.40S&W vrs .45ACP

[LetsRoll]

Gents, what is the difference between the two calibers power wise? Or should I ask, does the .45 have more take down power than the .40? Reason I'm asking is cause a few days ago, my family had a break in and the thief stole my Sig Sauer P250 9mm pistol. So before I purchase a new Sig Sauer, thought I'd ask first before I buy a caliber weapon that I might not care for.

A little back ground on me so to speak: I have shot a .45 pistol before, but I just don't have any experience with a .40 caliber pistol. When I was in the Marine Corps, we didn't have .40S&W.

Looking for the pro's and con's. And if you have criticism (even if it's constructive), I would still like to hear it.

Thanks

Link for the new pistol that I hope to be getting soon.
Sig Sauer P250 Full Size Pistol

 

[mjonesnh]

Currently own handguns in both of these calibers.Both of these are very capable rounds for general target use or defense. Have owned numerous pistols in .45ACP for around 30 years or more. The 40 was purchased around 2 years ago simply because it was to good of deal to pass up. Factory rounds have a 230 grain .45 bullet travelling around 800 fps and 350 ft.lbs of energy, the .40 has about 1000 fps and 400 ft. lbs of energy for a 180 grain bullet. On paper the .40 S&W seems to have the defensive edge plus the .40 probably has a larger magazine capacity.That being said, in a defense situation I would choose the .45 simply because I have used this caliber more than all my other pistols combined. A person armed with a Colt Government Model .45 and 2-3 seven round magazines is a very well armed individual for almost any situation.

EDIT: Just went to Winchester site and the above numbers are pretty close for standard round nose factory loads. If you check the numbers for hollow points or some of the other defense loads the .45 and .40 are almost equal in fps and muzzle energy.

 

[k0ua]

Pretty much what the above poster said.. I have both and have shot 10's of Thousands of rounds thru both. I will always love my .45 but the .40 is good too. With proper ammunition, either will do what ever needs doing. Of course I was shooting .45's long long before the .40 came to the foreground. So I will always have a place for a .45. In some ways the .40 may be a little "snappier" on recoil, but it mostly depends on the frame size, as a .40 in a full size 1911 frame is not any more than a .45. But .40's are often built on 9mm frame sizes so there is a noticeable difference between a .40 and a 9mm recoil wise. Bottom line, buy either ( or both ) as both will serve you well.

James K0UA

 

[familyman]

There is no practical difference. A thoracic shot with either will be effective. If you can find a cheap source of ammo for either one, go with that one.

I'm an old-school, Jeff Cooper / 1911 fan and prefer mine in .45acp. The .40 is loaded warmer and snaps a little more, but I don't see the need for increased velocity. The .45acp throws a fat, heavy bullet at useable velocities and is easier to control than the .40, by a small margin. I doubt the targets will ever notice any difference.

 

[familyman]

Pretty much what the above poster said.. I have both and have shot 10's of Thousands of rounds thru both. I will always love my .45 but the .40 is good too. With proper ammunition, either will do what ever needs doing. Of course I was shooting .45's long long before the .40 came to the foreground. So I will always have a place for a .45. In some ways the .40 may be a little "snappier" on recoil, but it mostly depends on the frame size, as a .40 in a full size 1911 frame is not any more than a .45. But .40's are often built on 9mm frame sizes so there is a noticeable difference between a .40 and a 9mm recoil wise. Bottom line, buy either ( or both ) as both will serve you well.

James K0UA

Dude, I like you more and more!

 

[k0ua]

Dude, I like you more and more!

Yeah I think we have a lot in common.. Now I am pretty much a right wing Conservative. Uh "bitter clinger".. You Ok with that?

James K0UA

 

[TripleR]

About all I can do is agree with everyone else. I own several different caliber pistols and revolvers from the .380 to .44 Magnum. I spent my early years in search of the "perfect gun/round" and never found it. I jumped on the Jeff Cooper, Lee Juras, Wondernine, fast, light bullet, heavy slow bullet, medium fast, medium slow bnd wagons and was even once able to get a hold of the FBI's "magical 147 grain subsonic round" that was restricted to "Law Enforcement Only"; didn't make any sense to me, but I figured what the heck.

I have a Colt Gold Cup in .45 and Sig 220 in .45 and several Glocks in .40 S&W as the Glocks were all we could carry and I got use to and began to like them OK. When I carry a semi auto it is in .40 S&W because that is what I was trained with and have become accustomed. I get good fire power in a small package with a few more rounds than in my .45s and I am use to it.

While I don't shoot very much any more, I am looking at getting either a Sig 220 Tactical or something along the lines of a Kimber or other 1911 just because I like them.

I have read all of the stuff by the FBI, Fackler, Marshall, Cooper and about anyone who has done any research and I couldn't make a good case for one caliber over the other.

For reloading I prefer the .45 due to the relatively low pressures and the cases last longer, but .40 S&W brass is getting easier to find; beats me otherwise.

 

[k0ua]

You know, I am amazed how many of us on here have had similar experiences and similar interests.. Not just tractors, but in a lot of things.

James K0UA

 

[familyman]

You know, I am amazed how many of us on here have had similar experiences and similar interests.. Not just tractors, but in a lot of things.

James K0UA

I agree. In terms of ability and experience, there's a lot of talent here.

And yes, I too cling VERY BITTERLY.

Maybe we should form "The Tractor Party"?

 

[familyman]

I have read all of the stuff by the FBI, Fackler, Marshall, Cooper and about anyone who has done any research and I couldn't make a good case for one caliber over the other.

For reloading I prefer the .45 due to the relatively low pressures and the cases last longer, but .40 S&W brass is getting easier to find; beats me otherwise.

Anything that will make holes in the human hydraulic system has merit. While caliber selection is worthy of attention, a gun is not the most important tool in the defense arsenal.

.40 vs .45? A toss-up.