Best Ammo For .40 S&W

[ajg1285]

I know this has probably been gone over many times but I am new to this caliber and wanted to know what you guys think is the best ammo for duty/home defense? Please recommend a brand AND a grain. I'm currently leaning toward either Speer Gold Dots or Hornady Critical Defense based on some ballistics gel tests I've seen but idk...

[Oceanbob]

I am a fan of Underwood Ammo.

http://www.underwoodammo.com/40sandw165grainjacketedhollowpointboxof20.aspx

Anything they have will do just fine.

Welcome to CAL GUNS!

[SILENT GUNMAN]

I use 180 grain gold dots in my 40s. It's a proven round that can be bought online for fairly cheap.

[5ZS]

Don't over think grain or loads.

Just as a consideration, Federal HST are up there in rating with consistent expansion. I can only find and get them in 180 Grains, so there goes any preference, ya see.

[19K]

180 grain HST's by federal

[Carcassonne]

There is no magic bullet.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/687530/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-ammunition-40-s-and-w-165-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-50?cm_vc=wishList

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/194736/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-ammunition-40-s-and-w-180-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-50?cm_vc=wishList

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[ajg1285]

I have heard a lot of good things about the Federal HST's. SO what about grain? I shot both 165 and 180 gr Federal fmj at the range and couldn't tell the difference, but then I shot some 155 gr jhp by Remington and wow what a difference! I did not like the 155 gr, they had much less "snap" in recoil and more of a push and had a blinding muzzle flash! I thought the lighter the bullet the snappier the recoil?

[ajg1285]

Maybe I was used to the snap of the 165 gr and when I felt the push of the 155 gr I didn't like it because I wasn't expecting it idk...

[P5Ret]

It depends on what gun your feeding it into. My Sig P229 is good with Hornaday Critical Defense, my Glock 27 not so much. If shoots and feeds fine recoil is manageable, but starting to lean to the unpleasant side.

You need to find what works best in your gun, for you. Don't rely on ballistic gel tests alone to pick your defensive ammo, shoot in and make sure it is something your gun likes.

[dc2allday]

There is no magic bullet.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/687530/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-ammunition-40-s-and-w-165-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-50?cm_vc=wishList

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/194736/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-ammunition-40-s-and-w-180-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-50?cm_vc=wishList

.

Yes there is black talon

[Paperchasin]

Any of these for home/self defense:

Winchester Ranger 180gr JHP (RA40T)
Winchester Ranger 165gr JHP (RA40TA)
Winchester Partition Gold 165gr JHP (RA401P)
Winchester Bonded 180gr JHP (Q4355)
Speer Gold Dot 155gr JHP (53961)
Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP (53962)
Federal Tactical 165gr JHP (LE40T3)
Federal Tactical 180gr JHP (LE40T1)
Federal HST 180gr JHP (P40HST1)
Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)

[ajg1285]

Yes there is black talon

Is Black Talon legal in CA? I have never seen it in any of the shops here in San Diego but then again I've never asked about it...

[Anti-Hero]

Winchester ranger T

[iluvmycolt]

180 grain HST's by federal

^+1

[ajg1285]

Any of these for home/self defense:

Winchester Ranger 180gr JHP (RA40T)
Winchester Ranger 165gr JHP (RA40TA)
Winchester Partition Gold 165gr JHP (RA401P)
Winchester Bonded 180gr JHP (Q4355)
Speer Gold Dot 155gr JHP (53961)
Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP (53962)
Federal Tactical 165gr JHP (LE40T3)
Federal Tactical 180gr JHP (LE40T1)
Federal HST 180gr JHP (P40HST1)
Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)

Just curious why you skipped Speer Gold Dot 165 gr but included the 155 and 180 gr? Just asking cuz I kinda like the 165 gr in other manufacturers. I know I know the best thing to do is go shoot all of them and see and which 1 I like best but I haven't got the chance to yet but I will Until next week when I go to the range, I thought I'd ask you guys since you all have more experience with the .40 than I do, thanks for all the advice guys!