.40 S&W

The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Smith & Wesson and Winchester.[3] The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) reduced-velocity 10mm Auto cartridge which could be retrofitted into medium-frame (9mm size) semi-automatic handguns. It uses 0.40-inch (10 mm) diameter bullets ranging in weight from 105 to 200 grains (6.8 to 13.0 g).[4]

.40 S&W
An expanded hollow point bullet (Winchester SXT "Black Talon", left) and an unfired hollow point .40 S&W cartridge (Speer Gold Dot, right)
TypePistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerBob Klunk
DesignedJanuary 17, 1990
Produced1990–present
Specifications
Parent case10mm Auto
Case typeRimless, Straight
Bullet diameter.400 in (10.2 mm)
Neck diameter.423 in (10.7 mm)
Base diameter.424 in (10.8 mm)
Rim diameter.424 in (10.8 mm)
Rim thickness.055 in (1.4 mm)
Case length.850 in (21.6 mm)
Overall length1.135 in (28.8 mm)
Case capacity19.3 gr H2O (1.25 cm3)
Rifling twist1 in 16 in. (406 mm)
Primer typeSmall pistol
Maximum pressure35,000 psi (240 MPa)
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
10.69 g (165 gr) Federal FMJ 1,130 ft/s (340 m/s) 468 ft⋅lbf (635 J)
7.45 g (115 gr) Cor-Bon Glaser 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) 500 ft⋅lbf (680 J)
10.04 g (155 gr) Federal HST 1,160 ft/s (350 m/s) 463 ft⋅lbf (628 J)
8.74 g (135 gr) Underwood JHP 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) 588 ft⋅lbf (797 J)
12.95 g (200 gr) Doubletap FMJ FP 1,050 ft/s (320 m/s) 490 ft⋅lbf (660 J)
Test barrel length: 4 inches (100 mm)
Source(s): [1][2]

History

In the aftermath of the 1986 FBI Miami shootout, in which two FBI special agents were killed and five wounded, the FBI started the process of testing 9×19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP ammunition in preparation to replace its standard-issue revolver with a semi-automatic pistol. The semi-automatic pistol offered two advantages over the revolver: increased ammunition capacity and increased ease of reloading during a gunfight. The FBI was satisfied with the performance of its .38 Special +P 158 gr (10.2 g) lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint (LSWCHP) cartridge ("FBI load") based on decades of dependable performance. Ammunition for the new semi-automatic pistol had to deliver terminal performance equal or superior to the .38 Special FBI load. The FBI developed a series of practically oriented tests involving eight test events that they believed reasonably represented the kinds of situations that FBI agents commonly encountered in shooting incidents.

During tests of the 9×19mm and .45 ACP ammunition, the FBI Firearms Training Unit's special agent-in-charge, John Hall, decided to include tests of the 10mm Auto cartridge, supplying his own Colt Delta Elite 10mm semi-automatic, and personally handloaded ammunition. The FBI's tests revealed that a 170–180 gr (11.0–11.7 g) JHP 10mm bullet, propelled between 900–1,000 ft/s (270–300 m/s), achieved desired terminal performance without the heavy recoil associated with conventional 10mm ammunition (1,300–1,400 ft/s (400–430 m/s)). The FBI contacted Smith & Wesson and requested it to design a handgun to FBI specifications, based on the existing large-frame Smith & Wesson Model 4506 .45 ACP handgun, that would reliably function with the FBI's reduced-velocity 10 mm ammunition. During this collaboration with the FBI, S&W realized that downsizing the 10mm full power to meet the FBI's medium velocity specification meant less powder and more airspace in the case. They found that by removing the airspace they could shorten the 10mm case enough to fit within their medium-frame 9mm handguns and load it with a 180 gr (11.7 g) JHP bullet to produce ballistic performance identical to the FBI's reduced-velocity 10mm cartridge. S&W then teamed with Winchester to produce a new cartridge, the .40 S&W. It uses a small pistol primer whereas the 10mm cartridge uses a large pistol primer.

The .40 S&W cartridge debuted January 17, 1990, along with the new Smith & Wesson Model 4006 pistol, although it was several months before the pistols were available for purchase. Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H. beat Smith & Wesson to the dealer shelves in 1990, with pistols chambered in .40 S&W (the Glock 22 and Glock 23) which were announced a week before the 4006.[5] Glock's rapid introduction was aided by its engineering of a pistol chambered in 10mm Auto, the Glock 20, only a short time earlier. Since the .40 S&W uses the same bore diameter and case head as the 10mm Auto, it was merely a matter of adapting the 10mm design to the shorter 9×19mm Parabellum frames. The new guns and ammunition were an immediate success,[6][7] and pistols in the new caliber were adopted by several law enforcement agencies around the nation, including the FBI, which adopted the Glock pistol in .40 S&W in May 1997.

