For the .40 crew: What's your favorite grain/weight?

About two weeks ago after conducting testing(12/25ft) at the range to see which weight I would carry out of the big three 155/165/180 grains. I decided on the 180gr as my go to carry weight with the 155gr backing it up.

My best group at 12ft came with the 155gr but I did best overall with the 180gr. I noticed the 180 had more of a push than a snap which i liked. The 165 just snapped too much for my liking and effectively eliminated itself from contention.

As a result of my testing I purchased a box of 180gr Federal HST (P40HST1) and a box of Bonded Golden Sabers. I have several hundred rounds of 155gr so I'm covered.

What's your carry grain?

I keep the 155 gr Speer Gold Dots in mine. I like to practice with 165 gr FMJ.

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Originally Posted by peckman28

I keep the 155 gr Speer Gold Dots in mine. I like to practice with 165 gr FMJ.

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Why the 165?

When I carried a .40, my ammo of choice was 165 gr Federal HST.

180 gr. Better follow up shots.

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My defensive rounds are 165s, but for range work the 180s seem to be less snappy, as others have noticed.

Then there's my Tuesday Night Steel shooting companion, who loads lead 180s for gaming but they sound like a cap gun going off!

I haven't tested everything available, but have fired numerous assorted rounds (all HP's) into deer and hog cadavers as well as water jugs at ranges of 10 to 20 feet. Overall I was most pleased with the results of the 180 gr. The most uniform expansion was from the Federal HST's and Golden Sabers. All tests were performed using a G27. I'm sure there are many other great choices out there but I can carry either one of these with confidence. The Federal HST is my current carry ammo due to it's lower cost.

165gr Fed HST/Gold Dots/Ranger T's. I don't think it's too important though. If you happen to get quicker follow up shots with 180's then i'd stay with that.

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Originally Posted by CicadaX

I haven't tested everything available, but have fired numerous assorted rounds (all HP's) into deer and hog cadavers as well as water jugs at ranges of 10 to 20 feet. Overall I was most pleased with the results of the 180 gr. The most uniform expansion was from the Federal HST's and Golden Sabers. All tests were performed using a G27. I'm sure there are many other great choices out there but I can carry either one of these with confidence. The Federal HST is my current carry ammo due to it's lower cost.

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Federal has a winner in the HST round it has performed well in every test that I have heard of and seen. I'm surprised that the Golden Saber did well in the testing because it hasn't been the best round in the testing I've seen.

I have a mag loaded with 180 HST and another with Golden Saber.

How deep did the HST and Sabers penetrate into the hogs?

Winchester 165 gr. for the range and 180 gr. Golden Saber loaded up for carry.

1^ on this,but if you will control your recoil,and not let it control you,you can chunk the 180 grain slow movers.

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Originally Posted by yz9890

165gr Fed HST/Gold Dots/Ranger T's. I don't think it's too important though. If you happen to get quicker follow up shots with 180's then i'd stay with that.

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I carry 155 HST's, why you ask. Very simple, it is what I was issued, and it is about 100 fps faster than the commercial loading. The 180 grn HST's are working well on the street, I am just a fan of more velocity. If you do your part either will work just fine.

180's without a doubt. More mass, less perceived recoil, easier follow-up.

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Originally Posted by 40Bob

I carry 155 HST's, why you ask. Very simple, it is what I was issued, and it is about 100 fps faster than the commercial loading. The 180 grn HST's are working well on the street, I am just a fan of more velocity. If you do your part either will work just fine.

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Do you have any info on the street performance of the 155 HST?

I also have 155 HST and carried it until yesterday when my 180's came in.

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Originally Posted by ComplexKaos

Federal has a winner in the HST round it has performed well in every test that I have heard of and seen. I'm surprised that the Golden Saber did well in the testing because it hasn't been the best round in the testing I've seen.

I have a mag loaded with 180 HST and another with Golden Saber.

How deep did the HST and Sabers penetrate into the hogs?

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Unlike gelatin it's difficult to measure accurately. Most were recovered near the opposite ribcage. On a couple I tested on deer there were complete pass throughs. I have also shot through a couple layers of denim with no significant difference in results.