E40SW2-20 SIG Sauer Elite Crown 40 S&W 180gr Review
As a seasoned shooter, I was excited to get my hands on the E40SW2-20 from SIG Sauer. This 40 S&W cartridge is designed for personal defense and law enforcement use, and I was eager to put it through its paces. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the tip-of-the-line Elite Crown 40 S&W 180gr load.
Out of the Box Impressions
Upon opening the box, I was impressed with the attention to detail that SIG Sauer has put into the packaging. The brass is beautifully crimped and is evident of the quality craftsmanship that goes into the manufacturing process. The bullet itself is a work of art, with a sleek and streamlined design that screams performance.
Ballistics and Performance
I tested the E40SW2-20 in a variety of firearms, including a Glock 22 and a Beretta 96A1. The results were impressive, with accurate and consistent performance. The 180gr bullet penetrated and expanded well, as expected, and showed no signs of deformation or erosion.
Range Session
I took the E40SW2-20 to the shooting range and put it through its paces. The results were nothing short of impressive. The bullet grouped tightly, with an average 3-shot group size of 1.5 inches or less. The accuracy was astounding, and the penetration was equally impressive. The 180gr bullet mushroomed perfectly, leaving a large wound channel and expanding to a full 0.425 inches in diameter.
Expanding and Penetration Tests
I performed a series of expanding and penetration tests on various materials, including Kevlar, ballistic gel, and even water. The results were consistent and impressive. The bullet expanded and penetrated as expected, with some notable exceptions. In Kevlar, the bullet partially expanded and partially penetrated, but still exhibited great penetration. In ballistic gel, the bullet expanded fully and penetrated deeply, and in water, it simply came to a swift and clean stop.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the E40SW2-20:
Pros:
• Accurate and Consistent Performance: The E40SW2-20 demonstrated impressive accuracy and consistency in both paper and steel targets.
• Effective Expansion and Penetration: The 180gr bullet expanded and penetrated as expected, showing no signs of deformation or erosion.
• Durable Construction: The bullet’s construction is of high-quality, with a sleek and streamlined design that screams performance.
• Combo Pack: The packaging is notable, with a generous allocation of bullets and some nice extras, like a cleaning cloth and a buffer disc.
• Brand Trust: SIG Sauer is a trusted brand with a long history of producing high-quality ammunition and firearms.
Cons:
• Costly: The E40SW2-20 is an investment, with a higher price point than some other 40 S&W options on the market.
• Limited Availability: The product may not be widely available in all areas, and online retailers or local gun stores may not carry it.
• Smaller Caliber: Some shooters may prefer larger calibers, like the 10mm or .45 ACP, which offer more firepower and penetration.
• Environmental Concerns: Some people may be concerned about the environmental impact of producing and using this ammunition, as well as concerns about ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife habitats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the E40SW2-20 from SIG Sauer is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality, accurate, and effective .40 S&W ammunition. While it may have some drawbacks, such as being costly and having limited availability, the performance and construction of this bullet make it a top-notch option. If you’re in the market for a reliable and effective 40 S&W load, I highly recommend the E40SW2-20.
