40 S&W Ballistics Tables From All The Major Ammunition Manufacturers

You’ve discovered our in-depth look at 40 S&W ballistics from all of the significant ammo manufacturers.

Save time by clicking the links below to skip to your preferred ammo maker and find the 40 S&W ballistics data you need for your favorite factory ammo.

40 S&W Ballistics Charts

Jump to an ammo company: Barnes | Black Hills | Blazer | Federal | Fiocchi | Hornady | Magtech | PMC | Remington | Sellier & Bellot | Sierra | Speer | Underwood | Winchester

Barnes Ballistics Chart - 40 S&W

Barnes 40 S&W 140 grain TAC-XPD Ballistics Chart

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Black Hills Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Black Hills 40 S&W 140 grain TAC-XP | Black Hills 40 S&W 155 grain JHP | Black Hills 40 S&W 180 grain JHP

Black Hills 40 S&W 140 grain TAC-XP Ballistics Chart

Black Hills 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Black Hills 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Blazer Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Blazer Aluminum 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ | Blazer Brass 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ | Blazer Brass 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Blazer Clean-Fire 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ

Blazer Aluminum 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Blazer Brass 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Blazer Brass 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Blazer Clean-Fire 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

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Federal Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 120 grain Lead-Free IRT | Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 155 grain FMJ | Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ | Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Federal American Eagle Indoor Range 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ | Federal Champion Training 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Federal Personal Defense Punch 40 S&W 165 grain JHP | Federal Premium Gold Medal Action Pistol 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 155 grain Hydra-Shok JHP | Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Hydra-Shok JHP | Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Hydra-Shok Deep JHP | Federal Premium Personal Defense HST 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Federal Premium Solid Core 40 S&W 200 grain FN | Federal Syntech Action Pistol 40 S&W 205 grain TJS | Federal Syntech Defense 40 S&W 175 grain SHP | Federal Syntech Range 40 S&W 165 grain SJFN | Federal Syntech Training Match 40 S&W 180 grain SJFN | Federal Train + Protect 40 S&W 180 grain JHP

Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 120 grain Lead-Free IRT Ballistics Chart

Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 155 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal American Eagle 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal American Eagle Indoor Range 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal Champion Training 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal Personal Defense Punch 40 S&W 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Gold Medal Action Pistol 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 155 grain Hydra-Shok JHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Hydra-Shok JHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Personal Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Hydra-Shok Deep JHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Personal Defense HST 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Solid Core 40 S&W 200 grain FN Ballistics Chart

Federal Syntech Action Pistol 40 S&W 205 grain TJS Ballistics Chart

Federal Syntech Defense 40 S&W 175 grain SHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Syntech Range 40 S&W 165 grain SJFN Ballistics Chart

Federal Syntech Training Match 40 S&W 180 grain SJFN Ballistics Chart

Federal Train + Protect 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Fiocchi Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 40 S&W 165 grain JHP | Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense 40 S&W 155 grain XTPHP | Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense 40 S&W 180 grain XTPHP | Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 165 grain FMJTC | Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 170 grain FMJTC | Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 180 grain FMJTC

Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 40 S&W 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense 40 S&W 155 grain XTPHP Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense 40 S&W 180 grain XTPHP Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 165 grain FMJTC Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 170 grain FMJTC Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40 S&W 180 grain FMJTC Ballistics Chart

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Hornady Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Hornady 40 S&W 155 grain XTP | Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W 180 grain XTP | Hornady BLACK 40 S&W 180 grain XTP | Hornady Critical Defense 40 S&W 165 grain FTX | Hornady Critical Duty 40 S&W 175 grain FlexLock | Hornady Handgun Hunter 40 S&W 135 grain MonoFlex | Hornady Subsonic 40 S&W 180 grain XTP

Hornady 40 S&W 155 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W 180 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Hornady BLACK 40 S&W 180 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Hornady Critical Defense 40 S&W 165 grain FTX Ballistics Chart

Hornady Critical Duty 40 S&W 175 grain FlexLock Ballistics Chart

Hornady Handgun Hunter 40 S&W 135 grain MonoFlex Ballistics Chart

Hornady Subsonic 40 S&W 180 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

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Magtech Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Magtech 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Bonded | Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Bonded | Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Magtech 40 S&W 160 grain LSWC | Magtech 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Flat | Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Flat | Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Flat PS | Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FEB-Flat | Magtech Guardian Gold 40 S&W 155 grain JHP | Magtech Guardian Gold 40 S&W 180 grain JHP

Magtech 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Bonded Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Bonded Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 160 grain LSWC Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Flat Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Flat Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Flat PS Ballistics Chart

