More Powerful, 9mm or 40 caliber?

Not so fast. Recoil depends on the gun: a 9mm Ruger SR9C or Kahr PM9 will have more recoil than a 40S&W Glock 22.

In regards to which round is more powerful, the 40S&W is more powerful than the 9x19mm...but not enough to make me abandon my 9mm Sigs, which I love.
 
Honestly, it doesn't make much of a difference. The 180gr .40 S&W does better through barriers than 9mm, but I'd say shoot what you feel most comfortable with. I swap between a 9mm P30 and my .40 P2000 SK.
 
Both are good,the 40 with 180gr bullets is a better woods gun but the 9mm may be faster on target for self defense. In the end it is the shooter not the gun that makes the difference.
 
I think the recoil is different you get more of a snap with a 40 and more a push like a 45 with the 9 for that reason I find it easier to get a good follow up shot with a 9. Just my opinion.
 
All else being equal, the 40 on both counts but not by all that much. Depending on the gun and the particular load, there is some overlap between the two.
 
With good JHPs, both are so close that it really won't matter. First, pick a platform that feels and points the most naturally for you. Then, look at the available calibers and make a selection based on your own priorities. For me, given the choice, I'd stick with 9mm. Lower ammo costs, quicker follow up shots (given the same platform) and often the bonus of an extra round or three.

In the end though, my only semi automatic is a .45 ACP. Go figure. :p (I shoot 1911s better than any other auto I've tried).
 
Out of the same type/size of gun, the 40 will have more felt recoil than the 9mm.

The question of "stopping power" is such a huge debate and questionable term that it's not worth me getting into.

I feel either caliber will do if I need to use one in self-defense. Tests with modern quality defensive ammo show that 9mm, 40, and 45 all provide sufficient penetration and expansion to stop a threat if you hit a vital area.

Winchester has some interactive comparison charts comparing their law-enforcement branded "Ranger T" ammo, here: http://www.winchester.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/flash-SWFs/law_bullit.swf

If you play around with that and look at different bullet weights, calibers, and pressures (+P or not) you can see that they all seem to do the job. It may not be the definitive guide but it can give you some ideas.
 
I was told by a LEO the 9mm has more potential for over penetration. Not sure were he got is information in San Diego.
 
.40 is a more powerful round, as much as 9 advocates tiptoe around that fact. It also recoils more. The debate rages over details.
 
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Sure, the average .40 S&W is technically "more powerful" than the average 9mm.

A "top" 9mm load in terms of energy and velocity is the Winchester Ranger-T 127gr +P+ which travels at 1,250 fps (4" barrel) @ 440 ft-lbs KE. A top .40 S&W in terms of energy and velocity is the Speer Gold Dot 155gr which travels at 1,200 fps (4" barrel) @ 496 ft-lbs KE.

My preferred loads?
9mm
- Federal HST 147gr +P / 1,050 fps (4" barrel) @ 360 ft-lbs KE
- Federal HST 124gr +P / 1,200 fps (4" barrel) @ 396 ft-lbs KE
.40 S&W
- Federal HST 180gr / 1,010 fps (4" barrel) @ 406 ft-lbs KE
- Federal HST 165gr / 1,130 fps (4" barrel) @ 468 ft-lbs KE

[Note: I only prefer the 147gr +P because I actually like the added recoil! :cool: The standard pressure "soft" recoiling 9mm negatively effects my accuracy due to so much practice with .40!]

I guess it all depends on your definition of power... What is the difference between 496 ft-lbs KE and 360 ft-lbs KE? Hardly anything at all!

Want some real energy? A 2,000 lb car (which is a really, really light car) traveling at 65 mph has above 283,000 ft-lbs KE. That's real power! :cool:
 
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