.40S&W ammo question

P

Popsicle

New member
Today, my grandpa and I were discussing the .40S&W cartridge, and he brought up something that I would like some opinions on. He stated that using the subsonic .40 cal., 180gr. loads would save wear and tear on my 2 .40's... both Berettas, one a 96FS inox, and the other a 96G elite I. I have mostly used 155 to 165 grain loads in these two guns, cause when my permit comes in, I'll use the same weight hollowpoints, as I'm told they are the best stoppers. I intend to use my elite in limited 10 IPSC competition shortly, and grandpa says everyone that uses a .40 uses 180 gr. He stated that the lighter bullets have more powder behing them, which increases slide velocity and thus, gun battering. He used the .357 mag as an example... with the heavier 158gr. magnum loadings, the K frame smiths held up well, but when the 125gr. hollowpoint came into vogue, the additional powder ate forcing cones up. So, what do you guys and gals think, are 180 gr. loads really easier on the gun?

Pat Brophy
 
True, a manufacturer can mix powders of burn rates to play with peak pressure and the duration of the high pressure.
A lot depends on the velocity that a bullet is driven. The 125 grain .357 magnum was a high velocity round. The 158 grain loads are down loaded from their original velocities. It was originally loaded to 1500 ft/s, no wonder the first .357 magnum was on a N-frame S&W.
For practice rounds I use a standard pressure cartridge that shoots to the same point of aim as the +p rounds I use for carry. This saves wear and tear on my carry guns.
 
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