9mm vs. .40 S&W

The 9 millimeter vs. .45 ACP is perhaps the most infamous pistol cartridge debate in the shooting community. However, the head-to-head comparison between the 9mm and .40 caliber S&W cartridge is becoming a close second. 

The discussion is largely fueled by law enforcement agencies, which flocked to adopt the 9mm in the 1980s, before transitioning to the .40 S&W in the late 1990s and early to mid-2000s. In the late 2010s, they flipped again, which was primarily in response to the FBI’s 2015 decision to transition back to 9mm. 

While following these trends can help inform your decision-making process, the truth is that both cartridges are excellent options for personal defense and recreational shooting. 

Explore the history of each caliber and discover what differentiates the two so you can identify the ideal option for your shooting goals. 

Visit our shooting range in Las Vegas and try both calibers. You’ll find a huge selection of firearms in our gun vault.

The History Behind the 9 Millimeter

Georg Luger, a German arms manufacturer, developed the 9 millimeter in 1902. Known as the 9mm Parabellum or 9x19mm Luger, the cartridge offers a great combination of manageable recoil and effective terminal performance. As such, it became the standard service cartridge for military and police forces around the world. 

By the mid-20th century, it became the most widely used handgun caliber globally. It was adopted by NATO in the 1950s and later by countless U.S. law enforcement agencies. Today, nearly every major handgun manufacturer offers a 9mm option. 

The Story of the .40 Caliber S&W Cartridge 

According to American Rifleman, the .40 S&W was debuted in Las Vegas in January 1990 when Smith & Wesson unveiled a new pistol to fire the .40 caliber cartridge. It was released just a few years after the U.S. Military chose the Beretta 9mm as its new service pistol.

While law enforcement agencies had largely transitioned to 9 millimeter semiautomatic handguns by the 1980s, there were widespread grumblings about the effectiveness of the round in police service. 

American Rifleman details an infamous FBI shootout in Miami, where .38 Special +P ammo and 9mm cartridges proved mostly ineffective against a pair of bank robbers. 

The .40 S&W was built using the 10mm cartridge. The FBI originally looked at the 10mm as a replacement option due to its muzzle energy and ballistics performance. However, the large, powerful caliber was difficult for some agents to control. It was also larger than the .40 S&W, which meant a limited magazine capacity. 

The .40 S&W produces less recoil than the 10mm but more than the 9mm. It also delivers more muzzle energy, while still allowing shooters to carry anywhere from 10 to 15 rounds in a full-sized handgun. It represented a happy middle ground. 

Comparing the .40 Caliber vs. the 9 Millimeter

When you begin researching different cartridges, especially handgun rounds, it’s best to focus on tangible characteristics, such as muzzle energy, velocity, and recoil. With that in mind, here’s how the cartridges stack up. 

Ballistic Performance, Energy, and Velocity

One of the most important lessons to learn about ammunition is that most cartridges are available in different round weights, which are measured in grains. The most common round weights for 9 millimeter cartridges are 115 and 147 grains. The most common round weights for .40 caliber S&W cartridges are 165 and 180 grains. 

The typical 9mm cartridge has a velocity of between 950 and 1,300 feet per second (FPS), and the typical .40 S&W cartridge has a velocity of between 950 and 1,150 FPS. They produce between 330 to 400 ft-lbs and 400-500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, respectively. These are general ranges, and there are exceptions for both calibers. 

Recoil and Control 

Recoil is one of the most noticeable differences between the 9mm and .40 S&W. The 9mm produces less felt recoil, which can mean faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during long-range sessions. 

The .40 S&W has sharper recoil, especially if you are shooting a compact or sub-compact handgun. This difference can make the .40 S&W slightly harder for shooters to control. 

Many civilian shooters and most law enforcement agencies have migrated back to the 9mm platform. Improved 9mm defensive ammo now delivers ballistic performance comparable to that of heavier calibers. 

Capacity and Weight

Because 9mm rounds are smaller in diameter, most handguns can hold more of them in the same magazine size compared to the .40 S&W. Typical full-size pistol magazines hold 15 to 19 rounds of 9mm, whereas typical full-size pistol magazines hold 12 to 15 rounds of .40 S&W. 

The lighter 9mm ammunition can also mean less overall carry weight, although this difference is negligible. 

Ammunition Types and Loads

One of the biggest factors that impacts performance is the type of cartridge you choose. Full metal jacket ammunition is typically one of the cheapest options available, making it a great choice for practice and training purposes. 

