40 S&W-If you already have 9mm/45auto

[MyDads38]

Was going through my misc. brass and found 600 + pcs. of 40 S&W brass. I have had no desire to own a 40 cal. handgun; as it appears to be the "middle child" of 9mm and 45 auto.

Some of the threads I've seen here; seems some folks have issues loading this caliber. I don't have issues loading 9mm or 45 auto.

So I have 2 questions:
What would be the benefit of having a 40 cal. as opposed to the 9mm and 45auto I already have?
And what are the issues of reloading the 40 S&W cartridge?

I'm sure I could sell/trade off the 40 cal. brass; but may also consider a handgun for future purchase if there were benefits. Comments anyone?

 

[Duster340]

Hey Dads38,

I see you're dilemma. Been shooting hunting revolvers (Blackhawks/Super BlackHawks) most of my life, so when shopping for a SD pistol, I opted for the M&P 40. I felt it offered the best of both worlds, near 9mm mag capacity and approx. .45 Oomph. After near 2000 rds, 1/2 of that reloads, I absolutely love the gun and the caliber. Also, no issues reloading the 40 for me. That said, I probably would not spend the $$ to get one if I already had a 9 & 45. JMO

Be well

 

[MyDads38]

Thanks for comments so far. I carry a full size 1911 for SD, I've never really liked smaller/pocket guns. I am not recoil shy, but a non-magnum caliber is easier to control for follow up shots (for me anyway) and I've always liked the 45acp. I have no issues carrying a 38 Spec. revolver (4" HB Mod 10) or 9mm (Ruger P89DC). Just wondering about the benefit of a 40 cal. since I already carry the 45auto? It does seem to be pretty "snappy" from a semi-auto.

 

[ColbyBruce]

You can buy a .40 S&W handgun in the same size package as many 9mm handguns. A .40 S&W can throw a heavier bullet.

I have owned several .40 S&W pistols; Sig P239, BHP, Star Firestar, Glock 22. I gave the BHP to my son qnd sold the others. I have shot various S&W, Kahr, Glock, AMT, and Sig pistols in the caliber and find it difficult to shoot. The recoil is snappy to me. I prefer a 9mm. I also like the .357 Sig cartridge.

I considered a Shield in this caliber for hiking until I put a box of ammo through one. The recoil is stout.

I can put you on an inexpensive S&W 4013 if you want to play with a pistol in this caliber.

Here is one of them.

 

[Arik]

I got all 3 so that I can shoot regardless of what caliber becomes unabtanium. Last panic 40 was the last to dissappear and not completely

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[MyDads38]

I got all 3 so that I can shoot regardless of what caliber becomes unabtanium. Last panic 40 was the last to dissappear and not completely

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

I have noticed that 40 cal. seems to be on the shelf more often than some other calibers. Since I reload for all my calibers; I'm able to shoot when others may not be able to find store bought.

 

[mikld]

I have 2, 45 ACP pistols and 2, 9mm pistols. If I wanted a 40 caliber I think I'd go with a 10mm, as I'm not sure a 40 has anything to offer that my 45s and 9mm doesn't already provide (I'm definitely not recoil shy, and from what I've read, recoil is the main reason for the LE agency's favoring the 40 S&W).

 

[NJM15]

Best of both worlds I converted my 40 M&P to 357 Sig using a KKM barrel the difference seems like that between a 38 and 357 mag the power of a 40 cartridge pushing a 9 mm bullet and using the same magazine too. And more accurate then shooting 40 cal rounds

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Can't say I'm a big fan of the .40, but I wound up with a couple thousand cases for it and figured that I might as well "bite the bullet", so to speak, and get a .40 caliber pistol. Haven't had any problems reloading it at all. Until recently it was about the only caliber I could count on the local shops having in stock, so at least I knew I could get ammo if I needed to. Aside from availability, I don't know that it is any better than a 9mm or .45ACP, but I do like the 4006 that I bought to shoot all my reloads with.

 

[Rule3]

Two questions, two answers

There is no real advantage to having a 40 SW. Most LEO Agencies went with it for the abaility to carry a few more rounds and more "stopping" powder than a 9mm. (that is a debate not discussed here)

As to loading it, it's no different than any other round.

