What Size of.40SW Ammo?
The.40SW cartridge has been a popular choice for self-defense and law enforcement for many years, and with its unique properties, it’s no wonder why. But with so many different sizes and types of.40SW ammo available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of.40SW ammo and help you answer the question: what size of.40SW ammo should you choose?
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the different sizes of.40SW ammo, it’s essential to understand the basics of the cartridge. The.40SW is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge that is designed to fire a bullet with a diameter of 0.400 inches (10.2 mm) and a casing length of 0.908 inches (23.0 mm). The standard velocity for.40SW ammo is around 1,100-1,200 feet per second (fps), which is significantly faster than the.45 ACP and slower than the 9mm Parabellum.
Standard Size Options
The.40SW cartridge is available in several standard size options, including:
• 124-grain: This is one of the most popular sizes of.40SW ammo, and it’s known for its balance of expansion and penetration. Bullets in this weight range are typically jacketed and designed for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
• 135-grain: This size is slightly heavier than the 124-grain option and is often used for target shooting and hunting. The added weight provides more penetration and energy transfer.
• 147-grain: This is the heaviest standard size option for.40SW ammo, and it’s designed for maximum expansion and penetration. Bullets in this weight range are often used for self-defense and hunting applications.
Specialty Size Options
In addition to the standard size options, there are several specialty size options available for.40SW ammo. These include:
• 110-grain: This is a lighter-than-standard weight option that’s designed for competition shooting and self-defense applications. Bullets in this weight range are typically jacketed and offer a flatter trajectory than heavier options.
• 155-grain: This is a heavier-than-standard weight option that’s designed for hunting and self-defense applications. Bullets in this weight range offer more penetration and energy transfer than lighter options.
• 165-grain: This is another heavier-than-standard weight option that’s designed for hunting and self-defense applications. Bullets in this weight range offer more penetration and energy transfer than lighter options.
Table:.40SW Ammo Sizes
Here’s a table summarizing the different size options available for.40SW ammo:
| Weight (Grains) | Bullet Type | Application | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | Jacketed | Competition, Self-Defense | 1,300-1,400 |
| 124 | Jacketed | Self-Defense, Law Enforcement | 1,100-1,200 |
| 135 | Jacketed | Target Shooting, Hunting | 1,200-1,300 |
| 147 | Jacketed | Self-Defense, Hunting | 1,100-1,200 |
| 155 | Jacketed | Hunting, Self-Defense | 1,100-1,200 |
| 165 | Jacketed | Hunting, Self-Defense | 1,100-1,200 |
Choosing the Right Size
So, how do you choose the right size of.40SW ammo? Here are a few factors to consider:
• Application: What will you be using the ammo for? If you’re using it for self-defense, you may want to choose a bullet with a heavier weight (such as 124 or 147 grains) for maximum expansion and penetration. If you’re using it for target shooting or hunting, you may want to choose a lighter weight (such as 110 or 135 grains) for a flatter trajectory and more accuracy.
• Personal Preference: Do you prefer a lighter or heavier recoil? If you prefer a lighter recoil, you may want to choose a lighter weight bullet. If you prefer a heavier recoil, you may want to choose a heavier weight bullet.
• Budget: What is your budget for ammo? If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to choose a less expensive option, such as the 124-grain or 135-grain bullets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size of.40SW ammo can be overwhelming, but by considering the application, personal preference, and budget, you can make an informed decision. Remember to choose a bullet with a weight that suits your needs and preferences, and always follow proper safety protocols when handling and shooting firearms.
