.40 S&W vs. .45 ACP — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 7, 2024
The .40 S&W is a high-velocity, medium-bore cartridge, while the .45 ACP is a larger, slower, and heavier bullet with more stopping power.
Difference Between .40 S&W and .45 ACP
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The .40 S&W, developed for law enforcement use, offers higher magazine capacity compared to the .45 ACP, which is known for its larger diameter and greater stopping power.
In terms of ballistics, the .40 S&W typically has a higher velocity and flatter trajectory, whereas the .45 ACP is known for its heavier bullet and lower velocity.
Recoil management is different; the .40 S&W has a sharper recoil, while the .45 ACP's recoil is often described as more of a push due to its heavier bullet.
The .40 S&W's popularity in the law enforcement community contrasts with the .45 ACP's longstanding association with the military, particularly the M1911 pistol.
In terms of ammunition cost and availability, .40 S&W rounds are generally more readily available and cheaper than the .45 ACP, which can be more expensive.
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Comparison Chart
Bullet Diameter
Smaller (10mm)
Larger (11.43mm)
Velocity
Higher
Lower
Recoil
Sharper
More of a push
Typical Use
Law enforcement
Military and personal defense
Ammunition Cost
Generally lower
Generally higher
Compare with Definitions
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W has a higher velocity than larger calibers.
The .40 S&W's higher velocity contributes to its flat shooting trajectory.
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is a medium-bore handgun cartridge.
The .40 S&W is widely used by police departments across the country.
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W was developed as a law enforcement cartridge.
The .40 S&W gained popularity quickly in the law enforcement community.
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is known for its sharp recoil.
Shooters often note the sharp recoil of the .40 S&W.
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W offers a balance of power and capacity.
He chose a .40 S&W for its high capacity and manageable recoil.
Common Curiosities
Are .40 S&W rounds generally more affordable than .45 ACP?
Yes, .40 S&W rounds are generally more affordable and available than .45 ACP.
What is the historical significance of the .45 ACP?
The .45 ACP is historically significant for its extensive use in the U.S. military, especially in the M1911 pistol.
What is the velocity difference between .40 S&W and .45 ACP?
The .40 S&W typically has a higher velocity compared to the .45 ACP.
What is the bullet diameter of the .45 ACP?
The .45 ACP has a bullet diameter of approximately 11.43mm.
Is the .45 ACP suitable for beginners in shooting?
The .45 ACP can be challenging for beginners due to its recoil and larger size.
What is the primary use of .40 S&W?
The .40 S&W is primarily used in law enforcement and personal defense.
What are the magazine capacity differences between .40 S&W and .45 ACP?
The .40 S&W typically allows for higher magazine capacities compared to the .45 ACP.
How does the recoil of the .40 S&W compare to the .45 ACP?
The .40 S&W has a sharper recoil, while the .45 ACP's recoil is more of a push.
Why is the .45 ACP favored for personal defense?
The .45 ACP is favored for its stopping power and the heavy, slow-moving bullets.
Can the .40 S&W be used in compact handguns?
Yes, the .40 S&W is well-suited for compact handguns due to its size and power balance.
What types of firearms are commonly chambered in .45 ACP?
The .45 ACP is commonly used in larger pistols and some submachine guns.
How does the .40 S&W perform in terms of penetration?
The .40 S&W offers good penetration and is effective in personal defense scenarios.
What is the typical bullet weight for .45 ACP?
The typical bullet weight for .45 ACP ranges from 185 to 230 grains.
Is the .40 S&W suitable for home defense?
Yes, the .40 S&W is suitable for home defense due to its balance of power and manageable recoil.
Can .40 S&W be used in competitive shooting?
Yes, the .40 S&W is popular in competitive shooting due to its balance of power and capacity.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
