Why Choose .40 S&W Ammo?
.40 Caliber ammunition, commonly known as .40 S&W, stands as one of the most trusted handgun cartridges in the world of personal defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting.
Developed in response to the FBI’s search for a more effective intermediate round following the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, the .40 S&W was developed by Smith & Wesson and Winchester in 1990.
It was designed to offer a balance between the high-velocity performance of the 9mm and the powerful stopping force of the .45 ACP.
The result was a compact yet potent cartridge that could deliver greater terminal ballistics without sacrificing capacity in semi-automatic pistols.
Its adoption by numerous police departments throughout the 1990s catapulted it into widespread civilian use as well.
Today, .40 Cal Ammo is used for self-defense, target shooting, law enforcement, and continues to be a top choice for shooters seeking versatility and proven performance in high-pressure situations.
Beyond its balanced energy and manageable recoil, .40 Cal ammunition is available in a wide variety of bullet types to suit specific needs.
40 Cal Ammo includes bullet types FMJ, JHP, TMJ, Frangible, making it ideal for everything from indoor range training to duty carry and tactical applications.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are perfect for target practice, while Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) options are optimized for self-defense due to their reliable expansion upon impact.
TMJ (Total Metal Jacket) and frangible rounds provide safe alternatives for close-quarters training and steel target shooting.
Over the years, the .40 S&W has earned its place in the shooting sports community as a reliable, adaptable, and well-rounded cartridge.
Whether you're a competitive shooter, a concealed carry holder, or a law enforcement professional, .40 Cal ammo continues to offer a compelling balance of stopping power and shootability in nearly any scenario.
Common Names for 40 S&W Ammo
Since its initial release over 30+ years ago, 40 caliber ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- 40 Caliber Ammo
- 40 S&W Ammo
- 40 Auto Ammo
- 40 Cal S&W Ammo
- 40 Cal Ammo
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 40 S&W Ammo has gained massive popularity over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.
Popular .40 Cal Ammo Brands for Sale
- Federal’s .40 S&W ammo is trusted for both law enforcement and civilian use. Known for its reliability, clean-burning powders, and consistent accuracy, Federal Premium offers a range of options including HST for defense and American Eagle for the range.
- With decades of trusted performance, Winchester .40 Cal ammo delivers value and power. Their USA White Box line is a top pick for target shooting, while their Ranger and Defender series provide proven stopping power for personal defense.
- Remington is a long-standing name in American ammunition, and their .40 S&W rounds are no exception. From the budget-friendly UMC line to high-performance Golden Saber loads, Remington provides well-rounded options for range and real-world defense.
- A favorite among law enforcement, Speer’s Gold Dot line offers top-tier terminal ballistics and bonded-core technology. Their Lawman series is also ideal for training with similar feel and performance to duty rounds.
- Hornady brings advanced ballistic engineering to its .40 Cal offerings. Their Critical Duty and Critical Defense lines are engineered for superior expansion, penetration, and reliability in defensive scenarios.
- Perfect for the range, Blazer Brass is known for offering affordable, reloadable .40 S&W ammunition without sacrificing quality. Their clean shooting and consistent performance make them a favorite for bulk training sessions.
- Fiocchi offers both economy and performance in its .40 S&W catalog. Whether you’re looking for full metal jacket rounds for practice or jacketed hollow points for defense, Fiocchi delivers European precision with American-made options.
PMC (Precision Made Cartridges)
- PMC’s .40 Cal ammo is praised for its quality control, affordability, and consistent results. Their Bronze line is a go-to for high-volume shooters who don’t want to compromise on accuracy or reliability.
Compatible Firearms for 40 S&W Ammo
GLOCK
- Glock 22 Pistol: The Glock 22 is a renowned full-size handgun chambered in .40 S&W, trusted by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Known for its reliability, durability, and high capacity, it's a top choice for professionals and civilians seeking a powerful self-defense weapon.
- Glock 23 Pistol: A compact version of the Glock 22, the Glock 23 offers the same .40 S&W chambering with a slightly smaller frame for easier concealment. It strikes a perfect balance between power and size, making it ideal for concealed carry and law enforcement backup use.
- Glock 27 Pistol: The Glock 27 is the subcompact variant in the .40 S&W lineup, offering remarkable firepower in a small package. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry, without compromising on the ballistic performance Glock is known for.
- Glock 35 Pistol: Tailored for competitive shooting, the Glock 35 is a long-slide .40 S&W pistol that delivers accuracy and reliability. Its extended barrel and sight radius, along with the adjustable rear sights, make it a favorite among sport shooters for its precision and handling.
SMITH & WESSON
- M&P 40 M2.0 Pistol: The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 is a highly ergonomic and versatile handgun chambered in .40 S&W. It features an enhanced trigger, aggressive grip texturing, and a fine-tuned grip angle, making it incredibly comfortable to shoot, even during extended range sessions.
