9mm vs .40 S&W: Differences, Recoil and Cost

.40 S&W fires a heavier .40 caliber bullet than 9mm from a similar-size pistol, at the cost of sharper recoil, a few fewer rounds per magazine and a higher price per round. 9mm is lighter-recoiling, cheaper and now the more common duty and carry choice.

At a Glance

	9mm Luger	.40 S&W
Common bullet weights (our listings)	115, 124, 147 gr	155, 165, 180 gr
Recoil	Lighter	Sharper
Capacity in same pistol	Higher	Lower
Cost per round	Usually lower	Usually higher
Shop	9mm ammo	.40 S&W ammo

9mm vs .40 S&W Ballistics

Factory figures for comparable practice and defensive loads in each caliber.

Load key: FMJ = full metal jacket; JHP = jacketed hollow point.

Load (Federal data)	Velocity (fps) muzzle / @50 yd	Energy (ft-lb) muzzle / @50 yd
Federal American Eagle (AE9AP) 9mm Luger 124 gr FMJ	1150 / 1049	364 / 303
Federal Premium HST (P9HST2S) 9mm Luger 147 gr HST JHP	1000 / 953	326 / 297
Federal American Eagle (AE40R1) 40 S&W 180 gr FMJ	1000 / 946	400 / 358
Federal Premium HST (P40HST1S) 40 S&W 180 gr HST JHP	1010 / 954	408 / 364

Figures are as published by Federal Premium on each product page (checked October 30, 2026). Federal lists handgun figures from a 4-inch test barrel. Velocity from your own barrel will differ.

History

.40 S&W was introduced in 1990 by Smith & Wesson and Winchester and was widely adopted by US law enforcement. Many agencies have since moved back to 9mm, which is why many used .40 police trade-in pistols are on the market.

Recoil and Capacity

.40 S&W typically has sharper recoil in the same size gun, and a magazine usually holds a round or two fewer than the 9mm version of the same pistol.

Defense

Both calibers have well-proven hollow point loads from Federal, Speer, Hornady and SIG Sauer. Pick the one you shoot well and test your load.

Cost

9mm is typically cheaper per round. .40 S&W often sits between 9mm and .45 ACP.

Shop Both

9mm ammo | .40 S&W ammo | semi-auto pistols. Compare current cost per round in our Ammo Price Index, see every cartridge in our ammo caliber chart.

Orders of $500 or more ship free; ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. Some states and cities restrict ammo purchases or shipments, so read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.

FAQ

Can a .40 S&W pistol shoot 9mm?

Only with a conversion barrel approved for that pistol. Never fire 9mm in a .40 barrel.

Is .40 S&W the same as 10mm?

No. 10mm Auto has a longer case. Do not fire .40 S&W in a 10mm unless the maker approves it.

Which has more recoil?

.40 S&W generally recoils more sharply than 9mm in the same size pistol.

Is .40 S&W more powerful than 9mm?

In Federal's published figures, its 180 grain .40 S&W FMJ lists 400 ft-lb at the muzzle and its 124 grain 9mm FMJ lists 364 ft-lb.

Which is cheaper to shoot, 9mm or .40?

9mm is usually cheaper per round. Compare current prices in our Ammo Price Index.

Can I convert a .40 to 9mm?

Some .40 pistols accept a 9mm conversion barrel and magazines. Use only parts approved for your pistol.