40 S&W Ammo

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About .40 Smith & Wesson Ammunition

The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge was introduced in 1990 as part of a collaboration between Smith and Wesson and Winchester. The round is typically denoted by its full name, as .40 S&W, or simply as .40 cal. While effectively a shorter and milder version of the 10mm Auto, the .40 Smith & Wesson is often compared to the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP. The round boasts a greater overall length and projectile size over the 9mm Luger. The .40 Smith & Wesson is capable of higher velocities than the .45 ACP and is ultimately slower than most 9mm Luger loadings. Due to its velocity to projectile size ratio, the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge is capable of imparting a greater amount of energy on impact. As far as recoil goes, the .40 Smith & Wesson is noticeably snappier than the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP while recoiling less than 10mm Auto.

Types of .40 Smith & Wesson Loadings

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Like the name suggests, these types of loadings feature projectiles which are adorned with metal jacketing. This jacket is generally made of copper and will cover the tip and sides of the projectile. Typically, the base of the projectile is left uncoated. These types of loadings are well-suited for range use and are some of the most common types of ammo one will encounter.
• Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): JHP loadings feature hollow point projectiles which are adorned with a full metal jacket. These loadings are generally found in the form of defensive ammo offerings and are designed to facilitate reliable expansion upon impact. Additionally, these types of loadings are designed to achieve adequate levels of penetration for defensive purposes while not overpenetrating the target and risking collateral damage. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
• Hollow Point (HP): HP loadings feature hollow point projectiles like the name suggests. This removal of material makes the projectile lighter and promotes high velocities. These types of loadings are optimized for self defense or match use and have a tendency to expand on impact. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
• Fluted Polymer Copper (FPC): This specific term for these types of loadings comes from NovX, but a variety of other companies produce these types of loadings. These loadings feature a unique shape and form factor as a result of their manufacturing process. Projectiles of this type are constructed from polymer and copper, meaning that they are lead-free in nature. These types of loadings will also feature lightweight projectiles due to their construction. These loadings are often employed in defensive use cases as they have high velocities and are capable of effective levels of terminal performance.
• Full Metal Jacket Flat Point (FMJFP): These types of loadings are FMJ loadings which feature flat point projectiles rather than pointed or rounded tips. It is also common for loadings of this type to be referred to as “flat nose” ammunition. These flat point projectiles allow an end user to better see where their rounds are impacting on various types of targets. Traditional projectiles may leave some misleading holes while flat point projectiles more clearly mirror the projectile and impact points are generally easier to see.

Firearms that Use .40 Smith & Wesson Ammo

Currently, there are many firearms chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson available on the market. These firearms are available in the form of new production and modern production firearms. An overwhelming majority of these firearms are going to be available in the form of handguns. These handguns are available in a variety of sizes and form factors, catering to many use cases. Additionally, one will be able to find old production models in the caliber in the form of used guns and police trade-in pistols. There are also a fair number of PCCs available in the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, allowing users to utilize the cartridge in larger firearms. Simply put, one will have zero issue finding a .40 Smith & Wesson accommodating firearm if they are after one.

.40 Smith & Wesson Interchangeability

Currently, one can find examples of firearms which are rated from the manufacturer to shoot both 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson. A notable example of such a firearm comes in the form of the Smith & Wesson Model 610 revolver. This double action revolver uses Moon Clips to facilitate reliable function with rimless, semi-automatic cartridges such as 10mm Auto and .40 Smith & Wesson. The manufacturer specifically states that the revolver is intended for use with both of these calibers.

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