ElToro
Member
my nite stand Sig 229 runs with 180 gr HST
Originally posted by Deputy:
Glad someone asked this question. I just bought a SIG 226R in .40 S&W (my first .40) and was wondering about the ammo question too. From what I have read, the previous "trend" seems to be towards the medium weight 155-165 grain bullet because they provide the best balance between velocity and penetration. I'm not much for following the lead of the FBI in both gun and ammunition. I've seen them screw up too many times to accept their teaching as "gospel". They just adopted a Winchester 180 grain cartridge as their issue load (Winchester Supreme Elite 180gr PDX).
I have read good things about the CorBon DPX/Thunder Ranch ammo in 140 grain. It's pricey, but doesn't break apart like some bullets.
Most of the negative feedback about the .40 S&W comes from Glock owners. It seems they don't like the "snappy" recoil of the .40 S&W. Many of them have gone back to 9MM because of it. I picked up some Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger LEO bonded, and Winchester Silvertip.
What I was wondering is is the felt recoil noticeably different between the 180 grain and mid-weight 155-165 grain ammo? Does 180 grain FMJ recoil less than 165 grain FMJ? I will be shooting IDPA with this gun so I'd like to pick an ammo weight that gives the least recoil.
I also don't put much stock in the Marshall and Sanow findings. It's been proven that their methods were inconclusive at best.
Dep
Originally posted by CarlP2:
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FWIW, I can't tell any difference in recoil between 165 and 180 out of my M&P.
The reason is called an expansion threshold, and it's a very good one. I couldn't agree more.Originally posted by Rich S:
as previously stated, about any golddot should do, i like 155/165 because they tend to move at about 1000fps wheras the 180's run a bit slower, 1000fps makes me feel better for some reason.
Originally posted by flop-shank:
The reason is called an expansion threshold, and it's a very good one. I couldn't agree more.Originally posted by Rich S:
as previously stated, about any golddot should do, i like 155/165 because they tend to move at about 1000fps wheras the 180's run a bit slower, 1000fps makes me feel better for some reason.
No. As bullets get closer to their expansion threshold they are less likely to expand under less than ideal conditions. Technology has helped, but in the end the problem still exists. For example, when I fired a Speer SB .38 +P into Perma-Gel through four layers of denim it choked. The same bullet from a SB .357 expanded beautifully. The gun was the same 360 PD in both instances. The variable was the velocity. While technology has come a long way, more velocity equals more fudge factor.Originally posted by Deputy:
Originally posted by flop-shank:
The reason is called an expansion threshold, and it's a very good one. I couldn't agree more.Originally posted by Rich S:
as previously stated, about any golddot should do, i like 155/165 because they tend to move at about 1000fps wheras the 180's run a bit slower, 1000fps makes me feel better for some reason.
Actually, that reason is kinda dated. Back in the 70s-early 90s that reason was quite true.
It's why Super Vel ammo was a success.
With the advent of hi-tech bullets like the Black Talon, Hydra Shock, and Golden Saber, it became unnecessary to use +P, +P+, or hi-velocity (above 1000FPS) ammo to get expansion.
The three bullets I listed above expand without the need of hi-velocity.
I most definately agree about placement. With a well designed bullet and super high velocity expansion becomes almost as certain as death and taxes. Remington's .357 magnum 125 gr. SJHP from a long barrel is a perfect example. Obviously barriers like drywall can potentially mess with the expansion of the best of ammo.Originally posted by Deputy:
Even .44 magnum hollowpoints can fail to expand. More important than expansion is bullet placement.