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40 or 45acp?
- Thread starter bookman
- Start date
I picked .45 because of slightly heavier and larger bullets and because most .45s fit within the 10-round limit while most 9/40s go over. I thought that ammo costs (esp. surplus would be lower) but ended up reloading for it so it didn't matter much. Also, as a lower pressurre round, .45 has a bit less muzzle flash and blast.
The Happy Camper
Inactive
I'm a 45 fan. I figure if you're gonna bother shooting a 40 cal instead of a 9mm, then may as well step up and shoot a 45. Bigger bullet, cheap surplus, available brass, and proven cartridge, and since the 10rd limits it's the best deal IMO.
According to one of the latest "gun rags" and Cpl. Ed Sanow the top Self-Defense load available is the Federal .40 S&W 155 grain Hydra -Shock with 97% one stop shots and a 184 power factor. The #3 and #4 loads were Federal .45 ACP 230 grain Hydra Shock with 96% One stop shots and .45 ACP 185 grain golden saber +P with 95% one stop shots. .40 cal. also came in #6 and #10.
This list was based on data collected for over 20 years and over 1300 actual police shootings. His definition of one stop shots is " If the aggressor was shooting at the time he was hit by the bullet, no more shots are fired. If the aggressor runs away after being hit by the bullet, he runs no more than 10 feet."
This list was based on data collected for over 20 years and over 1300 actual police shootings. His definition of one stop shots is " If the aggressor was shooting at the time he was hit by the bullet, no more shots are fired. If the aggressor runs away after being hit by the bullet, he runs no more than 10 feet."
I have given your question serious consideration, and have concluded that the 40 S&W cartridge is more versatile.
Bullet weights from 135-220g, velocity spread from 700-1350fps, choice of launch platforms...
But I almost never carry one myself.
Hmmm.......
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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
Bullet weights from 135-220g, velocity spread from 700-1350fps, choice of launch platforms...
But I almost never carry one myself.
Hmmm.......
------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
j.s.parker
New member
bookman; I'm another .45 guy. Though all the years of trading guns and trying different calibre's I just haven't been able to keep a .40 cal pistol. For urban defense I've got my hi-cap 9mm's. When I go camping I take my .45's (no big bears where I live only cougars and low lifes). I took a glock 22 out in the woods once and I felt undergunned. I feel 40's have there place in law enforcement but civilians are served well with 9mm's or 45's. Good Luck, j.s.
Bigger is better- go .45. I have NEVER heard anyone comlain about only having a .45 on hand- unless they are refering to shotguns or rifles.
I wouldn't trust anything published by Sanow- in fact, if you read on in his latest book, he doesn't load his own gun with his best load. Now why is that, I wonder? After all, he claims it is the best. See other threads for plenty of details...
Erik
I wouldn't trust anything published by Sanow- in fact, if you read on in his latest book, he doesn't load his own gun with his best load. Now why is that, I wonder? After all, he claims it is the best. See other threads for plenty of details...
Erik
The Happy Camper
Inactive
45ACP has bullet weights ranging from 135-260g, 700-1450fps. I'd call it more versatile than the 40S&W.
Plus a 45 platform gives the versatility of shooting 400 Corbon, 45 Super, and 40 Super with a barrel and spring change. These power cartridges can't be fired from a 40S&W platform.
Plus a 45 platform gives the versatility of shooting 400 Corbon, 45 Super, and 40 Super with a barrel and spring change. These power cartridges can't be fired from a 40S&W platform.
In full size versions, either one will do. However, because it is a low pressure cartridge, the performance of the 45 acp is more significantly degraded by shorter barrels. This is especially true for barrel lengths of 4 in. and less. If you think you might be buying a compact, get a 40.
Oh no.....not another which is better............
Why I thought everyone knew which one is better....not.
But to be serious for a moment. The better cartridge is the one that hits its target in a vital area. In other words the gun that you can shoot the most accurate with. Also the gun that is the most reliable and that you feel most comfortable firing.
If all things are equal then choose the caliber that is the largest, in this specific case the .45ACP.
For me the which agument is really a non argument. Its like asking which is better apples or oranges.
Rob
(Owner and shooter of both .40 and .45)
RKBA!
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It's amazing what a large group of stupid people can accomplish.
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Why I thought everyone knew which one is better....not.
But to be serious for a moment. The better cartridge is the one that hits its target in a vital area. In other words the gun that you can shoot the most accurate with. Also the gun that is the most reliable and that you feel most comfortable firing.
If all things are equal then choose the caliber that is the largest, in this specific case the .45ACP.
For me the which agument is really a non argument. Its like asking which is better apples or oranges.
Rob
(Owner and shooter of both .40 and .45)
RKBA!
------------------
It's amazing what a large group of stupid people can accomplish.
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