Ok, I got into an interesting debate today at my local favorite Gun shop over the difference between the .40 S&W and the .45 ACP. Now there are many different loads and projectile configurations for both but in general I found that a .40 S&W can match the .45 for the most part when it comes to the total amount of kinetic energy they can carry. I would say that 450 to 500 ft/lb of force from both is a good average. Now the rub comes when the bullet hits the target. Im sorry to tell everyone this but if you have a .45 ACP with 500 ft/lb of energy and a .40 with the same kinetic energy, as long as they both stop in their target, they both have the same knock down power. In physics it is known as an inelastic collision. .45 ballistic data ballistics101/45_acp.php .40 S&W ballistic data ballistics101/40_caliber_sw.php The rub comes down to whether or not each projectile will pass through the target. Like I said, as long as the projectile stops in the target, all the energy is passed to the system of bullet and target after the collision. Ive done a lot of research and the penetration data for .45 and .40 with a jhp is very similar. In FBI calibrated ordinance Gel, you will get 13 to 15 in of penetration from either the .40 or the .45. The FBI minimum is 12 inches. It seems to me that a jhp in .40 is more desirable due to the ability to carry more rounds. With similar energy transfer and penetration data, The difference between the rounds seems insignificant. .45 ACP 230 gr 15in penetration youtu.be/k0515AxzA5c .40 S&W 180 gr 13 penetration youtu.be/UWy2AB_AQYo Any thoughts?
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 10:20:00 +0000