Perhaps you are thinking of problems with non fully support chambers like Glock and bulged brass?? For normal loads that really is not an issue. Most guns other than Glock and Browning HP 40 SW have supported chambers.

It's a high pressure round but so is a 9mm. The 45 is a low pressure bigger bullets but less of them.

The 40 SW recoil is as they say "snappy" the 45 is more of a push.

 

[Mac1184]

If I had pistols that I liked in 9mm and 45 ACP, I would not buy a 40. The round is more expensive to shoot than the 9, not as accurate as the 45 and recoil is not uncontrollable, but it is certainly more than the 9 and the "snappiness" makes it a little slower to get back on target than with the 45 in my hands. Not a bad round at all, but not "needed" if you already have the other 2.

 

[MyDads38]

I have to agree...

If I had pistols that I liked in 9mm and 45 ACP, I would not buy a 40. The round is more expensive to shoot than the 9, not as accurate as the 45 and recoil is not uncontrollable, but it is certainly more than the 9 and the "snappiness" makes it a little slower to get back on target than with the 45 in my hands. Not a bad round at all, but not "needed" if you already have the other 2.

I do like both my 9mm and my 45auto; and also my 38 Spec. Revolver The 9mm is the most inexpensive to shoot, the 45 is definitely more accurate and neither cause any issues when reloading. I watched 2 young guys shooting 2 different 40 cal. pistols (Hi-point & Glock) and noticed how "snappy" the recoil was. It's hard to judge accuracy, when watching someone else shooting; but the targets weren't very impressive.

Guess I'm just thinking out loud. I hate seeing good brass go to waste! Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate the feedback.

 

[tim c]

I have all 3 and reload for all 3. I have had no problems loading the .40
I do like the "Oooomph" the .40 has and i find it as accurate as my 45
and i also carry a .40 shield and a mod. 638 38special

 

[mtgianni]

I have a CZ75 in 9mm and a Kimber 45 ACP. I also shoot and own a S&W and a Kahr 40. Both sold for under $325 on gunbroker. I find the Kahr CW easy to shoot and accurate with factory and lead cast. Each does a separate task similar to owning a 223, and a 375 H&H. A 308 fits nicely in the middle.

 

[AveragEd]

This discussion made a decision for me. I have match-grade 1911s in .38 Super and .45ACP and was considering another 1911 but thought I wanted a different caliber. I was going to buy a 10mm but learned that it is a high-pressure, high-recoil round and my main use of a 1911 is target shooting, so I was thinking about a 40S&W. However, you guys have convinced me that my next 1911 with be another .45ACP. New guns in .38 Super are real hard to find.

Ed

 

[rwsmith]

Perhaps you are thinking of problems with non fully support chambers like Glock and bulged brass?? For normal loads that really is not an issue. Most guns other than Glock and Browning HP 40 SW have supported chambers.

If I had a .40 it would HAVE to have a fully supported chamber. I don't want to shoot anything that does that to my brass.

 

[blujax01]

To expound on Rule3 - there are reports of folks picking up range brass that has the so-called "Glock Bulge", a deformity near the base that a normal resizing die won't iron out. Lee sells a special die called the "Bulge Buster" that makes these cases usable. (That Richard Lee - he has something for everything, don't he?)

A visit to the sub forum on the M&P 40's and the various "kaboom" threads is somewhat enlightening. A few of these threads discuss the reloaded 40 case being the possible cause of the mishaps due to a weak spot caused by the bulge.

 

[scooter123]

IMO the 40 S&W gets a lot of undeserved bad press. First, the operating pressure isn't "High", it's in the same range as the 9mm and the 357 Magnum. One positive aspect of this is powders that need some pressure to get a good burn run very clean when loaded to mid range and above.

Then there is the "Snappy" recoil. This one really drives me bug eyed nuts. I consider a fully stoked 357 Magnum with a 125 grain pill to be a bit snappy, in comparison a range load for the 40 S&W is a powder puff. Now, I will admit that the 40 S&W can use ammunition with results every bit as "Snappy" as that 357 Magnum. Use a 135 grain bullet in the 40 and drive it to 1400 fps and you will have a semi that feels like you are shooting a light and fast 357 Magnum. It will also sound a lot like the 357 Magnum with those rocket loads.

