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Best .40 S&W Ammo

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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.

All .40 S&W Loads

Compare ballistics and prices across 20 products

PRODUCT ↕ BEST PRICE ↕
Aguila .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammunition
180gr • 1050 fps • Target & Range
$0.34/rd
Armscor .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammo
180gr • 953 fps • Target & Range
$0.31/rd
CCI Blazer .40 S&W 165gr TMJ Ammo
165gr • 1050 fps • Target & Range
$0.31/rd
CCI Blazer Clean Fire .40 S&W Lead-Free 180gr TMJ Ammo
180gr • 1000 fps • Target & Range
$0.31/rd
Federal American Eagle .40 S&W 155gr FMJ Ammo
155gr • 1160 fps • Target & Range
$0.38/rd
Federal American Eagle .40 S&W 165gr FMJ Ammo
165gr • 1130 fps • Target & Range
$0.41/rd
Federal American Eagle .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammo
180gr • 1000 fps • Target & Range
$0.41/rd
Federal Range and Target .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammo
180gr • 1000 fps • Target & Range
$0.31/rd
Fiocchi Training Dynamics .40 S&W 170gr FMJTC Ammo
170gr • 1020 fps • Target & Range
$0.33/rd
HSM .40 S&W Training 180gr RNFP Ammo
180gr • 985 fps • Target & Range
$0.33/rd
Magtech .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Flat Nose Ammo
180gr • 990 fps • Target & Range
$0.33/rd
PMC Bronze .40 S&W 165gr FMJ Ammo
165gr • 989 fps • Target & Range
$0.36/rd
Remington UMC .40 S&W 165gr FMJ Ammo
165gr • 1150 fps • Target & Range
$0.42/rd
Remington UMC .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammo
180gr • 990 fps • Target & Range
$0.40/rd
Sellier & Bellot .40 S&W 180gr FMJ Ammo
180gr • 968 fps • Target & Range
$0.32/rd
Sellier & Bellot .40 S&W 180gr JHP Ammo
180gr • 974 fps • Self-Defense
$0.37/rd
Sinterfire .40 S&W 125gr Lead Free Ball Ammo
125gr • 1200 fps • Target & Range
$0.43/rd
Speer Lawman .40 S&W 180gr TMJ Ammo
180gr • 1000 fps • Target & Range
$0.41/rd
Winchester .40 S&W 165gr FMJ Ammo
165gr • 1060 fps • Target & Range
$0.34/rd
Winchester .40 S&W 165gr FMJ Range Ammo
165gr • 1060 fps • Target & Range
$0.32/rd

.40 S&W Trajectory Calculator

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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 Price History

Average Cost Per Round

$0.41/rd
↓ $0.00 (0.3%) in the last 6M
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30D 3M 6M 1Y
Price Trend
-0.3%
Yearly Price Points
67,563
Dealers
7
Products
20

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