.40 or 9mm

[Pinball81]

Where are you all finding .40 ammo for same price as 9mm? I typically see .40 at 40-50% higher than 9mm... $15/box for .40 and $10-11/box for 9mm (talking cheaper, FMJ range/plinking ammo).

I really like shooting .40 but have avoided it for this reason.

 

[Hohn]

Here's something interesting to consider about the .40:

-- a 180gr .40 has almost the exact same sectional density as a 230gr .45
-- Penetration is largely a function of sectional density and velocity (and, ironically, slower rounds tend to penetrate futher with JHP).

One could load a reduced-power .40 pushing a 180gr at about 900fps and have a very light-recoiling round that would penetrate as well as a .45 230gr and have a negligible difference in terminal ballistics with something that kicked less than a .45 or even a 9mm.

Not to mention, you'd be able to carry a good bit more of the .40s.

 

[WyldeShot]

Go with a 40 by Glock, SA or Sig. Why?

1. More power. Look up some ballistics.
2. 9mm hard very hard to find right now, more so than 40. Everyone is raising the price of 9mm. I have actually bought 40s for the same price as 9mm.
3. You can get a conversion barrel for the 40 so that you can shoot 9mm so you have the both.

 

[WyldeShot]

Here's something interesting to consider about the .40:

-- a 180gr .40 has almost the exact same sectional density as a 230gr .45
-- Penetration is largely a function of sectional density and velocity (and, ironically, slower rounds tend to penetrate futher with JHP).

One could load a reduced-power .40 pushing a 180gr at about 900fps and have a very light-recoiling round that would penetrate as well as a .45 230gr and have a negligible difference in terminal ballistics with something that kicked less than a .45 or even a 9mm.

Not to mention, you'd be able to carry a good bit more of the .40s.

 

[SIGnature45]

9mm tends to be a little cheaper and generally (depending on the gun) is capable of carrying more in the mag. I'm not sure there is much a .40 can stop that a 9mm can't. It's going to come down to what you shoot better and how many rounds hit the target. Practice a lot and use whatever you shoot best, but personally I'd prefer to have a few extra in the chamber. I'm ok at the range but I don't know if I would spray in a life or death panic type situation and a few more rounds may be worth it!

 

[Hohn]

I back what many have said. 40 is plentiful right now but its a high pressure round and has a lot more felt recoil. I prefer 9.

It really depends on the load. The Speer Short Barrel 180s are loaded to only 950 fps-- they have about 2/3ds the recoil of a standard pressure 230gr .45.

 

[Speedgelb986S]

I back what many have said. 40 is plentiful right now but its a high pressure round and has a lot more felt recoil. I prefer 9.

The difference in felt recoil really depends on the size of the pistol, though. I have two full-size, longslide Glocks--a G24 (.40 S&W) and a G34 (9mm) and at this size, the difference in felt recoil is negligible.

 

[Jim1117]

I would go with the 40...that way you will know for sure which you like best.
I have both a 38 S&W and a 40 and am looking for a 9mm now to try out.