[Genetik]

Hello all,

I currently own (and REALLY enjoy) an XD 40 Subcompact 3". It was a gift - I would have preferred 9mm, but beggars can't be choosers, and it's actually turned out to be a sweet shooter.

My question for you all, though, is about short barrel ballistics. I have googled and searched this site, and have found some good info on ballistics, but it's mostly from the G27, which has a 3.5" barrel; I have found the Scuba Oz YouTube channel, Pocket Guns and Gear, and The Lucky Gunner Epic tests, but those are all from 3.5" barrels.

Does anyone have any links/reference for gel performance for a 3" .40 S&W? I want to carry 180gr HST, so it will probably be fine, but I'd rather see some evidence.

THank you in advance.

 

[Rhodie2]

Ballistics by the Inch may be of some use, others may have different sources. BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Home

{Edit} Ooops sorry, for some reason I thought you were inquiring ballistics but clearly you were after gel test's.

 

[CDW4ME]

5 or 6 shot averages from my Kahr PM40:
180 gr. Federal HST - 947 fps
180 gr. Speer Gold Dot @ 950 fps / 361# KE / PF 171
155 gr. Federal Bonded @ 1,086 fps / 406# KE / PF 168
The velocity I obtained is very close to Lucky Gunner with the slightly longer barrel.

I shot the 155 Federal Bonded through 4 layers denim into water filled gallon jugs, exited 3rd jug with uniform expansion of .57/.58''
PF = power factor, a calculation that can be used to compare recoil.
Velocity from Lucky Gunner tests: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
140 Barnes Tac-XP @ 1,037 fps = PF 145
165 Ranger Bonded @ 1,098 fps = PF 181
Some loads are "snappier" than others, at the extremes there is a 20% difference in calculated recoil.

Interesting comparison, velocity from Lucky Gunner tests:
9mm HST +P 147 gr. @ 1,008 fps = PF 148
40 Federal 155 Tactical Bonded 1,058 fps = PF 164
That is "only" a 10% difference in calculated recoil

 

[Tony617]

I have an XD40 Subcompact and use Barnes 140gr TAC-XPD. I also have a few boxes of Speer Gold Dot 180gr short barrel. Speer short barrel is hard to find where Barnes is sold at Cabela's.