Jacketed hollow point cartridges are designed for personal defense. They expand on impact to reduce the risk of overpenetration and create a wider wound channel. The expansion of the projectile also creates a larger surface area to transfer more energy to the target. 

Frangible rounds are ideal for ranges with metal targets. They are designed to disintegrate, which reduces the risk of a piece of shrapnel bouncing back and hitting you. 

You may also encounter +P or +P+ loads. These higher-pressure rounds produce more muzzle velocity. However, they create more recoil and can wear out your handgun faster. You must ensure your firearm is rated for +P loads before using them. Firing high-pressure rounds that exceed your barrel’s limits can result in a catastrophic failure.

Cost and Availability 

The cost discrepancy between 9mm and .40 S&W cartridges is minimal, although .40 S&W rounds tend to be slightly more expensive. You will encounter a wider selection of 9mm rounds in most stores. 

The same rule applies to handguns chambered in these calibers. There is a much larger selection of 9mm handguns, which can make it easier to find a weapon that suits your needs. 

Which Cartridge Is Better for Self-Defense?

In the 1990s and 2000s, the .40 S&W was widely regarded as the “ideal” defensive round for law enforcement. However, the conversation has shifted in the last decade. Advancements in 9mm defensive ammo, such as improved jacket bonding, have narrowed the performance gap. 

Agencies like the FBI and many local police departments have since returned to 9mm service pistols. Better recoil control is a major motivating factor, as the cartridge is more accessible to shooters of different sizes and skill levels. Better controllability translates to faster, more accurate follow-up shots. 

However, both cartridges are solid choices for civilians. The decision largely boils down to your comfort level as a shooter and personal preferences regarding recoil. 

Pros and Cons of the 9mm

The advantages of the 9 millimeter are as follows:

• Lower recoil, which is easier for both new and experienced shooters.
• Higher magazine capacity.
• Less expensive and more widely available.
• Faster target reacquisition for follow-up shots.
• Lighter carry weight.

The drawbacks include the following:

• Slightly less muzzle energy than larger calibers.
• Some users prefer heavier rounds for specific scenarios.

The significant pros and few cons of the 9mm make it a popular choice for a variety of shooters. 

Pros and Cons of the .40 S&W

The benefits of the .40 S&W include the following:

• Higher energy and penetration potential.
• Balanced performance between 9mm and .45 ACP.
• Available in many popular handgun options.

The cons are as follows:

• Sharper recoil.
• Reduced magazine capacity.
• Slightly higher firearm wear and ammo cost.

For some shooters, the specific benefits of the .40 S&W make it a preferable choice to the 9mm.

Which Caliber Is Right for You?

If you’re choosing between the 9mm and the .40 S&W cartridge, you should consider several factors.

Frame Size

Your body size and build should always be a consideration when choosing a cartridge and handgun, especially if you are shopping for a concealed carry weapon. If you are a taller shooter or have a bigger frame, you may feel comfortable carrying a full-size .40 caliber handgun that provides adequate ammo capacity. 

On the other hand, if you need a compact or subcompact handgun, you may opt for something chambered in 9mm, as it offers adequate capacity and controllability. 

Shooting Experience

More experienced shooters may feel comfortable controlling the added recoil of the .40 S&W. If you are a brand-new shooter, you may want to try the 9 millimeter first until you get comfortable with the basics of shooting mechanics. 

However, don’t shy away from the .40 S&W, or any other larger caliber, just because you are new. 

Instead, head to your local shooting range in Las Vegas and sign up for a training class. You can try out different calibers and receive instruction on how to properly aim, align your sights, and shoot. With a little practice, you can develop sound shooting skills. 

Goals

Why are you purchasing a firearm? Are you looking for a concealed carry weapon or something to keep bedside for self-defense? Once you figure out your why, you will have an easier time choosing a cartridge and handgun. 

Many shooters prefer to stick with the same caliber across most of their firearms, as it’s easier to purchase rounds and stay organized. However, this is a matter of personal preference. 

Is There a Clear Winner?

No, one caliber doesn’t have a definite upper hand over the other. The debate continues because both calibers deliver proven performance for handgun users worldwide. The 9mm offers higher capacity, lower recoil, and cost efficiency. The .40 caliber provides a heavier impact and slightly more energy per round. 

Try Both at The Range 702

The best way to decide which caliber feels right for you is to experience both of them first-hand. At The Range 702, you can test a variety of handguns chambered in both cartridges, as well as several other options, such as .45 ACP. 

Visit our shooting range in Las Vegas and try both calibers. You’ll find a huge selection of firearms in our gun vault.