Lighter Bullet versus Heavy?

Speed causes hydrostatic shock if you can get enough penetration then the faster the better in my opinion. I like 155 or 165 in .40.
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No such thing at normal handgun velocities; rifle velocities, yes.
 
Heavy or light and fast, it's ultimately going to be shot placement that makes or brakes the deal. Find a decent load that you shoot well and use that.
 
I live by the "Bigger is Better". Works out usually.
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OK, perhaps you can elaborate, since lighter tends to mean bigger expansion, or bigger could refer to bullet weight which produces less expansion.:confused:
 
Ok take this advice from a self proclaimed "expert." I conducted allot of research and talked to many people in the business about choosing a 40 S&W duty round. I settled on the 165 grain (take your pick, hst, sxt, GD, GS...) The 180 grain was a very close second and I'm not sure about the decision. The 155 and god forbid 135 were not even considered. The faster bullets are very tough on the guns and the shooter and they will effect your follow up shots, period! Truth is the 9mm, 357 Sig and 40S&W are almost identical in performance, in testing, with good quality SD ammo. The Federal HST round is the only one I'm aware of that stands out and it that case the 40S&W really shines. Try the 180 and 165 and decide for yourself based on your shooting with the round. If the local shop doesn't have the one you picked then go with the other one, they both work very well.

Maybe you got some Border Patrol ammo, they just switched to a heavier round.
 
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Faster means better and more reliable expansion as well as a larger wound. As long as you are still getting sufficient penetration, lighter is better. I would look at a good 155 gr myself.

If this was for hunting, I would say go heavy but for self defense, it doesn't take a lot to reach a mans vitals and the more damage you can do, the better. LEOs, on the other hand are much more likely to have to shoot through vehicles which takes more penetration.
 
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