Magtech 40 S&W 180 grain FEB-Flat Ballistics Chart

Magtech Guardian Gold 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Magtech Guardian Gold 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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PMC Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: PMC Bronze 40 S&W 165 grain JHP | PMC Bronze 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ-FP | PMC Bronze 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ-FP | PMC eRange 40 S&W 165 grain EMJ-NT

PMC Bronze 40 S&W 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

PMC Bronze 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ-FP Ballistics Chart

PMC Bronze 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ-FP Ballistics Chart

PMC eRange 40 S&W 165 grain EMJ-NT Ballistics Chart

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Remington Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Remington Golden Saber Bonded 40 S&W 165 grain Bonded Brass JHP | Remington Golden Saber Bonded 40 S&W 180 grain Bonded Brass JHP | Remington Golden Saber Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Brass JHP | Remington Golden Saber Defense 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP | Remington Golden Saber Defense Compact 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP | Remington HTP 40 S&W 155 grain JHP | Remington HTP 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Remington Range 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Remington Range Clean 40 S&W 180 grain FNEB | Remington Ultimate Defense 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP | Remington UMC Handgun 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Remington UMC Handgun 40 S&W 180 grain JHP

Remington Golden Saber Bonded 40 S&W 165 grain Bonded Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Golden Saber Bonded 40 S&W 180 grain Bonded Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Golden Saber Defense 40 S&W 165 grain Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Golden Saber Defense 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Golden Saber Defense Compact 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington HTP 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington HTP 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Range 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Remington Range Clean 40 S&W 180 grain FNEB Ballistics Chart

Remington Ultimate Defense 40 S&W 180 grain Brass JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington UMC Handgun 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Remington UMC Handgun 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Sellier & Bellot Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 130 grain XRG-D | Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ | Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 180 grain JHP

Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 130 grain XRG-D Ballistics Chart

Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Sellier & Bellot 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Sierra Ballistics Chart - 40 S&W

Sierra 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Sportmaster Ballistics Chart

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Speer Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Speer Gold Dot Carry Gun 40 S&W 165 grain JHP | Speer Gold Dot G2 40 S&W 180 grain | Speer Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection 40 S&W 165 grain JHP | Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Speer Lawman Clean-Fire Training 40 S&W 165 grain TMJ | Speer Lawman Handgun Clean-Fire Training 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ | Speer Lawman Handgun Training 40 S&W 165 grain TMJ | Speer Lawman Handgun Training 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ

Speer Gold Dot Carry Gun 40 S&W 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Speer Gold Dot G2 40 S&W 180 grain Ballistics Chart

Speer Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection 40 S&W 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Speer Lawman Clean-Fire Training 40 S&W 165 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

Speer Lawman Handgun Clean-Fire Training 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

Speer Lawman Handgun Training 40 S&W 165 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

Speer Lawman Handgun Training 40 S&W 180 grain TMJ Ballistics Chart

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Underwood Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Underwood 40 S&W 135 grain JHP | Underwood 40 S&W 155 grain XTP JHP | Underwood 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Underwood 40 S&W 200 grain JHP

Underwood 40 S&W 135 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Underwood 40 S&W 155 grain XTP JHP Ballistics Chart

Underwood 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Underwood 40 S&W 200 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Winchester Ballistics Charts - 40 S&W

Jump to a ballistics chart: Winchester 40 S&W 140 grain JSP | Winchester PDX1 Defender 40 S&W 165 grain Bonded JHP | Winchester Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP | Winchester Silvertip 40 S&W 155 grain JHP | Winchester Super Clean 40 S&W 120 grain Zinc Core FMJ Lead-Free | Winchester Super-X 40 S&W 165 grain WinClean | Winchester Super-X 40 S&W 180 grain WinClean | Winchester Target & Practice 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ | Winchester Target & Practice 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ | Winchester USA Ready 40 S&W 165 grain FNFMJ | Winchester USA Ready Defense 40 S&W 170 grain HP

Winchester 40 S&W 140 grain JSP Ballistics Chart

Winchester PDX1 Defender 40 S&W 165 grain Bonded JHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Personal Protection 40 S&W 180 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Silvertip 40 S&W 155 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super Clean 40 S&W 120 grain Zinc Core FMJ Lead-Free Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super-X 40 S&W 165 grain WinClean Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super-X 40 S&W 180 grain WinClean Ballistics Chart

Winchester Target & Practice 40 S&W 165 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Winchester Target & Practice 40 S&W 180 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Winchester USA Ready 40 S&W 165 grain FNFMJ Ballistics Chart

Winchester USA Ready Defense 40 S&W 170 grain HP Ballistics Chart

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Administrative Note: The information above comes from the manufacturer and is only informational. The actual ballistics obtained with your gun can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics data can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data was unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.

