This might depend on where you live but from I have seen, hollow point rounds (the stuff that you would use for self defense) are actually cheaper in the 40 than the 45. When it comes to FMJ, then the 40 is more expensive. Just my observation.
Additionally, unless you are buying the gun for target shooting, the cost of ammo should not be the only thing that you base buying a firearm on. There are a lot of good trends on this board that talk about the different calibers and how they compare for self defense. I think that the .45 is better for self defense but I still prefer the .40 because it isn't that far behind. Just my $0.02 worth.
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Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD.
[This message has been edited by FUD (edited February 23, 2000).]