Scotty Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 I'm a big 9mm fan, but one of these days I would like to step up to one of the larger calibers. Without considering the guns that are available, which caliber would you prefer from a home defense, target shooting and plinking standpoint--.40S&W or .45ACP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwillson Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 Scotty,If you consider only the cartridge, it's not a clear cut choice. The energy of the 45ACP and the 40S&W are very similar. When you consider the new personal defense ammunition, I would say it really doesn't matter which caliber you choose. If you take cost of factory ammunition into account, the 45ACP will almost always cost more for like ammo. If you plan on shooting a fair amount, then the factory ammo cost my help you with your decision. If you reload, the cost differential is much less.Food for thought, the 45ACP is considerably lower pressure then the 40S&W. When I shoot at indoor ranges the 40S&W is just much louder and harder on the ears than a 45ACP. When you are outdoors it really doesn't matter that much.I'm sure others will bring up great points to help you make a choice. If you can't decide, then buy one of each!Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted December 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 Yeah, it may come down to just ammo cost. I've been studying this for a while and there really doesn't seem to be a big difference. Maybe the .40 shoots a little flatter. Maybe a bigger selection of pistols are chambered for the .45. I really don't know. Hopefully someone has a lot of experience with both and can share ideas.Noise and flash could be a factor in home defense mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-MAN Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 For home defense, the .45 ACP. Less worries about over-penetration than with the .40 S&W.Around here .45 ACP ammo is cheaper than .40 S&W. But 9mm is still the cheapest, at roughly half the cost of .40 S&W. Last time I checked prices at Academy:9mm: $12 box.40: $22 box.45: $18 box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted December 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 Cost is one of the reasons I still like 9mm. Good point about over-penetration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Win Posted December 20, 2009 Report Share Posted December 20, 2009 .40S&W is cheap and easy to find around here, about $13 for a box of 50. It is the easiest to find of all the common calibers. .45ACP is harder to find, and about 40% more expensive when available. For home defense at our primary home, it's .45ACP. At our secondary home, I hope to put a CZ 75 SP01 in .40S&W into service, assuming my wife can shoot it OK. For personal defense at my office, I keep either a Hi Point .40 or .45 in my desk, sometimes both. For target shooting/plinking, personally I think .40S&W comes across as a little harsh, particularly in a polymer pistol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steves Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 I have both. I am not really sure if it would matter. A 9MM with hollow points wouldn't leave me feeling under armed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steves Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm Look at this info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moe Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 My personal choice is a Glock 22 with Winchester Black Talon 180gr ammo. Thats my HD choice. I have actually seen the results of this combo in ballistic gelatin and was was very impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted December 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm Look at this info Good stuff. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwillson Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Steve,Yes, great reading - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steves Posted December 22, 2009 Report Share Posted December 22, 2009 http://ammo.ar15.com/project/AR15_Ammo_FAQnRules/index.htm More. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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