40 S&W Ballistics Trajectory Chart

A bullet’s flight path to the target is often called its trajectory. We measure the trajectory in inches of bullet drop, though it can also be measured in minutes of angle (MOA).

A flatter trajectory is preferable because it allows the shooter to compensate less for bullet drop while aiming. Most handgun cartridges have terrible trajectories compared to those of rifle rounds. That isn’t really to their detriment, however, as handguns (and pistol caliber carbines) are intended for firing on relatively close-range targets.

Below, you’ll find a sample 40 S&W bullet drop chart that gives you a general idea of the trajectory.

Note: The chart above is an example of one 40 S&W load, and actual ballistic performance may vary depending on bullet weight, lot, barrel length, and environmental conditions while shooting.

40 S&W Velocity

Velocity is measured in feet per second (fps). The muzzle velocity is the rate at which the bullet exits the gun barrel. Generally, a longer barrel produces a higher muzzle velocity, as it gives propellant gasses more time to exert their energy against the bullet. It’s the same reason why you can shoot a spitball faster out of a longer straw.

You will get a higher velocity when firing a 40 S&W semi-automatic carbine, such as the Ruger PC Carbine (16.12” barrel), than when firing the same ammo in a semi-auto Glock 22 (4.49” barrel).

Bullet weight and design also factor into a bullet's velocity. Heavier bullets tend to have lower velocities than lighter bullets. Bullets with more streamlined profiles also tend to conserve superior velocity downrange.

Most factory-loaded 40 Smith & Wesson ammo has a muzzle velocity between 850 fps and 1,330 fps, largely depending on bullet weight. Two rounds with the same bullet weight don’t necessarily share the same muzzle velocity, though. For example, consider the Federal HST 180 grain JHP, which is designed for self-defense, and the Federal Gold Medal Action Pistol 180 grain FMJ, which is intended for match shooting. The JHP has a muzzle velocity of 1,010 fps, whereas the FMJ has a muzzle velocity of 950 fps.

40 S&W Energy

A bullet’s kinetic energy is measured in foot-pounds (ft lbs). Muzzle energy reflects the amount of force with which the bullet exits the barrel. Striking energy is the amount of energy the projectile possesses the instant it collides with its target. Only two variables determine a bullet’s energy: weight and velocity.

The 40 Smith & Wesson won’t blow you away with muzzle energy. Rounds like the Hornady Critical Defense 165 grain FTX have about 500 ft lbs of muzzle energy – the higher end of the spectrum in terms of muzzle energy you can reasonably expect from standard pressure factory ammo.

We can typically expect 40 Smith and Wesson muzzle energies to range between 250 and 600 ft lbs.

How Do 40 S&W Ballistics Compare to Other Pistol Calibers?

Despite sharing approximately the same magazine capacity as the 9mm Luger, the 40 Smith & Wesson has similar terminal ballistics in ballistic gelatin to the 45 Auto – with less accompanying recoil. These are some of the reasons why many law enforcement agencies abandoned 38 Special revolvers and 45 ACP pistols in favor of the 40 Smith and Wesson after the 1986 FBI Miami shootout. You can check out our bulk 40S&W ammo page for the best deals available online!

But how does the 40 Smith & Wesson’s ballistic performance measure up against some of the most popular and proven calibers for concealed carry and by law enforcement – like the 10mm, which has a virtually identical bullet diameter?

Let’s find out!

40 S&W vs 10mm Ballistics

Check out our article for a more in-depth look at 10mm ballistics.

40 S&W vs 9mm Ballistics

40 S&W vs 357 Magnum Ballistics

40 S&W vs 357 SIG Ballistics

Frequently Asked Questions

The team at Ammo.com has gathered and answered a couple of commonly asked questions regarding 40 S&W ballistics.

Is 40 S&W more powerful than 45 ACP?

Some 40 S&W rounds are more powerful than 45 ACP rounds, and vice versa. It all boils down to which cartridge you are firing, as well as the length of your firearm’s barrel. The novice shooter will notice little difference between the calibers.

Which Handgun Caliber Has the Best Stopping Power?

Magnum handgun cartridges like the .357 Mag and .44 Mag have better stopping power than the 40 S&W. Technically speaking, the 500 S&W Magnum has the “best” stopping power of any handgun round, although its recoil is so tremendous that it’s widely considered impractical for self-defense (unless you’re defending yourself against an irate grizzly bear).