.40 S&W Prices
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $270.00 | $43.99 | $313.99 |
$0.31
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $296.51 | $40.99 | $337.50 |
$0.34
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $328.00 | $9.99 | $337.99 |
$0.34
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $317.46 | $22.99 | $340.45 |
$0.34
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $325.44 | $17.99 | $343.43 |
$0.34
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $310.60 | $40.99 | $351.59 |
$0.35
1000 Rounds
|
|
| SG Ammo | 1000 | $359.00 | $0.00 | $359.00 |
$0.36
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Lucky Gunner | 1000 | $339.00 | $23.74 | $362.74 |
$0.36
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $335.50 | $29.05 | $364.55 |
$0.36
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $355.00 | $10.99 | $365.99 |
$0.37
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $348.16 | $22.99 | $371.15 |
$0.37
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $370.54 | $22.99 | $393.53 |
$0.39
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $349.00 | $45.99 | $394.99 |
$0.39
1000 Rounds
|
|
| BulkAmmo.com | 1000 | $379.00 | $23.33 | $402.33 |
$0.40
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $390.00 | $51.99 | $441.99 |
$0.44
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $465.31 | $22.99 | $488.30 |
$0.49
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $465.32 | $22.99 | $488.31 |
$0.49
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $475.33 | $22.99 | $498.32 |
$0.50
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $471.13 | $29.05 | $500.18 |
$0.50
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $494.00 | $22.99 | $516.99 |
$0.52
1000 Rounds
|
.40 S&W Overview
The .40 Smith & Wesson represents a purpose-built law enforcement cartridge that found widespread civilian adoption. Developed in 1990 as a joint venture between Smith & Wesson and Winchester, it was designed to offer near-10mm Auto performance in a more manageable package. The cartridge delivers substantial power while remaining controllable in duty-sized handguns.
While many law enforcement agencies have transitioned back to 9mm, the .40 S&W maintains a dedicated following among civilian shooters who appreciate its balance of power and practical shootability. Modern ammunition developments have kept it relevant, offering enhanced performance through improved bullet design and optimized loadings. The cartridge continues to serve effectively in defensive, competitive, and duty roles.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- More powerful than 9mm Luger
- Good terminal performance
- Wide selection of defensive ammunition
- Functions in modified 9mm-sized platforms
- Proven track record in defensive use
Cons
- Snappier recoil than 9mm
- Reduced magazine capacity vs 9mm
- More expensive ammunition
- Increased wear on lighter firearms
.40 S&W Ballistics
The .40 S&W typically achieves velocities between 950-1,200 fps with standard pressure loads, using bullets from 155-180 grains. This generates energy levels suitable for defensive use while maintaining manageable recoil in full-sized handguns. Use our trajectory calculator to customize ballistic data for whatever load you are using.
Similar Calibers Compared
| Caliber | Typical Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 50 yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .40 S&W | 165gr | 1130 fps | 468 ft-lbs | 400 ft-lbs |
| 9mm Luger | 124gr | 1150 fps | 364 ft-lbs | 315 ft-lbs |
| .45 ACP | 230gr | 850 fps | 369 ft-lbs | 320 ft-lbs |
| 10mm Auto | 180gr | 1250 fps | 624 ft-lbs | 530 ft-lbs |
What .40 S&W Does Best
Personal Defense
The .40 S&W excels in defensive applications, delivering substantial energy and proven terminal performance. Modern defensive ammunition provides reliable expansion and adequate penetration, while the cartridge's moderate recoil allows for good shot placement in proper defensive scenarios. The availability of quality defensive loads from major manufacturers ensures reliable performance for personal protection.
Law Enforcement
Despite recent trends toward 9mm, the .40 S&W remains effective in law enforcement roles. Its ability to perform through intermediate barriers while maintaining good accuracy makes it suitable for duty use. The cartridge's power-to-recoil ratio, while higher than 9mm, remains manageable with proper training, and its terminal performance is well-documented through extensive field use.
Competition
In competitive shooting, particularly USPSA and IDPA, the .40 S&W offers advantages in power factor calculations. While more challenging to shoot than 9mm, skilled competitors can leverage its power factor benefits while managing the increased recoil. The cartridge's widespread availability and proven reliability make it a practical choice for competition use.
Types of Projectiles
Defensive Hollow Point
- Modern expanding ammunition optimized for personal defense
Full Metal Jacket
- Practice ammunition and duty training loads
Bonded Hollow Point
- Premium defensive loads designed for barrier penetration
Training/Practice
- Economical options for high-volume shooting
Common .40 S&W Bullet Weights
155-165 grain
- Higher velocity offerings with snappy recoil and good expansion
170-175 grain
- Middle-weight options balancing velocity and momentum
180 grain
- Maximum weight for deeper penetration and momentum