The popularity of the .40 S&W accelerated with the passage of the now-expired Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 which prohibited sales of pistol or rifle magazines that could hold more than ten rounds (cartridges), regardless of caliber. Several U.S. states, and a number of local governments, also banned or regulated so-called "high capacity" magazines. As a result, many new firearm buyers limited to purchasing pistols with a maximum magazine capacity of 10 rounds chose pistols in the .40 S&W chambering instead of smaller-diameter cartridges such as the 9x19mm (9mm Luger or 9mm Parabellum).

The .40 S&W case length and overall cartridge length are shortened, but other dimensions except case web and wall thickness remain identical to the 10mm Auto. Both cartridges headspace on the mouth of the case. Thus in a semi-auto they are not interchangeable. Fired from a 10mm semi-auto, the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge will headspace on the extractor and the bullet will jump a 0.142 inches (3.6 mm) freebore just like a .38 Special fired from a .357 Magnum revolver. If the cartridge is not held by the extractor, the chances for a ruptured primer are great.[8] Smith & Wesson does make a double-action revolver (the Model 610) that can fire either cartridge via use of moon clips. A single-action revolver in the .38–40 chambering can also be modified to fire the .40 or the 10mm if it has an extra cylinder. Some .40 caliber handguns can be converted to 9mm with a special purpose-made barrel, magazine change, and other parts.

Cartridge dimensions

The .40 S&W has 1.25 ml (19.3 grains H2O) cartridge case capacity.

The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 406 millimetres (16.0 in), 6 grooves, ∅ lands = 9.91 ;mm, ∅ grooves = 10.17 mm, land width = 3.05 mm and the primer type is small pistol.[4] According to the official C.I.P. guidelines, the .40 S&W case can handle up to 225 megapascals (32,600 psi) piezo pressure. In C.I.P.-regulated countries every pistol/cartridge combo has to be proofed at 130% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.
The SAAMI pressure limit for the .40 S&W is set at 241.32 megapascals (35,001 psi) piezo pressure.[9]

Performance
.40 S&W Jacketed Flat Point cartridge from the side.

The .40 S&W cartridge has been popular with law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, Australia and Brazil. While possessing nearly identical accuracy,[10] drift and drop as the 9mm Parabellum, it also has an energy advantage[11] over the 9mm Parabellum[12] and .45 ACP,[13] and with a more manageable recoil than the 10mm Auto cartridge.[6] Marshall & Sanow (and other hydrostatic shock proponents) contend that with good jacketed hollow point bullets, the more energetic loads for the .40 S&W can also create hydrostatic shock in human-sized living targets.[14][15]

Based on ideal terminal ballistic performance in ordnance gelatin during lab testing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the .40 S&W earned status as "the ideal cartridge for personal defense and law enforcement".[7][16] Ballistically the .40 S&W is almost identical to the .38-40 Winchester introduced in 1874, as they share the same bullet diameter and bullet weight, and have similar muzzle velocities.[17] The energy of the .40 S&W exceeds standard-pressure .45 ACP loadings, generating between 350 foot-pounds (470 J) and 500 foot-pounds (680 J) of energy, depending on bullet weight. Both the .40 S&W and the 9mm Parabellum operate at a 35,000 pounds per square inch (240 MPa) SAAMI maximum, compared to a 21,000 pounds per square inch (140 MPa) maximum for .45 ACP.[18]

.40 S&W pistols with standard (not extended) double-stack magazines can hold as many as 16 cartridges. While not displacing the 9mm Parabellum, the .40 S&W is commonly used in law enforcement applications in keeping with its origin with the FBI. Select U.S. special operations units have available the .40 S&W and .45 ACP for their pistols. The United States Coast Guard, having dual duties as maritime law enforcement and military deployments, has adopted the SIG Sauer P229R DAK in .40 S&W as their standard sidearm.