What isn't widely circulated is just how versatile the 40 S&W is. As noted you can load 40 caliber Magnum equivalents but you can also load it with 200 grain Hunting loads. My personal favorite for SD practice is a 165 grain Extreme Plated loaded to 1150 fps with 7.5 grains of Longshot. This produces a practice load that is an exact match for the 165 grain Speer Gold Dot HE load I carry with. My favorite for range plinking is a 180 grain plated loaded over 5.4 grains of SR7625. This produces 950 fps in a clean shooting load with less muzzle flip and felt recoil than the Federal Champion I used to use. BTW, I do NOT understand why the SR7625 is so soft shooting because in external ballistics this load is a dead match for that Federal Champion but it is noticeably soft shooting. BTW, it's also a real soft shooting powder in my 45 ACP's.

As for loading, I think it's as easy to load as a 45 ACP. Clean the brass, flare the cases, insert and press bullet to length, and crimp the cases. That aint exactly rocket science and I am NOT a "rocket surgeon".

 

[Arik]

My favorite is still the HK P2000. It has about as much recoil as my Glock 19

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[walnutred]

I like cartridges with a proven track record. I tend to shoot things like 45 Colt, 32 WCF, 38 Special etc. My last carry gun purchase was a CW40. Looking at the ballistics I figure 40 S&W is just a modern 38-40, which had a good reputation as a defense round back in the day. I've not had any trouble reloading for 40 S&W.

 

[rsrocket1]

Don't act as if you have to act now. Hold on to the brass for now. I have a 1911, then got an M&P40 with no intentions of going any smaller than .357 for my Ruger, but just kept collection the 9mm brass as it fell at my feet. One day I saw a set of Lee 9mm dies for $19 and that was the tipping point to getting the barrel and mags. Voila, I already had a coffee can of brass ready to load!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[rg1]

I too accumulated a few hundred rounds of 40 S&W brass and didn't have a 40. A couple family members have one, plus it seems all the police agencies use 40's so I decided to buy one for myself and dies and bullets. Now I have a pistol plus a good supply of reloaded 40 ammo in case I or someone else needs ammo. Had to have a pistol to develop my loads in. I was surprised that I do like shooting it. I have 9MM's and 45 ACP's also and my Glock 23 is the same size and fits all my holsters for a G19 9MM.

 

[NavalOps]

As noted by other members here, the caliber debate is a very heated discussion amongst gun owners . However, to answer your question:

I've owned several .40 caliber handguns, and have found that they tend to have more recoil than a 9mm and a 45 caliber. As far as power is concerned, I use the good ol' rule of thumb: any caliber bullet to the head has the same effect, and realistically, how many rounds will you need to stop someone from harming you? My wife and I both carry 9mm handguns because the ammo is cheaper, and realistically, I don't plan on ever having to use it, but its good to know that I have something to help if something were to happen.

 

[bubbajoe45]

Was going through my misc. brass and found 600 + pcs. of 40 S&W brass. I have had no desire to own a 40 cal. handgun; as it appears to be the "middle child" of 9mm and 45 auto.

Some of the threads I've seen here; seems some folks have issues loading this caliber. I don't have issues loading 9mm or 45 auto.

So I have 2 questions:
What would be the benefit of having a 40 cal. as opposed to the 9mm and 45auto I already have?
And what are the issues of reloading the 40 S&W cartridge?

I'm sure I could sell/trade off the 40 cal. brass; but may also consider a handgun for future purchase if there were benefits. Comments anyone?

My situation was similar, I think. I collected a few thousand rounds of brass at a range where I shot, but had no .40 gun. I tried to sell some at a gunshow and got $15 (big whoop). Conversely, though I was never a fan of the 9mm - I did have 2 pocket pistols in the caliber, however I never reloaded 9mm. I ran across 40 dies at WalMart for a reasonable price (RCBS), and now I have one 9mm (in a drawer somewhere) and three 40s (Shield, PM40, & P239). I've had no issues reloading. IMHO I have replaced 9mm with a more effective caliber - bigger hole, heavier bullet. I never had much confidence in the 9 to begin with, and my primary is a 45 also. I feel the 40 is a better bet when the chips are down.

