I request input from LEOs and all the other Pros out there as to the best carry ammo for the S&W M&P Shield 40 Cal. I am not law enforcement, but I am retired military with past assignments that required concealed carry in foreign urban hot spots. The ammo doesn't have to meet the FBI requirements, e.g. penetrate auto glass and still expand. Indeed, over-penetration is a concern because 40 S&W caliber will tend to do that. In summary, I'm looking for a cartridge which, when fired from the Shield's 3.1" barrel, within range parameters of about 3 to 9 yards, will penetrate thick denim plus "jacket" leather, penetrate ballistic gel a maximum of about 15-17 inches and reliably expand to at least 1.60 with 100% of the bullet remaining. Pre-sealed primer is nice but not necessary (I seal my own carry ammo with fingernail polish). All the main cartridge manufacturers claim theirs to be the best, but I would like to hear from unbiased, experienced, people who are more likely to provide straightforward info with nothing to gain. You could save me a lot of time and money. Thanks in advance.
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Best Carry Ammo for Shield 40
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Oldherkpilot
Member
A friend of mine who is in law enforcement advised me to go with 165 gr Speer Gold Dots. He had done some pretty extensive testing and found the GDs to fill the bill in terms of penetration, expansion and did not suffer much from the clothing filling the hollow point. Can't remember what he said about the windshield penetration. Anyway, he later was involved in a shooting and the bullets performed superbly. He was use a Glock 22, however, so I am not sure of the impact of the shorter barrel on your Shield.
Additionally, he also found the Speer 124 gr Gold Dot +P to be the best 9mm load. Good luck to you.
Additionally, he also found the Speer 124 gr Gold Dot +P to be the best 9mm load. Good luck to you.
I use Speer Gold Dots 165, as well.
But, there are other choices that are as good or slightly better. I have always used Speer Gold Dots and I use them in my 9mm's and 40 S&W. They seem to be pretty consistent.
Rangers are good and Hornady Critical Duty and Critical Defense are good, too. Federal HST also good.
This thread should probably be moved to the ammo section.
But, there are other choices that are as good or slightly better. I have always used Speer Gold Dots and I use them in my 9mm's and 40 S&W. They seem to be pretty consistent.
Rangers are good and Hornady Critical Duty and Critical Defense are good, too. Federal HST also good.
This thread should probably be moved to the ammo section.
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dullh
Member
Three cheers for the 165gr Gold Dot. The one and only 40 I ever owned (a S&W 4046) loved this round...
gunny4053
US Veteran
At the risk of sounding like a parrot, let me join the Gold Dot crowd. I've personally carried them for years. A retired deputy friend will use nothing but Gold Dots. I'm not sure on .45, but I believe he uses 200gr, 165 gr in .40, and 124gr in 9mm. There are many bullets that come pretty close in performance, some may even be as good, but I doubt you'll find many that will out perform GD's. So far, the only alternative I've been comfortable carrying are the Hornaday Critical Duty. They seem to provide the best accuracy, at least for me, next to the GD's, and if you can't hit what you're shooting at, all the fancy hollow points and ballistic tips are for not.
Good Luck and good shooting.
Good Luck and good shooting.
Nomadic Vagabond
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Best ammo is what you shoot the most accurately with.
That said, I use the Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel" 180gr. (part no. 23974). Hard to find but from the research I've done the "short barrel" version is ideal for the Shield. Supposedly, it expands better than the standard Gold Dots in short barrel handguns.
That said, I use the Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel" 180gr. (part no. 23974). Hard to find but from the research I've done the "short barrel" version is ideal for the Shield. Supposedly, it expands better than the standard Gold Dots in short barrel handguns.
mustangman
Member
Locals here put me on to the 165gr Gold Dots. That's what I've been carrying, and have had no malfunction and are pretty accurate. I am almost out though and thinking about going heavier and trying 180gr HST's.
robkarrob
Member
I like CorBon, which is about the most powerful commercial manufactured ammo on the market, that falls within the upper limits of SAMMI specifications. It is great for SD with their HP bullet, but does not meet the FBI standards for metal/glass penetration. That does not make it bad, as it has a high expansion rate, but is not good at penetrating barriers, which is not usually encountered in a civilian SD situations. Police need penetration for shooting at subjects in vehicles, but the offset is those bullets do not expand as well in soft tissue, not transferring as much energy.
Specs for CorBon 40 S&W 135 gr JHP
1325 fps with a whopping 526 ft pounds of energy
Bob
Specs for CorBon 40 S&W 135 gr JHP
1325 fps with a whopping 526 ft pounds of energy
Bob
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