best .40 cal ammo (for defense and for plinkin

[Tdrake]

Sorry it posted twice - I hit enter after entering the subject.

What is the best defense loads for a .40 cal? I have an SW99 and was wondering what you guys use. Also, what is best (cheapest and easiest to get for plinkin)?

Thanks -I am enjoying all the other posts - Tdrake

[flashpoint]

Go to Wal-Mart, they got the every day low prices. They also have the best deal for plinkers, Winchesters 50 box for around $9. Anybody found any cheaper please let us know.

[sonnyboy]

For defense, 165 grain Remington Golden Saber or the better 155 grain variants - Hydra Shok, etc.

[Jeffress77]

Check out Taurus' .40 hex All Copper. This is one of the best rounds I have shot, and tests show it beats every other round in expansion, and reliability.

[Jeffress77]

Well, BigBrother, these tests were done by professioal ballisticians at American Handgunner. They were tested with 3 different materials. Gelatin, Denim, and I believe wood was the other, and the expansion was exact in every material. I am not sure if CorBon ammunition was used in the test, but i know that Golden Saber, Hydra-Shok, and Taurus were used

[DocGlock]

Walmart Winchester white box @8.87, can't go wrong for FMJ. 165 or 180 gr both available. As for carry, Hydra-Shoks seem to shoot well on point. There gonna do job if and when it comes time to engage a hostile.
Doc

[Callahan]

I pretty much think anyone hit with a .40-caliber round is going down, don't you? I don't care if it's FMJ or hollowpoint. Personally I like the Federal product (HydraShok) because it has never let me down. I have shot Federal cartridges (Premiums) during hunting season since '82.

[DoubleAction]

The .40S&W seems to put out the Welcome Matt to the Grimm Reaper with it's bullet diameter,velosity,and choices available in bullet designs.Not to mention the choice of pistols available to launch it's wrath on potiential targets.In my humble opinion,it's the best thing to come along since the 10mm and .45 acp.

[Tdrake]

Amen to that DA.
I have done some testing since I did this post and talked to the experts at Federal and some LEO friends of mine.

I have found that Federal Premium 180g Hydra-shok JHP is some good ammo and it had a little muzzle flash - even in low light conditions that I have tested-- It is also a slower round and has a wider wound channel meaning more damage.
When I shot these (at 12 yards) - they seemed to group a little better than the Federal Classic 40 SW 155g HI-SHOK JHP (but not by much)

This round (the Hi-shok) seemed to be a good round, but it had a huge muzzle flash in the same low light conditions- it also is going to be faster obviously since it is 155. This round also has a 1/2 inch better penetration rate than the Hydra-shok (which to me suggests that it is more likley to go thru and hit something else behind the target I am aiming for.

For me the best defensive round is the Federal Premium Hydrashock 180 grain. That is what I will carry from now on. Suits my situation just fine, it is easy to get, and in low light conditions (like in the middle of the nit and something goes bump) I wont go blind if i do have to touch off a round.

Thanks to everybody that posted. Be Safe.


for plinkin - cant beat walmart -

[1shot1kill]

For defense I use Corbon + P ammo but the best defense rounds ive seen are the magsafe rounds. In tests the magsafe .380 round out performed corbon 45 acp. as far as a quick kill. The tests were performed on live goats and they were tested on how long it took for the animal to die. I found this information on www.topglock.com under the ammo section. I didnt belive it either. I think ill stick with the Corbons since magsafe is $20 for 6 rounds! For plinking i just buy the cheep winchesters from wallmart or the $7.50 a box reloads from a local reloader.