 

[alwslate]

The caliber debates are largely a waste of time. People's opinions are
rarely changed. For me it's an easy choice. I have several 9mms and
several 45s and see absolutely no advantage to the S&W 40 over the
9mm or 45 and have no intention of owning one.

 

[lhump1961]

I can see the "I have a 9 and a 45 so no need for a 40" argument from the "need" angle and it makes sense in that regard...but I like guns and I "want" a 40 (or two) 'cause they make 'em! I enjoy the different characteristics among the calibers and load for them all. If it was all "need" based I would probably only have one handgun.

That's the great thing about this sport...own and shoot what makes you happy.

 

[SMSgt]

I was ready to pick up a Glock 22 a second thought told me I didn't need a fourth caliber handgun (five if one includes the .22 adapter for my G30). I do have bags of .40 & .357 SIG cases, just in case an over-powering urge strikes.

 

[Alk8944]

MyDads38,

There are two operative 4-letter words when it comes to gun ownership, "Need" and Want". Depending on what use you intend to put a firearm determines the "need" aspect. If all you are going to do is plink cans and rocks then all you will ever "need" is a .22 rimfire, a pellet gun or a slingshot (AKA "Rubber Flipper").

What I think you are really asking is "What is the justification for the .40 S&W?" Based on "need" when placed between the 9mm & .45 ACP, absolutely none! But then the same can be said for any caliber. New cartridges do not make others obsolete! It's like having a .30-06 and asking do I "need" a (.30-30, .30-40, .308, .300 Savage.......)? Same answer, NO! The .30-06 will do everything the others will and then some. Everything changes when we get to "WANT"!

Do you "need" a .40? NO! Do you "WANT" a .40? Then buy one, if not, then don't. Just that simple. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy one because someone else likes the caliber!

FWIW, I ended up with several 9mm pistols, a caliber I never had an interest in, simply because I picked up several thousand fired cases that were simply left behind. Did I "need" a 9mm, no. Did I really want one, no! But I did have LOTS of good brass that I couldn't see go to waste!

There are two kinds of people in the shooting sports, "Shooters", and simply those who shoot! If you are one of the last you won't understand. If one of the first you already do.

 

[SW_shooter]

First benefit? 40S&W is a FUN caliber!

While, I agree, its probably a case for want vs need. I get sort of a kick out of people trying to justify a caliber based on how much damage it may or may not do compared to another. I understand how one projectile can make more or less of an impact and blah blah blah. Bottom line for me, its a personal choice and you have to decide if it fits for you. Sounds to me like you want to try one but you're trying to justify "needing" it to fill a gap. OK, you need one to fill the caliber gap in your personal arsenal. (of course then you'll need a 38spcl, 357mag and sig, 38 super, 41mag, 44mag and so on...)

Now, back to the question: get a 40S&W caliber and enjoy! I happen to love the caliber and am planning to buy two more in 40 to enjoy. One will most likely be a carbine type weapon in fact. Troubles: nope, just lots of enjoyment. I'm in the process of going through thousands of 40 brass to load and will get one of them thar Lee Bulge Busters if need be.

And I'll be more than happy to take that pesky 40 brass off your hands if it continues to bother you.

 

[MyDads38]

Thanks all, for the replies so far! As I mentioned earlier, I was more or less thinking out loud when I posted this. Do I need a 40 S&W caliber handgun-short answer-NO. I know a few people that own them and they are happy with their purchases.

At one time, I was a competitive shooter in PPC and was on the Dept. of Corr. Pistol Team. I was also a Federally Licensed Mfg. of Ammunition and then a licensed Firearms Dealer. Left the Dept., got divorced, sold all my guns (to pay legal fees for divorce) and discontinued being a dealer. Fast forward 25+ years and I'm getting back into shooting/reloading and enjoying myself. I don't have a lot of expendable cash and it's hard to buy guns, ammo and reloading supplies and still pay all the regular household bills. But somehow, I get a little here and there, like a lot of folks do.