 for either one. The commonality of these two cartridges is one of their prime attributes.

You'll have greater stopping power and stronger recoil in the .40. 9mm will be easier to place a second shot and generally offers at least 25% greater magazine capacity.

The bottom line is, shoot a few hundred rounds of each (from the same model gun) and you'll probably have your answer. I know that'll offer more insight than I could ever provide.

[skullcrusher]

Imo, if it starts with .4, it is the better defense caliber. That is just my opinion.

Stopping power is better with .40

Ammo availability is hit and miss.

Price wise, for a 50 count box you are looking at about $4-5 more per box for the .40 cal on average.

Recoil is negotiable as it depends greatly on the firearm. .40 packs a bigger punch.

Me, I would go for the .45 ACP, but that is just me.

[rifleman1]

id rather have a .45 cal but id settle with a .40 cal in a self defense situation, but i do like to go plink some cans some times with my 9mm.

[Mapnapkin]

thanks

this will be my first hand gun so I am staying away from a .45
I will get a 1911 next

The gun I'm getting is the Springfield XDm (9mm or .40)

So price is close
more stopping power with the 40
more recoil with the 40

I did read on wikipedia about the 40.. always good for research.
9mm = ... 9mm
.40 = 10.16 mm
.45 = 11.43mm

so .40 is in the middle of 9mm and .45
for shooting paper, 9mm
for shooting zombies, .40

hmm

[james_black]

You know how I solved the problem? I bought them both. No more dilema.

[rifleman1]

danm zombies

[Mapnapkin]

Whaaa... bought them both? interesting.. at the same time? same gun?

so maybe
XDm .40
then
S&W M&P 9mm - or - S&W sigma 9mm
then
1911

my 10 year old wants me to get a sigma because its in the Resident Evil game.

So, I definitely have to go rent these and try them out.

[james_black]

Not at the same time. I started with a Glock 22 and the bought a Glock 17. Then another Glock 22 and then another G17. Then I got my wife hitting me on the hand with a ruler.