Best bullet for my S&W M&P .40?

29 October 2009, 13:27

S&W-Varminator

I tried the Golden Saber bullet made by Remington, and when i tested it, the core separated from the jacket just by going through water and cardboard with a trash bag liner.
I know they will work well enough for now but does anyone out there have a bullet they have tested and really liked that they would like to share???

29 October 2009, 15:56

BISCUT

For SD in 9, 40, 45, I really like the Gold Dots. But thats just me.

29 October 2009, 19:09

Hot Core

Hey S&W-V, I'd suggest it would depend on what you are trying to accomplish. Did you have a specific use for the pistol in mind?

30 October 2009, 01:02

impala#03

I use Gold Dots for my 380, 40 S & W, and 45. Have not had to use on a human yet, but that is what they a for.

30 October 2009, 02:48

p dog shooter

It would be hard to beat the golden saber for selfdefense. If you want a bonded care both Winchester and Hornaday have come out with one.

I carry the 165 golden sabers in my 40s a great round.

30 October 2009, 04:24

kcstott

I use Nosler in my 45. But the Winchester T series is a good choice Gold dot as well.

30 October 2009, 12:45

S&W-Varminator

quote:
Originally posted by Hot Core:
Hey S&W-V, I'd suggest it would depend on what you are trying to accomplish. Did you have a specific use for the pistol in mind?

Ya, it is mostly for my carry weapon but i supose i might use it for other things like yote hunting

30 October 2009, 17:09

Hot Core

Hey S&W-V, Now you need to pick between Fragile, which should potentially break-up after a short amount of penetration, Moderate Expansion to plow a bit deeper but remain intact, or Deep Penetration with little expansion.

Sounds like you found the Fragile in your Testing with the Golden Saber.

I've no experience with the 40S&W, but found the Hornady XTP to provide good expansion and remain together. Same with the Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points.

For deep penetration I've yet to find anything which will beat a good old Hard Cast(Linotype, etc.) bullet with a small Meplat(about 50% of the diameter) in a handgun. The Soft Point Speers also penetrate better than the Hollow Point versions.

And of course, some brands might shoot more accurately for you than others. Only way to know about the accuracy is to try them. But your Water Test should confirm what I mentioned about expansion and penetration.
-----

When I practice, I use Reloads. When I Hunt, I use Reloads. For normal carry when people "might" be involved, I carry Factory ammo. Not from a reliability stand-point, but from a potential Legal concern.

Best of luck to you.

05 November 2009, 12:15

S&W-Varminator

quote:
Originally posted by Hot Core:
Hey S&W-V, Now you need to pick between Fragile, which should potentially break-up after a short amount of penetration, Moderate Expansion to plow a bit deeper but remain intact, or Deep Penetration with little expansion.

Sounds like you found the Fragile in your Testing with the Golden Saber.

I've no experience with the 40S&W, but found the Hornady XTP to provide good expansion and remain together. Same with the Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points.

For deep penetration I've yet to find anything which will beat a good old Hard Cast(Linotype, etc.) bullet with a small Meplat(about 50% of the diameter) in a handgun. The Soft Point Speers also penetrate better than the Hollow Point versions.

And of course, some brands might shoot more accurately for you than others. Only way to know about the accuracy is to try them. But your Water Test should confirm what I mentioned about expansion and penetration.
-----

When I practice, I use Reloads. When I Hunt, I use Reloads. For normal carry when people "might" be involved, I carry Factory ammo. Not from a reliability stand-point, but from a potential Legal concern.

Best of luck to you.

Wow, thanks for all the good info Hotcore

05 November 2009, 16:52

Bob in TX

+1 for Gold Dots

I use them in both of my .40's (Sig & Kahr Elite).

05 November 2009, 17:19

Peter

Why not use the bullet that is the most accurate in your gun? The 40 comes in a variety of bullet weights from 155 to 180 grains, as well as bullet configurations eg. flat point, JHP etc. I have several 40's and they do NOT all prefer the 180 grain projectiles.
Peter.

05 November 2009, 18:52

model7LSS

quote:
Originally posted by S&W-Varminator:
quote:
Originally posted by Hot Core:

When I practice, I use Reloads. When I Hunt, I use Reloads. For normal carry when people "might" be involved, I carry Factory ammo. Not from a reliability stand-point, but from a potential Legal concern.

Best of luck to you.

Wow, thanks for all the good info Hotcore

I too believe that you should use factory ammo for personal defense, but in my efforts to convince others, I run into the line "prove it". Does anyone have hardcore evidence that the reloaded ammo has been effectively used against a defendant? I have heard so, but never seen a case, thinking it just may be the lawyer proofing we are looking for.

05 November 2009, 19:07

BISCUT

quote:
Originally posted by model7LSS:
quote:
Originally posted by S&W-Varminator:
quote:
Originally posted by Hot Core:

When I practice, I use Reloads. When I Hunt, I use Reloads. For normal carry when people "might" be involved, I carry Factory ammo. Not from a reliability stand-point, but from a potential Legal concern.

Best of luck to you.

Wow, thanks for all the good info Hotcore

I too believe that you should use factory ammo for personal defense, but in my efforts to convince others, I run into the line "prove it". Does anyone have hardcore evidence that the reloaded ammo has been effectively used against a defendant? I have heard so, but never seen a case, thinking it just may be the lawyer proofing we are looking for.

Following the same logic a person should carry the same handgun, caliber, and ammunition as their local police department or state police agency.

I'm not advocating this just adding to the lawyerproofing statement made.

I would however recommend the use of factory ammo only for SD carry. I load the Gold Dot for practice but when I carry I use DoubleTap factory ammo.

05 November 2009, 20:13

Fjold

I carry a M&P 40C daily (I know, you're amazed. California and I have a CCW. I'm a famous movie star posting here incognito) and I'm using the 155 grain Winchester silver tips.

I wanted higher velocities in the short barrel and because that load feeds and ejects 100% in my gun.

05 November 2009, 22:52

fredj338

quote:
Originally posted by Fjold:
I carry a M&P 40C daily (I know, you're amazed. California and I have a CCW. I'm a famous movie star posting here incognito) and I'm using the 155 grain Winchester silver tips.

I wanted higher velocities in the short barrel and because that load feeds and ejects 100% in my gun.

You have a CCW because you live in gun friendly Kern County. Almost every gun owner I know in Tehachapi has a CCW.

I actually like the 165grRGS. Fired inot wetpack, it expands quite unifromly & rarley loses the jacket. Still, the SGD is a bit better. I don't use handloads for SD/HD, but that is my choice. Many good JHP factory loads out there & I just load my prctice ammo to match recoil & POI.