Quick .40 subcompact question.

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In this months issue of American Rifleman they compare the XDm 3.8 in 40 to th4e new XDm in 45. I know the guns are different but what struck my interest is the ammo comparisons. The 40 ammo delivered over 400 ft. lbs. of energy. That stat is a killer for SD.

You made a good choice.

Ive not stated this in this thread, But i am a .45 man at heart.
But that doesn't mean its the only effective caliber in my book, Its just a preference.
I feel the 180gr Tap ammo i put in this gun to be 97% as effective as the 230 gr CorBon i use in my 1911. If it ever comes down to me using the weapon, Only a Coroner will be able to you or I if a .45 would have been more effective if at all.
With modern ammo i feel the gap between 9mm and .45 is closing also. In reality there isnt much difference in between the big 3 calibers anymore.
Some just have better attributes in different areas which can make each be just as effective in different ways.

I gotta admit it gonna put a big smile on my face to shoot this SC with some 180gr full power loads. I love recoil at the range as thats why i loved my 10mm and would have most likley bought a G29 had i one been in stock at the store.

Just for my info since im not the most knowledgeable in the .40 caliber area. Whats the best grain size for SD ammo? Is the extra weight of the 180gr worth having the slower speeds, Or is the 165gr better for the penetration?
 
I keep the finger extension on my off side/spare mag that I carry on my belt. Reloads are so much easier.
Thats a good plan as i do carry a spare mag.
Do you use the supplied 13 round mag as the spare or did you buy another 9 rounder to carry?
That grip extension looks like it could make hiding the mag a bit harder on the 13 round mag?
 
When I mentioned the extension, I was referring to shorter mags in general. I have a PM40.:p and a STI Edge.

I had the 40c and had the extensions on all my mags. Easier to hold.

I shoot reloads through my 40's. I use 155 gr GDHP at 1286 chronoed. That's up there with a 357 performance. They thump. I use 180's as well. For factory I use 180 Golden Saber.

Check out Buffalo Bore for SD.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=25

BTW. I have 12 1911's in 45.:)
 
Those BB look nice, I know as i looked at Double Taps offerings and wasn't the most impressed with the .40 line there. But maybe i need to go back and compare.

Yesterday i tested the gun a bit to make sure feeding was no issue and shot WWB 165gr and the Hornady Tap 180 gr and i was able to tell no difference in the two recoil wise.
I also picked up some Federal HST grey box 135gr from Walmart for $23 just to try out and to fill up my spare mag with since i shot some of the Hornady.
I do expect so extra snap back with those.

some of those numbers you mentioned seem to be getting close to the 10mm realm of ammo velocity wise. But i wanna be carefull and keep it balanced since this is a SC and recoil is its biggest enemy being so small and light.

I still had no issues handling the gun and its so well balanced get back on target isnt hard at all after recoil. But if i go to far im sure it could be an issue.
 
Solid choice, congrats. I would caution against that Hornady Tap for SD. They're meant to penetrate car doors and windshields, not attackers (unless they're trying to run you over).
I picked up some Hornady Critical Defense 165 GR FTX to carry. I had a back and forth discussion about trigger work with another member and how it would look to a jury. It got me wondering how they'd feel about reloaded ammo. Just another little quibble. Remember too, if it came down to questioning a shooting every bit of evidence can be looked at and used against you. That's why I shudder when people talk about double taps and head shots, etc. You shoot till the threat is neutralized. Sometimes a full mag, sometimes one shot. You don't have to kill an attacker to neutralize the threat. It's also easier on the conscience not having to take a life.

Enough buz kill. Enjoy that new pistol and stay safe out there y'all!
 
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