40 cal ammo
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Showing 1–12 of 107 results
Ask around online and someone will tell you the .40 S&W is dying. Then look at what’s actually on the shelf: a hard-hitting, accurate, widely available cartridge that law enforcement carried for three decades and that now often costs less than it used to. Born in 1990 from the FBI’s search for a round between 9mm and 10mm, the .40 S&W splits the difference — more energy than a 9mm, more controllable than full-power 10mm — and it remains an excellent defensive and range cartridge for anyone who shoots a Glock 22, M&P40, or similar pistol.
Tatted Tacticals stocks .40 in the weights that matter — 155, 165, and 180 grain — in FMJ practice ball and premium hollow points from Federal, Speer, Winchester, and Hornady, in boxes and bulk.
Where .40 S&W Came From, and Why It’s Still Here
After the 1986 Miami shootout, the FBI wanted more than 9mm offered without the recoil of full 10mm. Smith & Wesson and Winchester answered in 1990 with a shorter 10mm that fit a 9mm-size frame — the .40 S&W. It became the dominant police cartridge for a generation. Agencies have since drifted back to 9mm for cost and easier training, which is where the “dying round” talk comes from, but that shift is a fleet-logistics decision, not a verdict on performance. For the individual shooter, the .40 still delivers, and surplus-driven pricing often makes it a bargain.
.40 S&W vs. 9mm and 10mm
The .40 lives between two popular rounds, and that’s exactly how to understand it.
| Cartridge | Typical Load | Muzzle Energy | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9mm Luger | 115–147 gr | ~350–400 ft-lbs | Less recoil, more capacity, cheaper |
| .40 S&W | 155–180 gr | ~400–500 ft-lbs | More energy, snappier recoil |
| 10mm Auto | 155–200 gr | ~600–750 ft-lbs | Most power, most recoil, larger pistol |
If you want softer shooting and the lowest cost, step to 9mm; if you want serious power for hunting or the backcountry, 10mm Auto is the move. The .40 is the balanced middle.
Loads, Grain Weights, and Reloading
Lighter 155- and 165-grain loads run faster and flatter; the classic 180-grain bullet runs subsonic with a heavier, deeper-driving payload. At a maximum 35,000 psi per SAAMI specifications, the .40 generates real energy in a compact case. It’s also a favorite of reloaders — brass is plentiful and the cartridge is easy to load — though watch for the case-support and bulge notes that come with high-pressure semi-auto rounds. See our .40 S&W gel-test data for how the common defensive loads measured up.
Pistols and Recoil
The Glock 22, 23, and 27, the M&P40, and the SIG P229 are the .40’s home turf. Expect a snappier, more abrupt recoil impulse than 9mm — the price of the extra energy — which rewards a firm grip and practice. Many 9mm pistols are also offered in .40 on the same frame, so trying both is easy. Shooters cross-shopping often also look at .357 SIG and .45 ACP, or step down to .380 ACP for deep carry and .38 Special in a revolver.
Buying .40 S&W
Thanks to former police surplus and steady supply, .40 is frequently one of the better values in centerfire handgun ammo — buying bulk FMJ for practice stretches that advantage further. Federal law sets the minimum age for handgun ammunition at 21, and some states and cities restrict online sales; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules, then review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.
.40 S&W Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions
Is .40 the same as .40 S&W?
Yes. When people say “40,” they mean .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson), the standard cartridge for .40-caliber pistols. The names are interchangeable on ammo boxes. It is not the same as 10mm Auto, which is longer and more powerful, even though the two share a bullet diameter.
Is .40 S&W more powerful than 9mm?
Yes, measurably. A typical .40 load generates roughly 400–500 ft-lbs versus about 350–400 for 9mm, throwing a heavier bullet. The trade-off is sharper recoil and a few fewer rounds per magazine. Modern defensive hollow points perform well in both, so many shooters weigh recoil, capacity, and cost alongside raw energy.
Is .40 S&W a dying round?
No. Law enforcement has largely returned to 9mm for training cost and recoil, which fueled the rumor, but .40 S&W remains in full production from every major manufacturer and is widely available — often at attractive prices. For the individual shooter it is a proven, capable cartridge that isn’t going anywhere soon.
Is .40 S&W ammo hard to find?
Generally no. Because police-surplus supply and steady factory production keep shelves stocked, .40 is usually easy to find and frequently priced below 9mm during shortages. Buying in bulk when you see a good price is the simplest way to keep a steady supply on hand.
Can you buy .40 S&W ammo online?
Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .40 S&W online and have it shipped to your door. You must be at least 21 for handgun ammunition, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so check your state and local laws before ordering.
