what's really wrong with the .40 S&W 180 gr. bullet?

P

Popsicle

New member
Hi! I just read a report on a site I believe is called callibers and a report stated that you should not use 180 gr. bullets because the danger of an overpressure round is much more substantial than when using the lighter bullets. The author makes what I think are valid arguements, stating the 180 gr. bullet does not allow sufficient space for the powder, as any variance in the OAL will compress the charge to some degree. I got the link on the Beretta forum and the person referring the link I believe works for Beretta, but don't quote me. I wonder, however, if this is all blown out of proportion, as the .40 S&W was designed around that bullet weight. All of the practice ammo at my local Wal-Marts are 180 grain, and it's hard for me to find lighter practice loads. Do you guys feel that it's dangerous to use these loads? Thanks for the input!

Pat Brophy
 
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM -- the INTERNET KIND

(Originally wrote "BULL$HIT -- the INTERNET KIND, but seemed kinda harsh.)

Shoot 180's, be happy.
Stick with the brand you are currently satisfied with; seems to work for you.

(Regardless of bullet length, OAL remains the same. Airspace inside case is about the same, too, as lighter bullets use more powder.
Not talking from a$$, made mucho 40 S&W 180g ammo for L.E. training, using fired cases. Yep, remanufactured. Know of two specific KB's using 155g issued duty ammo, so don't use 155's either. In fact, stay in bed under covers.)
 
thanks, WESHOOT2!

I really perfer 180's cause I wanted a round more closely related to the .45 than the two nines I already have. Just didn't want to risk life and limb by shooting a dangerous round. As A side note, how come it seems only the .40 cal experiences kabooms? The 9mm is loaded to very similar pressures, but you never hear of it happening with those. Thanks!

Pat Brophy
 
There is nothing wrong with 40 cal 180s.

As for kabooms, most pistols chambered for 40s$w were designed around 9mm specifications. This isn't an issue for the most part. Every now any then a hot round makes it out of the factory, basement, or garage and kaboom. Pretty rare, all things considered.
 
I shot 180 gr 40's all of the time and never had a problem. I carried 165 gr Gold Dots...and 180 gr Gold Dots...Most 40's I have heard of are designed around the caliber...not an upgraded 9mm.
The pressures are more and would put undue stress on the gun shoot well
 
Most 40's I have heard of are designed around the caliber...not an upgraded 9mm.
Click to expand...

I have three relatively ubiquitous .40 caliber pistols: a Glock 23, a Beretta 96, and a SIG P-226 .40 cal. What do all three have in common? ;)
 
Popsicle,

I never heard of 180 gr bullets in 40 S&W causing pressure problems, but why would anyone adopt 40 S&W and degrade this outstanding caliber by using a 180 gr bullet?

A 180 gr bullet in 40 S&W is a poor choice. It is low power and subsonic. If one is not restrained by needing subsonic bullets to shoot through a silencer, 135gr and 150gr bullets in 40 S&W are far more powerful and the higher velocity gives far better potential for expansion. (i.e. 135gr and 150gr bullets in 40 S&W are more effective at immobilizing your CCW target.)

Be sure to test your ammo for flash if there is a chance you may need to use it at night.

Good luck!

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona

P.S. I am puzzled by the number of contributors on this forum who somehow “feel” the heaviest bullet in a caliber is the most effective. I think they might “feel” the heaviest bullet is the most powerful. The heaviest bullet available in many calibers is way off the optimum, giving LOW power, POOR expansion, WEAK stopping and often DANGEROUS over-penetration for lack of expansion.
 
MOST EFFECTIVE BULLET WEIGHT

In 40 S&W it's the 135g JHP (mine best) and 155g (Border Patrol seems to have great results).

180g great for training / plinking / competition. Maybe even some hunting applications.

Feel better, Al?
 
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