40 S&W Ammo 165gr VS 180gr.

[Ruger1nut]

Title pretty much sums it up. I have a new 40cal carry gun. Two brands of 165 gr ammo shoot perfect poit of aim at 10 yards and group pretty good. 180 gr, ammo shot very tight but was several inches lower than the 165.

Options are to carry the 165 and go on my way or change front site (lower???) and use the 180.
I typical prefer heavier loads for carry but I have little experience with a 40. My 10mm likes 180's and 200's.

Is the 165gr the industry standard for the 40cal?

What do you guys carry and why. any links or info re stopping, penetration and other real world info would be appreciated

Thanx
Dave

 

[WESHOOT2]

A well-designed 165g is a fine choice.
The Border Patrol, who shoots more people than any other US LE group, finds great success using Remington's conventional 155g JHP.
I, when wearing a .400" bore, run a Nosler 135g JHP at 'slap' velocity.

 

[Ruger1nut]

Thanx WeShoot2. It really likes the Hydro-Shock 165's as well as cheaper 165's. The Gold Dot 180s really shot well just suprised at how low they were.

Dave

 

[norfolknova]

I find my SR40c is mor accurate with the 165gr ammo. I also feel I can get back on target just a tad quicker with the 165gr. All I have ever used is 165 and 180.

Matt

 

[mattsbox99]

I also say point of aim with the carry gun.

My M&P 40s both (compact and full size) like the 165 grain Federal HST and shoot nice groups at 7 yards off hand.

 

[John E Davies]

Carry what you shoot most comfortably and is 100% reliable - that sounds like the 165s. In a .40 caliber pistol, a 15 grain difference is a non-issue. I carry Critical Defense 165 gr JHP and really like the stuff.

Do try the 200 gr Double Tap FMJ ammo for trail defense - it is really something.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[VAdoublegunner]

When the 40S&W first emerged on the scene in 1990, it was designed around a 180gr bullet. I still have a half box of the original Winchester JHP ammo that I've had since late 1990 when I bought a 4006.

Since then, many have found the lighter bullets a better weight in the 40. I have a bunch of early Win 155gr Silvertips too that were the stuff for a while. I still like them, they shoot well, but they shot a bit too low in the earlier guns. However, they had a better reputation at the time than 180s as fight stoppers.

Most recent guns seem to have their sights regulated for 155-165gr bullets. It seems 20 years of street performance has shown bullets in that weight range to be better in the 40. It has probably had more significant bullet/ammo development over the time span since it's introduction that any other cartridge, it's popularity as a police cartridge no doubt being a factor.

I'm suprised the 180s shot lower...often heavier bullets will shoot higher in a handgun at short ranges.