Tell me what are the advantages of 40 Smith & Wesson.

[rmcrob]

Originally Posted by bw210

I was unaware that anybody would choose to carry and trust any lower grain than full potential rounds

When you give up weight you gain velocity, and vice versa, for the same powder load.

I just ran the ballistics of two different .40 SW JHP cartridges. The energy depends on the distance; the crossover is at about 10 or 12 yards out. But the velocity crossover is quite a bit farther out. The energy of the bullet involves both the mass and the velocity, but the velocity is more important. On the other hand, air resistance slows down the lighter bullet faster. It isn't as easy as just deciding on the bigger bullet.

[bw210]

Originally Posted by rmcrob

When you give up weight you gain velocity, and vice versa, for the same powder load.

I just ran the ballistics of two different .40 SW JHP cartridges. The energy depends on the distance; the crossover is at about 10 or 12 yards out. But the velocity crossover is quite a bit farther out. The energy of the bullet involves both the mass and the velocity, but the velocity is more important. On the other hand, air resistance slows down the lighter bullet faster. It isn't as easy as just deciding on the bigger bullet.

Very true. I also consider expansion and weight retention besides energy for carry. If for some reason I must draw and fire possibly a single shot, a semi - to full expanded bullet which retains near 100% weight and is heavy will only improve bleed out at a massive level. I carry tatical HST's or Ranger T-series bonded rounds only for this very reason. Just another variable to throw out there.