Im looking for opinions from those with more experience with glocks and .40 sw in general. In my own opinion i feel that the 165gr speer gold dots, 165gr winchester ranger and the 180gr Federal loads are 3 of the best SD loads for the .40 sw. Looking for info and insight from others.
Don Glock has me wanting to go and search for the PDX1's right now. As for the federal HST loads, I have only found them in 9mm and .45acp. In SC you can find the speer gold dots at any gun store. Mainly the ones that cater to LE or the ones that sale guns and gun supplies only. But i too agree with the 165gr speer GDs. good stuff. Yet to have tried the 155gr, but i feel more comfortable with the heavier loads.
Don Glock has me wanting to go and search for the PDX1's right now. As for the federal HST loads, I have only found them in 9mm and .45acp. In SC you can find the speer gold dots at any gun store. Mainly the ones that cater to LE or the ones that sale guns and gun supplies only. But i too agree with the 165gr speer GDs. good stuff. Yet to have tried the 155gr, but i feel more comfortable with the heavier loads.
If it makes you feel any better, I have a blood relative that works for the
DEA. He's issued 165grn speer gold dots for his Sig 229. What ever
make of pistol is irrelevant, It's the cartridge that makes the difference,
whether It's Glock, Sig or what ever.
Another round I can barely find in .40 sw, the Ranger T 180gr and 165 gr. Tried the a couple 155gr'ers from a friends box andd they had noticeably more kick than the heaver loads. But as far as the speer Gold Dots go you can never go wrong with the 165gr. But if my knowledge is true, are the 155gr Gold Dots the ones that come in the 50 box?
I have a G22 and a G27. I prefer Hornady Critical Defense 165gr and or Ranger SXT-T Series 165gr. Both are very wicked SD rounds. Federal HST's are a good choice too.
Well, my certain department issues the 165gr Speer. Put it this way, the last 5 officer involved shootings there has been no court cases. There was even a windshield involved that didn't bother the round any.
Well, my certain department issues the 165gr Speer. Put it this way, the last 5 officer involved shootings there has been no court cases. There was even a windshield involved that didn't bother the round any.
None of them are the best, None of them are the worst either. None of them are any good if you can't hit your target. Go get a couple boxes of each, and shoot them. Decide which one you are most accurate w/, what is reliable in your firearm, and what you can find, and go with that.
Minor differences between ammo, aren't going to be making a big difference. Only "big" difference between them, is if you anticipate needing barrier penetration, at that point you'd want a bonded bullet.
Lately, i have been trying expansion test using various rounds. With outdated racks of ribs with 4 jugs behind them those where the best loads penetrating through the bone, flesh, and meat pack... others past through but either keyholed, barely expanded or fell apart. So I came up with those as the top .40 s&w rounds. Just top of the line compared to what i was shooting.
Well, my certain department issues the 165gr Speer. Put it this way, the last 5 officer involved shootings there has been no court cases. There was even a windshield involved that didn't bother the round any.
Any load from any reputable manufacturer above 155 grains is just fine for CCW.
If you could ever see yourself in any possible scenario where there is something more substantial than clothing between your muzzle and the bad guy's heart then you only really have to choose what loading of 180 grain you want.
Sure, 155s will go through a windshield, but 180's do it better.
180 HST in the gun, 180 Gold Dot in the spare mag.
Right now I have the 155 grain XTP as my carry load for my Glock 22. I like the velocity of the 155 grain and the XTP's penetration. A good combination for me. Lots of other good choices as well. I think you would have to work pretty hard to find a bad 155, 165, or 180 grain JHP. The 40 S&W loads have been pretty well perfected over the years.
Dont get me wrong, the 180gr gold dots are a great choice in rounds especially if your traveling. But the 165gr gold dots are best as a carry load. I ust found out that i live a block away from palmetto state armory and all this time i have been driving to lawmans. They have the 50 box of 180gr Federal HST loads for 24.95... Think i will pick up those over the 135gr.
Dont get me wrong, the 180gr gold dots are a great choice in rounds especially if your traveling. But the 165gr gold dots are best as a carry load. I ust found out that i live a block away from palmetto state armory and all this time i have been driving to lawmans. They have the 50 box of 180gr Federal HST loads for 24.95... Think i will pick up those over the 135gr.
I'd go 180gr Gold Dot if that is your brand of choice.
Those of you looking for HST "street cred" or think it only works in "Gello" should read DOCGKRs quote from m4carbine.net (see below)
"FWIW, the HST is currently being used here--it is performing as well or perhaps slightly better in OIS incidents than the Ranger-T that was issued for the previous decade..."
I was only stating that i could pay $3 more and go to Palmetto State Armory and get the 180gr Federal HSTs compared to 22.95 for the Federal 135gr JHP sold at walmart. 50 Rounds of 180gr HSTs who could beat that. I can say tho, i like nickle plated brass over brass. But thats what you sacrafice when you go cheap.
But I am down for the 180gr gold dots if you dont care too much about expansion or over penetration. Like stated before they are good if glass, car doors, or light cover is involved. But as far as coats or flesh the 165gr gold dots will do.
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