theres nothing wrong really with the 40 s&w other than it tends to have a bit more muzzle flip then a 45 acp and from experience its seems to be a bit finiky when handloading especially when the brass was shot in a glock before handloading it id run into alot of split cases at the base not my idea of a good time. I like my 40 its great for plinking but not my choice for personal defense thats what i have my 45's for.

Home, home on the range
where the 9's and 45's play
seldomis heard
a discouraging word
about 40'sabilityin case ofgunplay.

The .40S&W is quite a capable cartridge. I don't think that any one handgun caliber or bullet is perfect, but it's definitely at the top of the list of widely available choices.

I use 180 gr. Hydra Shoks in my carry pistol. I've never had to use it in self-defense, thankfully, so I rely on LEO experience andballistics studies (primarily from the FBI and affiliates) for information. Myopinion ofthe Hydra Shoks has always been good. The muzzle flash is fairly good in low light, it feeds perfectly, and it shoots more accurately from the bench than I'm capable of unsupported.

One problem I've heard about on more than one occasionis the tendency of theHP cavity to clog, particularly when fired through heavy (i.e. leather) clothing or multiple layers. This is something to consider very seriously, especially during the winter months.

My preferences in terms of performance are: 1) shot placement; 2) penetration; and 3) expansion. For this reason I would prefer the Hydra Shoks even against a heavily clothed adversary because of its penetration capability.

So that's one man's opinion. Good luck out there, and stay safe!

.40S&W is my favorite and has been for a couple years now.

I use 155 grain Hydras when I carry. At all ranges under 50 yards, its going faster and has more energy than the 165 and 180 grains. On the opposite side, you can argue that the heavier bullet will be harder to deflect and might get thru thicker garments better, but Ive shot telephone books, milk jugs, you name it, with all 3 weights, and I like what the 155 does. Not to mention my Sig loves them.

I have recently fallen inlove 165 grain Golden Sabers from Remington. Actually, after I shoot the rest of these Hydras, Im going to Sabers full time. Slightly more potent than Federals Hydras, and from hands on experience from people who have used both, the Sabers are more reliable when it comes to penetration and proper mushrooming.

I'll run more tests on them when I get a few boxes

In my 9MM Ruger I have been carrying the Federal 135 grain Hydrashocks. Any opinions on these loads? I have not chronographed them yet.

I shoot the 180gr Rem Golden Sabors and love them. Compared to other loads, they are cheaper here. Box of 25 is 9.99. Other loads for a box of 25 run anywhere from $12-$20.

I'm not sure whome to reply to but I 've herd for many years to only use factory ammo for defenseive shooting.It's not such a big deal to load your gun with hydro shocks or something similar. But you must fire enough of your chosen ammo thru your defensive gun to know it functions perfectly. my thinking is with the quality of premium defensive ammo as high as it is ,why whould you take any chances with a handload anyway. I'm not saying their's anything wrong with your handloaded ammo, I seldom ever have a problem with mine. But my sister is a lawyer and talking with her I've come to understand theirs no need taking chances that are preventable. Practice or compete all you want with your reloads, even hunt with them, but don't shoot bad guys with them, it makes no sense!

I have heard that too fornra, and used to practice that, but I have had many misfires from factory too. At our range, the range officer keeps a whole coffee can full of misfires from factory ammo. Pretty filled up. So I have my handloads. If I ever am unfortatel enough to have to protect myself, I will have more problems than worrying about my handloads.

So Far. I have never had a factory round fail in any centerfire rifle or handgun. I have had misfires with rimfire though. I carry only factory loads for defense. Makes sense to me with the legal factors involved.

As a civilian I have never had to fire in self defense but have on occassion stopped an ugly incident by showing a handgun. I also helped a guy who was stalking my daughter set a new one block speed record by racking the slide on a 1911.

James B if he'd been stalking my daughter ,she would have the racked the slide on her springfield 45 and shot him in the a--. Pop wouldn't have to do nothing but laugh!