Best .40 Smith and Wesson Ammunition for Self Defense
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over three popular .40 Smith & Wesson defensive loadings that we offer. These options cover multiple grain weights and all feature jacketed hollow point projectiles (JHP).
The ammunition manufacturers on this list have been in the business for years and provide reliable options for a variety of uses. The round has been utilized by law enforcement personnel and civilians alike for decades and has proven itself a viable load for defensive use. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
About The .40 Smith and Wesson
The .40 Smith & Wesson, often simply called .40 S&W or generically as .40 cal, is a common chambering for semi-automatic handguns. The cartridge debuted in 1990 and is essentially a toned-down version of the popular 10mm Auto.
Many popular 9mm Luger handguns offered by major companies have a counterpart in .40 S&W. For example, the Glock 17 and 19 in 9mm Luger have .40 S&W counterparts in the form of the Glock 22 and 23. Sometimes, rather than giving the .40 S&W variant a different name or model designation, manufacturers offer the exact pistol with the same name in both calibers, like the Heckler & Koch P30 or Sig Sauer’s P226.
The cartridge generally bridges the gap between the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP, offering higher velocities while also providing larger projectiles. Typically, the capacity of .40 S&W chambered firearms will be less than their 9mm Luger counterparts and higher than those in .45 ACP.
Purchase Barnes 40 S&W
Barnes 140 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point
This offering from Barnes features a 140 grain jacketed hollow point projectile which consists of solid copper. The absence of lead in this cartridge will allow and end user to utilize this loading in areas which require the use of lead-free ammunition.
This means that a hunter who prefers the .40 S&W cartridge will be able to carry their preferred sidearm into the field without breaking any laws or regulations barring the use of lead ammunition. The projectile will also feature consistent and efficient expansion, making the round potent and capable of ending a self-defense situation. This TAC-XPD loading from Barnes will serve you well in a defensive capacity.
Purchase Corbon 40 S&W
Corbon 150 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point
This 150 grain offering from Corbon features a jacketed hollow point projectile optimized for self-defense. Corbon’s defensive loads are designed to feature higher velocities which is conducive to consistent and reliable expansion upon impact.
The higher velocities were desired by Corbon to ensure that these loads could achieve effective levels of penetration and expansion without being impeded by clothing or other debris upon impact. The consistent expansion and penetration exhibited by this loading makes it a solid choice for defensive use.
Purchase PMC 40 S&W
PMC 165 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point
This traditional jacketed hollow point offering from PMC features 165 grain projectiles. While other offerings of defensive loadings come in quantities of 20 to 25 rounds, this offering from PMC provides buyers with 50 rounds.
This higher quantity can benefit a shooter in a few ways. One could utilize some of this supply as their carry ammunition while utilizing the rest of it to practice with. This will allow a shooter to practice with an identical round to what they are carrying.
One could also keep multiple magazines loaded with their designated carry ammo, allowing them to keep spares around or easily introduce “fresh” ammunition into the carry rotation. This option will provide a prospective buyer with a good quantity of defensive ammunition which will be well-suited to self-defense and practice.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, these offerings are by no means an exhaustive list of viable defensive loadings in .40 S&W. There are plenty of other good loads available on the market, and one should always consider a variety of loadings when picking the load they will trust their life on.
Whether you’re carrying .40 S&W or something else, we here at True Shot have a variety of ammunition available for practice or carry. As always, we want everyone to be the best they can be with their chosen firearms and wish everyone well in their development. Happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
