Best Ammo

[biggs357]

Today while out shopping i ended up in a pawn shop.While there i picked up some ammo for my S&W 4046 .40 cal,it was 180 grain PMC Starfire.I already have 2 boxes of 155 grain federal hst.My question is this which is a better round for carry,or better yet which of these types of ammo would you use if it were you.

 

[biggs357]

Today while out shopping i ended up in a pawn shop.While there i picked up some ammo for my S&W 4046 .40 cal,it was 180 grain PMC Starfire.I already have 2 boxes of 155 grain federal hst.My question is this which is a better round for carry,or better yet which of these types of ammo would you use if it were you.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Personally I like the 155 in .40 but either will do the job if you can hit with it and neither will do the job if you can't. Bullet placement is key, after that penetration. Everything else is window dressing.

 

[Stockhouse14]

I have not read too much credible reports on either round to tell you the truth. With that said, I would say both would work ok as long as your gun functions fine with it. Does not sound like you have much stock of either one to do a full function test in your gun?

I tend to lean with the Federal 180g HST in .40. If you want a bonded HP, then look at the 165 or 180g GDHP.

 

[gmchenry]

HST is a much better design with more reliable expansion. You're also less likely to have muzzle flash with the Federal loading.

 

[SharpshooterOPD]

Columbus Ohio PD swears by the HST, and they shoot people with them often enough to have some basis for the their opinion. When I tested it for my own PD, I was also impressed; particularly with its expansion, but it was ultimately eeked out by a Winchester Ranger/Bonded load. On the other hand, I have had a few problems over the years with PMC products (although those were not with their handgun ammo). Still, given a choice between those two, I would go with the Federal.

HRF

 

[RCL]

Personally I would never use any .40 over 155grs for self defense. The local PD used the old 180gr HS and it was an abysmal failure. It moved to the 155gr. GD and has had great success with that. I've seen what it does and thus carry it.

 

[Bullman]

Actually, I heard (and I don't have a source for this other than what rattles around my head) that the Starfire and the Hydra Shock were designed by the same guy. They certainly work on the same principal.

 

[Bullman]

And....

I find that some of the most interesting loadings for pistols these days come from the brilliant Mike McNett of doubletap ammunition. Everything is loaded to maximum potential. He also uses good bullets, like Gold Dots and Nosler and Hornaday

 

[gglass]

Although it is not mentioned, I like many LEO's prefer the Winchester Ranger T (Talon) rounds. Even though Winchester choose to drop the infamous "Talon" from the name... It is the same thing. There are a few different varieties of the Rangers for both LE and civilian markets. The part numbers to look for are RA40TA (165gr) and RA40T (180gr).

And yes, you can buy these as a civilian in most states... You just have to find a dealer willing to go against Winchester's civilian sale policy.

My personal favorite of the two would be the RA40TA with its 1091 fps velocity at 25-yards. Now that makes for a flat trajectory!

 

[FirebirdV8]

Anything in the Winchester ranger line would work for your 40. I use the 155gr for a little more velocity, but those are harder to find than the 165gr rounds

 

[gatorhugger]

Can't go wrong with any of the big 3

HST
Ranger
Golden Saber

I have shot them all in some tough meat, through clothes, and they all expand and go deep. Can't ask for anything more.
I doubt there is a nickels difference between the premium rounds.