Why a .40 S&W Works Better with a 165 gr Bullet

[Marine Cpl]

I ran into this article on the .40 S&W after researching why there is no +P rated ammo by SAAMI. It's pretty interesting. In a nutshell the article states that due to the short case most 180 gr bullets are too long and are downloaded (watered down) to accommodate variances in manufacturing and not make overpressure. With a 165 gr bullet, there is more space in the cartridge to were they have more to work with and you end up getting Full Powered loadings in regards to powder.

CALIBERS -- Why the 180gr Bullet is a Bad Choice for .40 S&W

 

[Darth]

Or extend the case.

IYKWIM.

 

[dsdmmat]

I find the 170 grain lead TC rounds work well on targets. They don't seem to move after being shot.

 

[hoodfu]

It’s why I use 135 grain bullets in 40 and 10mm. 14 grains of Alliant 2400 powder brightens even the darkest day.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Shorter and lighter bullets can be loaded hotter. Makes sense. But this is the case with every caliber. More case capacity = more powder.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Or extend the case.

IYKWIM.

Agreed, maybe we should get ammo and gun people in on this idea, oh hey we could have an actually useful round
Let's call it idk just slit balling here hnmmmmmm oh I got it. "10mm"

 

[Wolfspotter]

It’s why I use 135 grain bullets in 40 and 10mm. 14 grains of Alliant 2400 powder brightens even the darkest day.

I don't have a 40 but do shoot & reload 9mm & 45acp. I'll have to give 2400 a try. I usually use Blue Dot or Long Shot & magnum primers.

 

[hoodfu]

I don't have a 40 but do shoot & reload 9mm & 45acp. I'll have to give 2400 a try. I usually use Blue Dot or Long Shot & magnum primers.

Yeah, you’ll need a magnum primer to set off 13-14 grains of 2400. A regular large pistol primer is enough, but a regular small pistol primer isn’t. It’ll send the bullet down range but it won’t cycle a semi-auto.