Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
When you carry a 40 S&W pistol for personal protection, you need 40 S&W self-defense ammo that opens reliably and drives deep — regardless of clothing, intermediate barriers, or engagement distance. Hornady Custom 40 S&W 155 Grain XTP delivers exactly that: a jacketed hollow point engineered with six longitudinal serrations that pre-program expansion geometry, a swaged lead core bonded to a drawn copper jacket, and a ballistic profile validated across duty and civilian concealed carry contexts. Each 20-round box ships with Boxer-primed brass cases ready for reloading, making this a practical choice for shooters who track component costs and quality over volume.
Performance at a Glance
Hornady hand-inspects every round before packaging. The XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet features controlled expansion driven by six symmetrical serrations that weaken the jacket in predetermined zones. At 1180 fps from a 4-inch barrel, the 155-grain projectile carries 479 ft-lbs of energy to the target. The serration depth and jacket draw ensure the bullet begins to mushroom between 900 and 1100 fps — well below the advertised muzzle velocity — so performance remains consistent whether fired from a subcompact with a 3.5-inch barrel or a full-size duty gun. The swaged core prevents core-jacket separation during upset, and the cannelure groove accepts a roll crimp that keeps bullet setback in check during chambering cycles.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 40 S&W |
| Bullet weight | 155 Grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady XTP) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1180 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 479 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Hornady (United States of America) |
The XTP bullet design has been in service with law enforcement agencies and civilian carriers since the 1990s, delivering documented terminal performance in gelatin and real-world encounters. For shooters running Glock 22/23, Smith & Wesson M&P 40, or Springfield XD platforms, this load offers a balance of recoil impulse and energy transfer suitable for high-stress scenarios. Browse our full selection of 40 cal ammo to compare grain weights and bullet profiles for duty, training, and competition use.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearm safety: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction permit possession and use of jacketed hollow point ammunition — some municipalities restrict or prohibit expanding projectiles for civilian use.
- This ammunition contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Proposition 65). Use adequate ventilation during live-fire sessions and wash hands after handling.
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