- S&P SDVE 40 Pistol: The Smith & Wesson S&P SDVE 40 offers an affordable yet reliable option for self-defense. It combines ease of use and consistent performance in a lightweight and durable design, making it a practical choice for everyday carry.
- Sig P226 Pistol: The Sig P226 is a legendary full-size handgun that has served military units and law enforcement agencies around the globe. Known for its accuracy, reliability, and solid construction, it remains a preferred choice for tactical operations and personal defense.
- Sig P229 Pistol: A compact version of the P226, the Sig P229 retains all the robustness and reliability of its larger counterpart but in a more compact frame. It's highly regarded by concealed carriers and law enforcement officers who require a dependable and powerful sidearm.
BERETTA
- PX4 Storm Pistol: The Beretta PX4 Storm is a modern handgun known for its unique rotating barrel design, which reduces recoil and improves accuracy. Chambered in .40 S&W, it offers a durable polymer frame, interchangeable backstraps, and an ambidextrous safety, making it a versatile choice for shooters of all preferences.
- Model 96A1 Pistol: Building on the legendary 92FS platform, the Beretta Model 96A1 is a robust and reliable .40 S&W pistol that combines classic design with modern enhancements. It features a heavier, reinforced frame, a Picatinny rail, and improved magazines, offering shooters a powerful and accurate handgun with a touch of tradition.
40 Cal Ammo Features
STOPPING POWER
40 S&W ammo delivers greater stopping power compared to similar-sized calibers. When fired, 40 Cal ammo alsodelivers a significant amount of energy to the target, making it an effective choice for self-defense and law enforcement purposes.
MODERATE RECOIL
While 40 Cal ammo can produce significant recoil, it is generally less than other high-powered pistol cartridges, making it easier to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.
GOOD PENETRATION
40 S&W ammo typically has reliable expansion and deep penetration, allowing the round to penetrate deeply into a target. Like all ammunition, the overall penetration of 40 caliber ammo will depend on the specific load, bullet weight, and velocity.
VERSATILITY
40 Cal ammunition is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting. Popular bullet types include Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Hollow Point (HP), and Frangible.
PERFORMANCE
40 S&W Ammo combines an energy advantage over the 9mm and the 45 ACP with less recoil than the 10mm. Shooters typically get a muzzle velocity of around 990 fps, meaning a 180-grain bullet delivers 392 ft-lbs of energy out of the muzzle. That’s nearly 33 percent more energy than the minimum estimate for what a self-defense round ought to achieve.
AVAILABILITY
With a steady following among law enforcement and a growing popularity amongst gun enthusiasts, 40 S&W ammo is considered a readily available caliber in-store and online. With countless firearm models to choose from and ammunition being available in bulk, you'll have plenty of options for finding the type and quantity you're looking for.
40 Cal Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is 40 Cal Ammo?
ANSWER: 40 S&W ammo is a popular handgun caliber developed as a joint project by Smith & Wesson and Winchester in 1990 to create a lower velocity 10mm firearm round. 40 Cal ammo uses a 40-inch bullet in a rimless straight-cased configuration and achieves similar performance to the FBI's prior 10mm round but in a 9mm-size gun frame.
QUESTION: What is the difference between 40 Cal and 40 S&W?
ANSWER: There is no difference between 40 Cal Ammo and 40 S&W Ammo. Firearm owners use the two names interchangeably because they refer to the same round. Using 40 Cal instead of saying 40 S&W mainly comes down to preference, much like using auto instead of ACP.
QUESTION: Is 40 S&W ammo good for self-defense?
ANSWER: Absolutely. With the growing number of firearm owners using 40 Cal / 40 SW handguns for self-defense, manufacturers have produced new and innovative ammunition to meet the demands. Popular self-defense rounds include Federal 40 S&W, Hornady, and Magtech.
QUESTION: What is 40 S&W Ammo used for?
ANSWER: 40 S&W was initially developed as a law enforcement cartridge and designed to duplicate the performance of the FBI's reduced-velocity 10mm Auto cartridge. Furthermore, 40 Cal Ammo could be retrofitted into medium-frame (9mm size) semi-automatic handguns, adding to its appeal. Today, 40 caliber pistols are often used for home defense, concealed carry, self-defense, or as a casual range gun.
QUESTION: Why does 40 Cal ammo have a flat nose?
ANSWER: The flat nose of the 40 S&W cartridge is designed to impact the bullet’s ballistics, stopping power, and wounding capabilities. Similar to jacketed hollow points (JHP), meplat tips allow the bullet to expand more on impact, creating more significant internal damage and reducing the risk of overpenetration.
QUESTION: Can I buy 40 S&W ammo in bulk?
ANSWER: Most definitely. Thanks to the caliber's continued popularity, 40 S&W is generally readily available in bulk quantities at most ammunition retailers and online sellers. At Ammunition Depot, we carry a vast selection of 40 Cal ammo, specializing in self-defense and target practice.