I'm looking at .40 SW rounds for carry. I've come across two loads: Buffalo Bore 155 gr and 180 gr. Both JHP.

Their specs:

155 grain -
Muzzle Velocity: 1300 fps
Muzzle Energy: 582 ft. lbs.

180 grain -
Muzzle Velocity: 1100 fps
Muzzle Energy: 484 ft. lbs.

thoughts?

Winchester PDX1 180gr 40SW is the load issued to the F.B.I.

Lest we forget, those Nancy's thought the 10mm was too rough.

Well,
At least you can trust B/B's published velocities! I've never heard of anyone running something of theirs through the traps and NOT having it equal or better what's advertised? JOMO, I don't care what caliber it is, I'm firmly in the "heavy for caliber" tank. Again JOMO?

That 155 grainer is packing 125 gr. .357 level muzzle energy. If the bullet is a good one, I would look no further. Drop 25 grains and gain 100 foot pounds? That's a no-brainer IMO. If the penetration is adequate, what will the heavy bullet gain you ballistically?

The heavier they are, the less they tend to cork screw when only having been half opened after striking bone. I can't guarantee that a wrist bone, shoulder joint, etc. won't be struck first on the bullet's way into the thorax. If I'm good/lucky enough to have delivered an accurate round, I'd sure hate to think that a half opened bullets instability, would be the cause of it going off course.
But, as I said...JOMO?

Which of the two shoots "better"? Get a box of each and see whether they hit close to where you are aiming (POI = POA), and whether there is any difference in how they feel (felt recoil, muzzle jump, etc.), and how quickly you can get back on target after each shot.

__________________
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

I can see what you're driving at, Spot, but it's not enough to sway me. I'm thinking that a lighter, or midweight bullet is more likely to get fully expanded despite the interference of bone due to it's higher velocity. Of course, one must do that with which one is comfortable.

When it comes to handgun cartridges, bigger is better...both weight and diameter.

Try both and see which round you and your gun shoot better.

I believe we are splitting hairs in the debate of ballistic superiority between these two rounds. You do your part behind the trigger and sights and EITHER round will acheive the desired result.

No slight against any specific maker, but I'd stay away from the products of any of the "boutique" ammo makers for defensive use. Their products are less defensible in court. Also, their strict adherence to SAAMI pressure specifications are occasionally questionable, regardless of claims and ads. HP White Laboratories doesn't work cheap-reasonable, but not cheap.

If there's sufficient volume, it may be possible to get powder manufacturers to brew small manufacturers some non standard powders that allow you to get higher velocities at acceptable pressures. It's far more frequent that they simply ladle more of the same powders in, damn the pressures.

A few foot pounds one way or the other isn't as important as where you put the bullet.

As if you'd be in less trouble for popping someone with Wolf ammo.

Not true. The full power 10mm was never issued or considered. The boys in the ammo unit started with a bullet, pushed the velocity until it did what they wanted in the gelatin, and called it good.

If you have some actual information that the 10mm was "too rough" I'd love to hear it. I was in the first new agent class after the 10mm was pulled, because of problems with the guns, not the ammo.

It is likewise internet hokum that the 1076 was too heavy.

Signed, Special Agent Nancy.

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

Take it easy Nancy, I was just yanking your purse.

However, since the 10mm/1076 debacle, the Glock 20 has been available for evaluation.

You really want to go into court with DRT (Dead Right There) ammo?

I don't want to go to court and I most certainly do not want to go to the ER or morgue either.

Easily purchased, readily available ammo like Buffalo Bore is no more legally noxious than any other ammunition purchased in a similar manner.

For example, is +P 9mm hp ammo more deadly than standard pressure 9mm hp ammo?

180gr CCI Gold Dot.

This has proven to be a widely used duty load and has performed very well on the street.

The 180gr Ranger-T is also a well proven .40 loading.

... and what moondawg said,,,,, There are no magic bullets, and a few extra FPS count for even less than going from one to another service caliber.

"Signed, Special Agent Nancy." That's hilarious!!

+1 on the 180 Gold Dot, 155 Gold Dot, or any other LE grade ammunition. I'll pass on the Buffalo Bore ammo as it won't do anything the others won't do cheaper, with less recoil, and less wear and tear on the gun. Are the bullets they use in those loadings designed for the increased velocity at which they're loaded? If you really think they're the way to go, then have at it. Get several few boxes of each to make sure your gun will run with them though.

Not sure Lt.?
IIRC B/B is running a Gold Dot for all of their JHP stuff?
Never having owned a .40 S&W, I did as I usually do.
When in doubt, default to the heavier bullet.

Well yes, actually, I do have some thoughts. I am rather fond of the .40 S&W because it is rather powerful (compared to .380 acp at least) and rather compact and lightweight to carry (compared to S&W N-frames at least). The standard bullet weights of 135, 155-165, & 180 grs. provide a useful range of performance for many applications.

If you wish to shoot through car bodies (for example), I would likely recommend the 180 gr. BB load. If you wish to obtain explosive results in defending against soft targets, then I would recommend the hi-speed 155 gr. BB load. However, in a lightweight pistol (one of the advantages of the .40 caliber), the recoil and recovery time with either of these BB loads might very well prove to be excessive. What pistol are you planning to carry? I should imagine that firing either of these BB loads from a lightweight pistol such as the Kahr PM40 would be rather interesting--perhaps even extremely interesting.

Pick one. Can't go wrong with either.

I really like Win Ranger T and Corbon DPX.

Hi,

The answer is easy!!!

1. Take the gun to the range and shoot each one very carefully . . . at the distance you like your self defense guns to hit when zero'ed for self defense purposes. I'd bench rest it first, then verify that you shoot at the same point of aim when shooting standing/unsupported.

2. Then, buy the one that shoots exactly to point of aim at that distance!

3. Then, buy a couple of other brands in the bullet weight that shoots P.O.A. best . . . and see which of the three groups tighter.

4. Buy the one that shoots the tightest groups to P.O.A.

Hope this helps,

Tom

PS: Generally, the lighter the bullet, the LOWER it will impact on your target, even at ten yards. Sometimes the difference at that range can be several inches if the bullet weights are much different.

This is because the lighter bullets are faster leaving the barrel . . . before any recoil motion gets started. The heavy bullets like the 180 in your case, MAY shoot much higher than a 155. Different brands and/or bullet types within the same bullet weight usually shoot to different spots too, somewhat.

You surely don't want a bullet weight in whatever kind of gun you are shooting to impact several inches higher or lower than you think it is . . . and you can't depend under stress to "remember" whether to shoot any specific gun higher or lower than what the sights tell ya.

Both loads you mentioned are effective . . . as long as you put that bullet exactly where you want it to go! Bullet placement trumps the loading.