Which have you found more accurate at 25-50 yds....9mm Luger vs 40 s&w?

[Nathan]

If you had something exceptional, please share:

Caliber:
Pistol:
Group Size: #.# @##yds
Comments:


I'm trying to choose a caliber for a super accurate and easy shooting range gun like the CZ Tactical Sports or similar.

 

[VoodooMountain]

I never shot 40 enough to make a fair comparison but I will say I had a 357 sig barrel for the 40 and it was extremely accurate.

 

[BarryLee]

A friend swears that the .40S&W shoots “flater” thus is more accurate. I did shoot a lot of forty during one of the various panic sprees when 9mm was in short supply and can’t say I noticed much difference. I suppose in a theoretical sense one might be better, but in the real world it probably has as much to do with the actual gun and skill of the shooter.

 

[T. O'Heir]

You'll likely find a .45 ACP is more accurate and easier shooting than either a 9mm or .40 S&W. Neither of those are great target cartridges.
"....40S&W shoots “flatter”...:" Your buddy is confused. Accuracy has nothing to do with 'flat' shooting. And the two shoot very similar trajectories. About an inch difference at 100. Mind you, the 9mm with a 115 grain bullet, the 40 with a 135.
This site is being kind of cranky, but it opens eventually.
http://gundata.org/blog/post/9mm-vs-40-smith-and-wesson/

 

[themalicious0ne]

I think the gun matters far more. I do not shoot any gun as accurate as my CZ 75 in 40 S&W. of all the guns I shoot, the 2 I shoot best are in 40 S&W followed by 45 and lastly 9mm. It isnt a fair comparison though because of the platforms. CZ 75(40)>XDM 5"(40)>1911 4.25"(45)>XDS 4.25"(45)>HK VP9> Glock 19.

Disclaimer: I shoot the XDS far better than I aught to. At times I think I can shoot that better than my 1911, for some reason. For me, the triggers I am most comfortable with make the biggest difference. Give me a CZ in 9, 40 or 45 and I would assume I could shoot them all well.

 

[noonesshowmonkey]

The Indian, not the arrow.

 

[Nathan]

The indian is fine. Thanks for asking at least with his 38 spcl loads!

 

[pblanc]

I am not a target shooter and I don't shoot pistols beyond 25 yards as I have enough challenge at that distance.

I do have a variety of high quality, full-sized pistols in various calibers and I have observed that I seem to consistently have better accuracy with heavier projectiles. I tend to shoot .45 ACP better than .40 S&W and that better than 9mm Luger. When it comes to 9mm I seem to shoot 124 grain better than 115 grain. I am just starting to experiment with 357 SIG but I think I may be more accurate with that caliber in 125gr than I am with .40 S&W 180gr, which would be something of an exception to the general rule.

This seems to be the case whether I am shooting free hand or from rest.

 

[Skans]

9mm. Even the Wolf steel cased stuff. 9mm just seems to be more accurate for me at greater distances.

 

[jrothWA]

9mm using the 124gr XTP's from hornady...

Couple January's ago was shooting indoors in Cincinnati range, with my .38 Snub and M39-2.

Had the target @ max range of 25 yds, and placing everything in the black bull.

Others were there @ 7yds and keeping everything on the whole silhouette paper with their 40's.

One guy came over watching me and I let him pop ten rounds off and he had a bid smile and serious thinking n his mind afterwards.

Misses don't work, placement does.

 

[saleen322]

Strictly target 9mm, 952 S&W. Under 2" at 50 yards.

For a less expensive option, I also have a 92 Beretta that put a KKM Precision drop in barrel. I have not done much with it at 50 yards but it will group around 1.25" @ 25 yards with little effort. Hope this helps.

 

[Sarge]

The barrel quality and fitting of an individual pistol, along with the quality of the ammunition, is going to make a whole lot more difference than the cartridge for which the pistol is chambered. And you'd need a Ransom Rest to draw any conclusions.