Whats the best .40S&W rounds?
 

Just ordered my first firearm, a Beretta PX4-Storm in .40S&W. Now I need to know what kind of ammo I should buy for it?

What make, what type, and what grains will work well with this pistol?

For defense rounds: Should I get hollow-points, or is there newer/better technology out there these days? I'm looking for "more damage, less over-penetration", and don't mind spending some extra $$$

For Training: I want a cheaper round, that will give a similar shooting experience.


Thanks!

I like Federal Hydrashocks for defense, I run 230 gr. .45 ACPs, but any good hollow point will work well. Look at Winchester's Sabers or Cor-Bon's defense hollow points.

As for range ammo, go to Walmart and ask for CCI Blazer Brass. I pay about $10/box for .45 ACP. If I shot more than I do, I'd consider hand loading.

Ammo:
 

The best choice in hollow points would be to ask around what LE in your area uses in 40S&W....covers many liability/choice issues.

CCI/Speer Gold Dot hollow points are very good. What ever you choose, shoot some for practice, function and accuracy BEFORE carrying them.

I would NEVER even consider putting Corbon ammo in my firearms or yours.
far too many Corboomed & destroyed pistols in 40S&W by this ammo. Often exceeds SAAMI specs for safe pressure in this round.

Try verious FMJ loads to see which shoots best in your 40S&W.
wither 165's or 180 grains. Then shop and buy by the case to save more $$$.

Get a couple of extra mags for the pistol...in case Hillary gets elected and Shummer gets another hi-cap mag ban passed ! :confused:

Not sure what U.S laws are like regarding ammo, but would suggest going light and fast, rather than the opposite.
Speer Gold dots in 155gr @ approx 1200fps from a 4" barrel should do plenty damage and stop most people.
The 165gr option is also not a bad idea. Same for Federal Hydrashok. Keen to see how the 165gr Ranger SXT's perform, that might also be a good option, if you can get your hands on them.

Oh great, here we go with the light and fast vs heavy and slow argument.

IMHO .40 cannot be made to go fast enough to qualify for the light and fast argument. Leave the light bullets to the 9mm/.38/.357 crowd.

The bullet MUST penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs to do damage. Just about anything can get to the vitals on a thinly clothed, bad guy facing you straight off with out any intermediate cover. When the perfect conditions do not exist, you must be able to penetrate deeply enough to do the job. Heavy is better as long as it has enough speed to drive it deep.
.40 180 gr Gold Dot is the standard by which all other .40 ammo is judged.

ps. I do like light and fast. In rifles. 5.56 64 gr Winchester power point @3000 fps cures ones desire to do evil toward ones fellow man.

You're going to get as many opinions as there are members of the forum. I don't think you can beat any of the modern hollow point rounds made by the major manufacturers. They are all competitive and they all perform well. Once upon a time that wasn't the case, but the various ammo makers are all competing for our dollars and therefore put out quality products.

There is no perfect round, or magic bullet. Forum members will tell you what they use, and why, but what works for me, won't necessarily work for you.

Federals hst and tactical loadings. remington golden sabers, speer golddots, winchester's ranger t line, Any of these will serve you well.

Hope this helps.

bobkreeger
 

take a look at buffalobore.com & their 155 gr hp +P loads for the .40 S&W. Loaded for self defense, it's what I carry in my .40's.

I shoot Rangers or Hornaday Tap