.40 S&W Ammo Guide

.40 S&W was developed by Smith & Wesson and Winchester in 1990 as a shorter alternative to the 10mm Auto that fits in 9mm-size pistol frames. It was widely adopted by US law enforcement through the 1990s and 2000s, so many used police trade-in pistols are chambered in it.

It fires a .40 caliber bullet, usually 165 or 180 grain, from a shorter case than 10mm Auto. Do not fire .40 S&W in a 10mm pistol unless the manufacturer approves it; it is a different cartridge. Many .40 pistols can be converted to .357 SIG with a barrel swap, but only fire the cartridge marked on the barrel.

Best .40 S&W Ammo by Use

Range and Practice

For range practice, 165 and 180 grain FMJ are the standard choices. Many shooters find 180 grain loads feel softer. .40 S&W is usually priced between 9mm and .45 ACP per round, and many loads are sold in 50-round boxes and 500- or 1,000-round cases.

Self-Defense

For carry and home defense, choose a jacketed hollow point from a major maker, such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty or SIG V-Crown, in 165 or 180 grain. Test your load in your pistol before you carry it.

Hunting

.40 S&W is not a common hunting round. Many states set minimum handgun cartridges for deer, so check your regulations.

.40 S&W Grain Weights and Bullet Types

Our .40 S&W listings are mostly 180 and 165 grain, with lighter 60 to 155 grain options and some frangible and solid copper loads.

Quick bullet-type key: FMJ (full metal jacket) is a lead core with a copper jacket that does not expand, the usual range load. JHP (jacketed hollow point) is designed to expand and is the usual defensive load. Soft point and polymer tip bullets are designed to expand and are common for hunting. Solid copper bullets are lead-free and are required for hunting in some areas. Frangible bullets are designed to break up on hard targets and are used at some indoor ranges and steel-target courses.

Brass, Steel and Aluminum Cases

Most .40 S&W is loaded in brass cases, which are the most widely accepted at ranges and can be reloaded. Steel-case ammo, usually lacquer or polymer coated, often costs less per round but cannot be reloaded, and some ranges and some firearms do not accept it. Aluminum-case ammo, such as Blazer, is a budget option that is also not reloadable. Whatever the case material, the product title and box list the exact cartridge, bullet weight and bullet type, so match those to your gun and your use.

Storing .40 S&W Ammo

Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and out of reach of children, ideally locked. Sealed ammo cans with a gasket help keep moisture out for long-term storage. Keep different calibers in labeled containers so the wrong cartridge never ends up in a magazine. If ammo is corroded, dented or has been wet, do not fire it.

.40 S&W Ballistics: Common Loads

Published velocity and energy for 180 grain .40 S&W practice and defensive loads.

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

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.

.40 S&W Brands We Carry

As of October 30, 2026, this category lists 70 .40 S&W products. Brands we carry in .40 S&W include Federal, Hornady, PMC, Remington, Speer Ammunition, Blazer Ammunition, CorBon, DoubleTap Ammunition, SIG SAUER, Sellier & Bellot, Aguila Ammunition, Armscor, Fiocchi Ammunition, G2 Research, Magtech, Winchester Ammunition, Ammo Inc, Barnes, HSM Ammo, Liberty Ammunition, Prvi Partizan and Sierra Bullets. Stock changes daily, so filter by availability in the grid above.

Buying .40 S&W in Bulk vs by the Box

A 20- or 50-round box is the cheapest way to try a load in your gun. Once you know what runs well, larger cases of 250, 500 or 1,000 rounds almost always cost less per round. To compare listings fairly, divide the price by the round count to get the cost per round, and include shipping. Orders of $500 or more ship free, which usually makes a case the better deal. See what .40 S&W has been costing in our Ammo Price Index, and browse bulk ammo.

How to Choose .40 S&W Ammo

• Confirm the cartridge stamped on your barrel matches the box exactly.
• Pick the bullet type for the job: FMJ for practice, expanding bullets for defense and hunting.
• Buy a small quantity first and test it in your gun, then buy in bulk.
• Check your range rules for steel case, steel core or bi-metal bullets.
• Check your state and local laws before ordering.

Shipping and State Laws

Orders of $500 or more ship free. Ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. You must be of legal age to buy ammunition, and some states and cities restrict ammo shipments, require a license or background check, or limit certain bullet types. Read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.

Related Calibers, Guides and Firearms

Related ammo: 9mm ammo, .45 ACP ammo, .357 SIG ammo. Comparisons: 9mm vs .40 S&W, ammo caliber chart. Shop semi-auto pistols, magazines.