Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 40 SW AMMO

I like Underwood Ammo

Is there a bad 40 cal load. Sure some might be better then others but...

For defensive use there are law enforcement loads at <$30 per 50. For making holes in paper there is Russian ammo. One should break handgun into four parts and clean and lube about every 500 rounds anyway.

THANKS to ALL of you for your recommendations.

Yes, I picked up the pistol today but I found some ammo for starters on Tuesday.
The weapon is a S W, M&P 40.
It's been shot VERY little. I got the Orig. box w/owners manual and Xtra mag. = $ 300. OTD

For starters I picked up some
S & B 180 gr FMJ = 12.99 / 50,...... practice rounds

Hornady Critical Defense 165 FTX = $24.99 / 20 defense/offense rounds LOL


Now I have time to look around for cheaper practice/plinking and

I'll make a list of the BETTER rounds y'all have suggested for defense.


I have LOTS of experience with 357s, 9mm, & 44 Mag. This little gun and the 40 SW I expect will have noticeable recoil.
I'm not afraid of it. My VERY first handgun was a Ruger SBHK 44 Mag so I'm used to it.

I really appreciate all of your participation. I'll continue to watch for other recommends.

Thanks Again

Jerry

Well J Wall you can want all the lwt loads there is but unless your gun has elev adj rear sight most 40's I've had with fixed elev rear sights are targeted for 180 gr bullets at combat ranges. Start at Wallyworld with factory Federal 180 gr truncated flat point FMJ's, shoot really nice in my CZ's abo $17/50 you can thank me when you try them and see the light. MB

Recoil Gunworks

FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 40 S&W 155GR JHP [RG-P40HS2]
AVAILABILITY: IN STOCK YOUR PRICE:$26.95 $9.99

Bob, I understand. Today will be my FIRST time to shoot it.
The M & P is fixed sighted so that is that.
It is my Personal Defense weapon, so I'm not concerned about distance.

IF, IF I have to use it < and I HOPE I don't > it will be Up Close & Personal ----NO aiming needed! ! And I'm WILLING.

Thanks

Jerry

Thank You, I'll check it out.

Jerry

First Range Report, S W, M & P, 40 SW

Using S & B 180 FMJ and H Critical Defense 165 FTX

Distance 15 good steps. -> Happy Camper

I have a dirt pile with a few rocks for smaller targets and a Wood firewood block and Flat Metal plate @ 12' X 12".

The M & P was pleasant to shoot with both ammo. First 2 shots were low so I adjusted my AIM.
My 9mm, 147 gr CCI Gold Dots were punching THRU the wood block.
The 40, 180 FMJ were Rocking the block no pun intended. ?,

The 9 147s splattered on the metal with a small dent.
The 40 180 FMJ made LARGER dents.

I didn't shoot MANY of the 165 FTX because of the $$.
I shot small rocks, @ 4" oblong, and EITHER hit or rolled them.

Using the 180 FMJ, I shot some Double Tap and Triple Tap on the wood & metal > SCORE, no misses.



The magazineS for the M & P were DIFFICULT to load. ?? Don't know why.
My S-W 6906 mags ARE much easier to load. ??

ALL IN ALL, I'm completely satisfied ! Will start looking for CHEAPER ammo.

Thanks Again for Y'alls Help.

Jerry

Here's the answer to your loading difficulties.... https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2136952670

And look here for..... https://www.sgammo.com/catalog/pistol-ammo-sale/40-cal-ammo

SGammo offers bonded JHPs from government contract overrun at <$20 per 50. That is impossible to beat.

THANKS to both of you. Slavek & win 70.

I will check into both.


Jerry

Another quick word about the 180gr HST's at 1055 fps, after Wife gave me the three freezer burnt chickens, I had them pretty well thawed, she also does arts and crafts work and saves the big net bags onions and potatoes come in, I got one of those from her, put the dogs up, placed the chickens in the bag and wrapped em up tight, bellied out of the back porch and slammed them with three rounds.

A quick back porch autopsy was very telling, massive damage to the contents, only chickens yes, but, still fun with a lot of fresh provided media to study, no bullet recoveries, chunked the birds over the back pasture fence for the coyotes, let the dogs back out to mop the back porch, fun morning all around.

180’s are the most pleasant to shoot, especially out of my Glock 27.

It sorta depends on the 180, even with FMJ. Tula is real soft shooting; Speer Lawman is generally loaded to duty ammo velocities.

I've got a case of the Lawman coming along with some Ranger T in the same weight. I'll clock them both from my G27 when I get a chance.

jw - I am not familiar with Underwood. I've been on Midway and all they offer is 20 ct. boxes

I found:

Rem UMC 180 HP . 20.99/---- <SORRY 50 can't divide EARLY

Win 180 Bonded HP 22.49/---- < SORRY 50 can't divide EARLY
-----------------------------^^^^^^.....BEST $$


Also found Hornady Critical Defense 165 HP - 24.99/ 20 . . . SAME as locally!!



Tell me about these JHP from Government contracts. ^^^^ please.


Check EDIT on no. count ***
Thnx

Jerry

I haven't been able to check ALL of y'alls suggestions.

In MY area those S & B FMJ @ $13. /50 rd is the cheapest I've found locally.
The H C D 165 HPs are priced the same in other places & Midway.

< SO FAR - Midway's W W 180 JHP @ 22.50 - per 50 ct is the best price I've found on H Ps. >


I did pick up an "Inside the Pant Holster for $ 18.00. Leather out - nylon lined.


*** In my best outlet they were well stocked in Rifle powders... EXCEPT for Rl 26.
They had a good selection of IMR, Hodgd., Rl, & Superformance powders. ****

Still Looking.

Jerry

Sounds like alotta Fun. I might try that.
I frequently see DEAD deer on the roadside not far from the house > Good test media.
* Necks, * shoulders * hams.

Thanks for the idea.

Jerry

The 165 JHP Critical Defense & 180 FMJ S & B are the only 2 I have shot so far.
I didn't notice any diff in recoil or 'handleability' . MAYBE ? the 165 are hotter and making up for less weight ? ?

After I get more ammo - don't know yet which - I'll be able to chrono mine in my gun and see what's what.

Thanks Again


Jerry

You're quiet welcome JWall , almost as much fun as I had near 10 years ago when she gave me a freezer burnt turkey, I cut loose on that thing with a 9mm chunking 115gr Barnes hp's at 1250 fps, the dogs got the cleanup job on that one too!