Occasionally, one sees an article with a title like “the dozen cartridges we no longer need.”  The list may include such entries as the .30-30 Winchester, 7X57 Mauser, .257 Roberts, etc. with the idea being that more modern calibers render such older ones obsolete.  There is a rational basis for some conjecture of this sort.  However, it is also true that some cartridges have been introduced for which there was no real need.  With regard to handguns, the 10mm Auto comes to mind.  It was introduced to meet a perceived need for a more powerful handgun for law enforcement, particularly by the FBI.  Don’t get me wrong; I like the 10mm and had one for many years.  It was the S&W 1006 which was a superb pistol, but it weighted 42 ounces empty.

           It was not long before it was observed that a rather large semiautomatic that fires a cartridge that generates up to 600 FT LBS was more than many people could handle effectively.  That led to shortening the case slightly and development of the .40 S&W.  That cartridge could be used in smaller and lighter pistols some of which were chambered for the 9mm Luger.  Handguns in .40 S&W caliber were widely adopted by a very large number of law enforcement agencies.  It should be remembered that the maximum pressure for the .40 S&W is 32,600 psi whereas that of the .45 Auto is only 19,000 psi.  When you fire a .40 S&W you will know it.

           However, the .40 S&W is no wimp and factory loads that generate up to 500 ft lbs are available.  When fired in a pistol of moderate size and weight the result is not comfortable or conducive to accurate shooting.  Even though agencies jumped on the trend to adopt .40 S&W pistols, the trend did not continue.  The recoil, blast, and tendency for models to have short lifetime has led to a mass return to the 9mm Luger.

           The development of high performance loads for the 9mm Luger make it more than just barely adequate for law enforcement use.  Such ammunition also makes a 9mm Luger about the upper limit of what non-handgun specialists can use effectively.  With the move away from the .40 S&W, one result has been that when 9mm Luger ammunition was unavailable or selling for $100 per box, .40 S&W ammunition was often readily available.

           The very potent 10mm Auto has developed a considerable following for sporting uses and several new pistols in that caliber have recently been brought to market.  Such handguns are often chosen for hunting or defense against large predators.  Does a similar situation exist for the .40 S&W?  I believe that it does and a look at available ammunition shows why.

           I got into the .40 S&W several years ago when I wrote the reloading section of a popular gun magazine and needed one for testing.  My choice was a Sig SP2022 which was one of the most economical models available at the time.  The pistol weighs 29 ounces and has proved to be utterly reliable with never a failure to feed, extract, or eject.  I once put on a compact laser sight and was rewarded with five shots in one hole at 15 yards.  The pistol is certainly accurate enough for sporting purposes.  Originally available in .40 S&W, 9mm Luger, and .357 Sig, the SP2022 is now available only in 9mm Luger. 

           Typically, the .40 S&W is loaded with bullets weighing from about 135 grains up to about 200 grains with many bullet styles being available.  With a 180 grain full metal jacketed bullet, deep penetration is assured and some such loads develop 450-470 ft lbs.  For smaller species, I would load my Sig with the 155 grain Winchester Silvertip.  It has a muzzle velocity of 1205 ft/sec and energy of 500 ft lbs.  The Silvertip bullets in several calibers have shown dramatic expansion when fired into jugs of water.  This is true even when fired from a .38 Special with a 2 inch barrel, and the 185 grain Silvertip is my favorite load for the .45 Auto.  The Winchester Silvertip load in a .40 S&W would spell enormous and immediate trouble for a rabid coyote or a healthy one called to within 50 yards or so.

           Handloading ammunition for the .40 S&W is not quite as simple as it is for some other handgun cartridges.  Some pistols are designed so that the chamber does not fully support the case.  Moreover, the short case results in heavier bullets being seated deeply so that even a slight change in seating depth can lead to a dramatic increase in pressure.

           However, the versatility of the .40 S&W is also displayed with handloaded ammunition.  For lighter loads, I like the 135 grain Nosler hollow point and it can be driven at high velocity.  For other uses, the Speer 165 grain Gold Dot is about as good as it gets.  Several powders perform well in the .40 S&W with Winchester WSF, Alliant Power Pistol and Unique, Accurate 5, and Hodgdon Titegroup being good choices depending on bullet weight.

           The .40 S&W has been abandoned by many law enforcement departments and many experienced pistols are available in that caliber, often at comparatively low prices.  Many types of ammunition are readily available.  Therefore, as long as the accuracy is sufficient I believe that a .40 S&W is a perfectly adequate choice for many sporting purposes.  With the demise of the reloading column, I had planned to get rid of mine, but on reconsidering it is not going anywhere soon.

The Sig SP2022 in .40 S&W caliber is a potent pistol of convenient size and weight.

Shown for comparison are (left to right) 9mm, .40, and .45 bullets.

A few of the factory loads in .40 S&W caliber shown here with my favorite Winchester Silvertip on the left.

Those who load .40 S&W ammunition must keep careful watch on case length which has a maximum of 0.850 inch.

The maximum overall cartridge length is 1.135 inches.

Shown here are a few of the bullet styles that are available in .40 caliber with weights ranging from 135 grains to 200 grains.