The .40 and .45 are two of my favorites, and both are awesome choices.
However, most people will shoot a .45 better than they will a .40. If you want to shoot a bigger bullet and less recoil at the same time, choose a .45. If you still want a big bullet but want something faster (flatter trajectory), get a .40.
Both are very effective and neither one is a bad choice. The .45 can also shoot .45 Super which is simply awesome (same size, basically a higher pressure .45 ACP). But since you have what it takes to reload, the .40 is no wimp. Out of my 4" G23, with the right powder it's no issue to shoot a 180gr at 1150-1200 fps, 165's around 1250 fps, 155's over 1350.
On the other hand, my G21 can get a 230gr JHP to 1000 fps and even a 250gr hardcast to nearly 1000 fps with the right handload. I guess my point is, I don't really have one. Both are great choices, but I would say the .45 is going to be a little easier to shoot, it's recoil impulse is a little softer than that of a .40. I can't choose between them, I guess that's why I have both (and then some).
However, most people will shoot a .45 better than they will a .40. If you want to shoot a bigger bullet and less recoil at the same time, choose a .45. If you still want a big bullet but want something faster (flatter trajectory), get a .40.
Both are very effective and neither one is a bad choice. The .45 can also shoot .45 Super which is simply awesome (same size, basically a higher pressure .45 ACP). But since you have what it takes to reload, the .40 is no wimp. Out of my 4" G23, with the right powder it's no issue to shoot a 180gr at 1150-1200 fps, 165's around 1250 fps, 155's over 1350.
On the other hand, my G21 can get a 230gr JHP to 1000 fps and even a 250gr hardcast to nearly 1000 fps with the right handload. I guess my point is, I don't really have one. Both are great choices, but I would say the .45 is going to be a little easier to shoot, it's recoil impulse is a little softer than that of a .40. I can't choose between them, I guess that's why I have both (and then some).