GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The .40 S&W cartridge was introduced in 1990 by Smith & Wesson and Winchester for law enforcement. Designed for a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, it fills the gap between 9mm and .45 ACP. Today, it remains popular among law enforcement and self-defense shooters.

Why It's a Top Choice

Effective stopping power with moderate recoil
Wide availability in self-defense and duty ammo
Compatible with many popular semi-automatic pistols
Good balance between penetration and expansion
Strong aftermarket support and options

Key Variants

.40 S&W FMJ

Full Metal Jacket rounds used for training and target practice.

.40 S&W +P

Higher pressure loading offering increased velocity for duty and defense.

.40 S&W Hollow Point

Expanding projectiles designed for self-defense to maximize stopping power.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.40 S&W	9mm	.45 ACP
MSRP (Ammo per box)	$20–30	$15–25	$25–35
Typical Capacity (Pistol)	13–15 rounds	15–17 rounds	7–10 rounds
Recoil	Moderate	Low	High
Penetration/Expansion	Balanced	Good expansion, less penetration	Heavy penetration, less expansion
Common Use	Duty & Self-Defense	Duty & Competition	Home Defense & Hunting
Notable Pro	Effective power-to-recoil ratio	High capacity and controllability	Powerful impact

Best Use Cases

Personal self-defense and concealed carry
Law enforcement duty use
Range training and practice
Backup or home defense pistol calibers
Collection of classic handgun calibers

FAQs

Can I use .40 S&W ammo in a 9mm pistol?

No, .40 S&W rounds are larger and higher pressure; only use ammo specified for your firearm.

What is the typical effective range of .40 S&W?

Effective self-defense range is approximately 25 yards, common for duty pistols.

How does .40 S&W compare to 9mm in stopping power?

.40 S&W offers increased stopping power with moderately higher recoil than 9mm.

40 S&W for Sale