Magtech's 180-grain .40 S&W jacketed hollow point runs 990 fps with 392 ft-lbs at the muzzle, a hollow point meant to open in a soft target, in a brass case that reloads. Power factor is 178, about 13 over the 165 USPSA major floor. From a 25-yard zero it drops 1.8 inches at 50 yards and 13.1 inches at 100, holding 938 fps at 50 and 895 fps at 100. It sheds velocity more slowly than the faster loads in this set.

It sits in the middle of the class at the muzzle. Speer Gold Dot at 1,025 fps is 35 fps and 28 ft-lbs ahead with about 6 percent more recoil energy in the same pistol, but at 100 yards the gap is 7 fps and 5 ft-lbs. Remington Golden Saber and Blazer Brass, both 1,015 fps and 412 ft-lbs, are 25 fps and 20 ft-lbs ahead and kick about 4 percent harder; Blazer Brass is 12 fps ahead at 100. Sellier & Bellot at 974 fps is 16 fps and 13 ft-lbs behind with about 3 percent less recoil. Hornady American Gunner at 950 fps is 40 fps and 31 ft-lbs behind, recoils about 7 percent less, and by 100 yards drops 1.2 inches more and is 34 fps slower.

Buy this if you want a mid-range 180 hollow point that gives up little to the faster loads by 50 yards and recoils less than the Gold Dot. If you want the most muzzle energy, Gold Dot's 420 ft-lbs is the top figure. If you want the least recoil, American Gunner is the softest 180 here. For ball practice at a matching feel, Ammo Inc Signature 180-grain TMJ at 958 fps is 32 fps slower with about 6 percent less recoil energy.