40 S&W AND BULK 40 S&W AMMO

About 40 S&W Ammo

Introduced in 1990 through a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Winchester Ammunition, the .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson) cartridge was created to meet the FBI's demand for a round that offered greater stopping power than the 9mm but with less recoil than the 10mm Auto.

Designed using a shortened 10mm Auto case, the .40 S&W delivers a balanced performance with bullet weights typically ranging from 135 to 180 grains and velocities between 950 and 1,200 feet per second.

Originally intended for law enforcement, it quickly earned a strong following among civilian shooters due to its accuracy, effectiveness at various ranges, and versatility.

Commonly referred to as .40 Auto or simply .40 caliber, the ammunition remains popular for home defense, concealed carry, duty use, and recreational shooting.

Although modern 9mm rounds have seen rising favor thanks to technological improvements, the .40 S&W continues to be valued by those seeking a reliable middle ground between capacity and power.

40 S&W Ammo Features

The .40 S&W cartridge is known for delivering a powerful, reliable performance in a wide range of shooting situations. Originally developed for law enforcement, it continues to be favored by everyday gun owners and professionals alike for its balance of strength, control, and adaptability.

Here are the standout features that make .40 S&W ammo a top choice:

Stopping Power
.40 S&W is widely recognized for its strong terminal impact, offering more stopping power than many calibers of similar size. When fired, the round delivers a high amount of energy to the target, making it an effective option for self-defense and duty use where quick incapacitation is critical.

Moderate Recoil
Although .40 S&W generates noticeable recoil, it remains easier to manage than higher-powered cartridges like the 10mm Auto. This allows shooters to maintain better accuracy and control during rapid fire or extended practice sessions.

Reliable Penetration
Thanks to its consistent expansion and penetration characteristics, .40 S&W ammo is capable of reaching vital zones while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. The degree of penetration depends on variables such as bullet design, weight, and velocity, with many loads offering an ideal balance for defensive scenarios.

Versatility
From home defense and law enforcement to competition shooting, the .40 S&W is a flexible cartridge that supports various bullet types:

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for training and target shooting
• Hollow Point (HP) for self-defense
• Frangible rounds for close-quarters or indoor environments

This wide variety gives shooters plenty of options to match their specific needs.

Solid Performance
The .40 S&W bridges the performance gap between the 9mm and the .45 ACP, while offering less recoil than a 10mm. A typical load—such as a 180-grain bullet at 990 fps—produces around 392 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, well above the recommended minimum for self-defense ammunition.

Availability
Thanks to ongoing demand from law enforcement agencies and a strong civilian following, .40 S&W ammo remains widely available both in-store and online. With many handgun models chambered in .40 S&W and plenty of bulk ammo options, shooters can find the right setup with ease and consistency.

Common 40 S&W Ammunition Uses

The .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson) cartridge has earned a strong reputation as a dependable, all-purpose round. Known for its balanced blend of power, control, and versatility, it’s commonly used in several practical settings.

Whether you’re a professional, a competitive shooter, or a civilian gun owner, .40 S&W offers performance you can rely on.

Self-Defense
One of the most popular uses for .40 S&W is personal protection. Its effective stopping power, moderate recoil, and reliable penetration make it a trusted choice for home defense and concealed carry.

Many self-defense rounds feature hollow point bullets designed to expand on impact, increasing their ability to stop a threat quickly while minimizing the risk of over-penetration.

Law Enforcement and Security
Originally developed in response to law enforcement needs, the .40 S&W has long been a standard issue caliber for police and security personnel.

It offers a strong balance between the higher capacity of 9mm and the hard-hitting impact of .45 ACP, giving officers the confidence needed in critical situations.

Target Shooting and Training
Thanks to its availability and range-friendly performance, .40 S&W is widely used for range practice and marksmanship training. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are commonly used for this purpose due to their lower cost and clean shooting characteristics.

Many gun owners choose the .40 S&W for regular training to maintain familiarity and accuracy with their carry or duty firearm.

Competitive Shooting
Although not as common as 9mm in competitive circuits, .40 S&W is still used in IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) and other practical shooting sports.

Its ability to meet certain power factor requirements makes it suitable for events where higher-impact rounds are needed to score effectively.

Recreational Shooting
Gun enthusiasts who enjoy shooting for fun or sport often choose .40 S&W for its manageable recoil and satisfying performance.

Whether plinking at steel targets or testing new loads, this caliber offers a well-rounded shooting experience.