The .40 S&W was originally loaded at subsonic velocity (around 980 ft/s (300 m/s)) with a 180 grains (11.7 g) bullet.[16] Since its introduction, various loads have been created, with the majority being either 155, 165 or 180 gr (10.0, 10.7 or 11.7 g).[19] However, there are some bullets with weights as light as 135 gr (8.7 g) and as heavy as 200 gr (13.0 g).[20] Cor-Bon and Winchester both offer a 135 gr (8.7 g) JHP and Cor-Bon also offers a 140 gr (9.1 g) Barnes XPB hollow-point. Double Tap Ammo, based out of Cedar City, Utah, loads a 135 gr (8.7 g) Nosler JHP, a 155 gr (10.0 g), 165 gr (10.7 g) and 180 gr (11.7 g) Speer Gold Dot hollow-point (marketed as "Bonded Defense"), a 180 gr (11.7 g) Hornady XTP JHP, and three different 200 gr (13.0 g) loads included a 200 gr (13 g) Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), a 200 gr (13 g) Hornady XTP JHP and Double Tap's own 200 gr (13 g) WFNGC (Wide Flat Nose Gas Check) hard cast lead bullet; the latter specifically designed for hunting and woods carry applications.

Case failure reports
Beretta 96 Feed Ramp

The .40 S&W has been noted in a number of cartridge case failures, particularly in older Glock pistols due to the relatively large area of unsupported case head in those barrels, given its high working pressure.[21][22] The feed ramp on the Glock .40 S&W pistols is larger than on other Glocks, which leaves the rear bottom of the case unsupported, and it is in this unsupported area that the cases fail. Most, but not all, of the failures have occurred with reloaded or remanufactured ammunition.[23] Cartridges loaded at or above the SAAMI pressure, or slightly oversized cases which fire slightly out of battery are often considered to be the cause of these failures,[23] which are commonly referred to as "kaBooms" or "kB!" for short.[23] While these case failures do not often injure the person holding the pistol, the venting of high pressure gas tends to eject the magazine out of the magazine well in a spectacular fashion, and usually destroys the pistol. In some cases, the barrel will also fail, blowing the top of the chamber off.

Synonyms
  • .40 caliber
  • .40 Auto
  • 10×22mm
  • 10mm Kurz (A moniker based on the .40 S&W being a "shorter version" of the 10mm Auto, similar to how the .380 ACP is shorter and lower powered but otherwise similar to the 9mm Parabellum and is also known as 9mm Kurz or 9mm short.)
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See also

References
  1. "MidwayUSA - Shop Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Products". MidwayUSA. Archived from the original on April 22, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  2. "C.I.P. decisions, texts and tables – free current C.I.P. CD-ROM version download (ZIP and RAR format)". Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  3. "Taffin Tests: The .40 S&W". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  4. Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, Fourth Edition (1991), pp. 593–595
  5. "The .40 Smith & Wesson: this round came along at the right time in the right place". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  6. Speer Reloading Manual Number 12 (1994) pp. 534–542.
  7. Nosler Reloading Guide Number Four (1996) pp. 529–534.
  8. Street Stoppers, E. Marshall and E. Sanow, Paladin (1996) p. 118
  9. "SAAMI Pressures". Archived from the original on October 14, 2007. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
  10. "New Life For An Old Cat (Stoeger Model 8000 Cougar)". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  11. ballistics101.com. "40 Caliber Smith & Wesson Ballistics Chart - Ballistics 101". ballistics101.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  12. ballistics101.com. "9mm Ballistics Chart - Ballistics 101". ballistics101.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  13. ballistics101.com. "45 ACP Ballistics Chart - Ballistics 101". ballistics101.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  14. Hollow-point ammunition and handguns: The potential for large temporary cavities, Fernando Spencer Netto, Dylan Pannell, Homer C. Tien, Injury Extra (2008) 39, 50–52.
  15. Street Stoppers, E. Marshall and E. Sanow, Paladin (1996) pp. 25–58.
  16. Marshall and Sanow, Street Stoppers, Paladin (1996) pp. 115–131.
  17. chuck (February 25, 2010). "Ten-X Cowboy Ammo 38-40 WCF 180 Grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point Box". Midwayusa.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  18. "SAAMI Pressure specifications". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  19. Stopping Power, E. Marshall and E. Sanow, Paladin (2001), pp. 49–58.
  20. Nosler Reloading guide Number Four (1996) pp. 529–534
  21. ".40 S&W Case Failures in Glocks". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  22. Towsley, Bryce (June 24, 2009). "Fixing the Glock 40 S&W Bulge". Gun Digest. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  23. "Glock kB! FAQ". Gun Zone. The Gun Zone. Archived from the original on June 10, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
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