When the .40 S&W was created in 1990, early testing immediately labeled it as “the ideal cartridge for personal defense and law enforcement.” The FBI wanted a caliber capable of penetrating ballistic gel between 12 and 18 inches without resorting to the punch of 10mm, and in the .40 S&W they found that middle ground. Not only is its penetration capability lauded but its energy actually exceeds that of standard-pressure .45 ACP loads with a range of 350 to 500 foot-pounds. Testing has also shown the round is capable of producing hydrostatic shock in a human-size living target, which means it can wound and incapacitate in a specific way. It exceeds the power of a 9mm without excessive recoil and also at a lower cost than a 10mm, which is a nice bonus.

• DESCRIPTION

Practice makes perfect in firearms as well as in life in general, and Sellier&Bellot makes it possible for you to put some decent practice time in. Since 1825 they’ve been producing ammunition to exacting standards, and these rounds are good quality, reasonably priced, and meet CIP standards. The company is located in the Czech Republic but is a subsidiary of CBC, which is a Brazil-based ammunition manufacturer. They’ve been ISO 9001-certified since 1998 and are one of the oldest companies in the world. Basically, they are just the company you want manufacturing your target rounds.

These are FMJ rounds suitable for target practice, tactical training, and plinking. And, because the cases are fresh brass and boxer-primed, they’re reloadable. At 180 grain they’re moderately heavy, but they still move nicely with a muzzle velocity of 968 feet per second. And with the power expected of a .40 S&W, their muzzle energy is 375 foot-pounds. There are 50 rounds in this box of ammunition, which will give your gun a nice snack and leave you both wanting more.