Gel test Results
As you hunt for the best self-defense 40 Smith & Wesson ammo, we thought you might enjoy seeing the results of some testing we recently conducted with calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin.
We shot five of these Federal Ammunition rounds through a four-layer cloth barrier using a S&W M&P40C. The results are detailed in the video you see above as well as the photographs. Through the charts, you should get a great idea how this Federal Ammunition ammo stacked up relative to other 40 Smith & Wesson ammo products available to American shooters.
To get a better sense of our tests, be sure to check out all the protocols we followed when conducting our tests to determine the best self-defense ammo.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
50rds - 40 S&W Federal LE Tactical HST 180gr. HP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 15.3 | 15.5 | 16 | 16.2 | 19 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.69 | 0.7 | 0.72 | 0.75 | |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 178.5 | 179.7 | 179.8 | 179.9 | 180.2 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 947 | 951 | 964 | 970 | 978 |
Federal Ammunition 40 Smith & Wesson Ballistic Data
Federal Ammunition 40 Smith & Wesson Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 4
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.175
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.161
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 1010 | 980 | 954 | 930 | 908 |
| Energy ft lbs | 408 | 384 | 364 | 346 | 329 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -1.4 | -5.1 | -11.4 |
Trajectory Line Graph Federal Ammunition 40 Smith & Wesson
Velocity / Energy Comparisons
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 50rds - 40 S&W Federal LE Tactical HST 180gr. HP Ammo
Leave a Review
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posted on by
Great defense ammo!
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Got exactly what I ordered, received very quick, I think 2 days after I ordered the product. Would definitely recommend ammo to go to all my friends and family.
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I carry it in my Glock 22 ... good stuff you won’t be disappointed.. I have 165 grain also but I prefer the 180 ..
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YES IT IS!
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The load is just what I wanted. I have raccoons that have been getting into the chicken pen at night....and with one shot, I can eliminate the problem of raccoons killing my chickens. Great ammo!
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The best defense ammo period!
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Great ammo! It has just the correct amount of power, without being overwhelming kick!
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This is a badass round with proven and enormous speed, stopping power and expansion! Quite possibly, the best available in .40 for self defense/carry use. I would highly recommend firing off a few rounds at the range, simply for practice, as these are much different from your typical FMJ rounds, and much hotter and snappier. Great price for a 50 rd. box!
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posted on by
Not a round to take to the range, it's only purpose it to be carried for self defense. A lot of my cop buddies tell me how scary these round are, I hope I never have to use them, but I feel a little safer knowing when I pull my USP compact it will drop any attacker. Excellent and scary round. I'd expect nothing less from Federal.
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posted on by
This is the best self defense ammo currently on the market. No need for anything else!
