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.40 cal ammo

3K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  zant 
#1 ·
I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for some good. 40 cal defense ammo. Right now I've got winchester hollow points.

I'm interested to know what everyone else carries....40 cal or any auto caliber.
 
#2 ·
I don't have a .40 but it's an interesting debate for all calibers with all the new stuff on the market. I'm in the heavy bullet camp. I carry either a .45 or a .357 Magnum. I use factory ammo for carry, 230 grain Gold Dots in the .45 and 158 grain Gold Dots in the .357. I handload both bullets for practice but carry the factory stuff just to be extra sure.
 
#5 · (Edited)
There are many fine handgun ammunitions being made for defense today. Here are some leaders that would prove to be excellent choices.

Barnes XPB 140 & 155 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Federal Tactical 165 gr JHP (LE40T3)
Federal HST 180 gr JHP (P40HST1)
Federal Tactical 180 gr JHP (LE40T1)
Hornady Custom 155gr JHP/XTP (9132)
Hornady Critical Defense 165gr FTX (91340)
Remington Golden Saber 180 gr JHP (GS40SWB)
Speer Gold Dot 155 gr JHP
Speer Gold Dot 165 gr JHP
Speer Gold Dot 180 gr JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 165 gr JHP (RA40TA)
Winchester Ranger-T 180 gr JHP (RA40T)
Winchester 180 gr bonded JHP (RA40B/Q4355/S40SWPDB1)

The deterring factors for me regarding the one I choose for a sidearm is confined to the one that my specific gun handles best and allows me to be my most accurate.

I load Winchester 180 gr bonded JHP in my FNS40

I load Speer Gold Dot 165 gr in my Glock 27

I load Hornady Critical Defense 165gr in my M&P Shield

You really cannot go wrong with today's premier ammunition.
 
#10 ·
I certainly like the looks of this. All good advice from everyone. Gold dot seems to be a popular choice, but as it was said earlier, any premium ammo is good. I think I'll start testing some for myself and see which one me (or my pistol) likes the best. Thank to all that have replied so far. Your advice is much appreciated.
 
#8 ·
I don't carry a .40, but there are several brands out there designed for SD with a pistol. These rounds are built to open up, move fast, penetrate deeply, and deliver more energy inside the target. I like Gold Dot's, CorBon, Buffalo Bore, Remington Golden Sabre's, Hornady XTP's, and last, but not least is Hornady Critical Defense, or Hornady Critical Duty.
 
#13 ·
If the T-Series is what he'd like to try, here's three sites that have the 50rd. boxes in stock...

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperst...er-ammo-40sw-180-gr-jhp-ranger-t-series-50box

http://sgammo.com/product/40-cal/50-round-box-40-caliber-ranger-t-series-180-grain-ammo-ra40t

http://www.surplusammo.com/40-s-w-180-grain-t-series-winchester-ranger-50-rounds/

The "gimmick" of the talon may have peaked his interest. With that being said, I'm not trying to promote that it's the best bullet for the original poster. I shoot well with it and had good results. I tried many different self defense rounds and the few aforementioned ones I posted above were the ones that I had MY best results with. Doesn't mean it's best for everyone else or that their firearm will like it just the same. I'm just providing the links in case he is curious to try them out.
 
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