The .40 S&W was developed specifically for law enforcement needs. It fires rimless, .40 inch (10.16mm) diameter bullets. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) uses bullets with diameters of .452 inches (11.5mm). The energy of the .40 S&W exceeds standard-pressure .45 ACP loadings, generating between 350-foot-pound (470 J) and 500-foot-pound (680 J) of energy, depending on bullet weight. Comparison chart (Differences).40 S & W .45 ACP
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Magazine capacityDue to the smaller size of the bullet, .40 ACPs typically have a higher magazine capacity than a .45, although the specifics vary depending on the type of gun. Example: A Glock .40 pistol such as the 35,22,23 & 27 models can hold upto 31 rounds of .40 S&W. A few .45 ACP handguns like HS2000 can hold as many as 14 cartridges. The FNP-45 can hold upto 15 .45 cartridges but this greatly increases the pistol's bulk and hence lowers maneuverability. VelocityA .40 fires bullets with a velocity between 950 and 1440 feet per second, depending on the model. A .45 fires bullets with an average velocity between 835 and 1150 feet per second. AccuracyWhile the accuracy depends on several factors like the skill of the shooter, the gun used, the size of the barrel, wind velocity etc. at shorter distances (10-20yards), both have nearly equal accuracy. At longer distances, the velocity of the bullet matters. Since .45 has a lower velocity, it has the trajectory which needs to be take into account while firing. PenetrationA typical .40 averages between 9.8” and 13.3” penetration. The Winchester FMJ, however, has a penetration of 25”. It expands to between 0.4” and 0.76”. A .45 averages about 11.3”-14.3” penetration. However, the Remington FMJ has 27” penetration. The cartridge expands to an average of 0.75” inches, but the Remington FMJ expands to 0.45”. RecoilThe felt recoil for a .40 is much more than a .45. People who have used both these guns have described .40 recoil as "sharp and snappy" and slower to get back on target for follow up shots. [1]. The .45 recoil seems to be heavier and pushes one's hands backwards instead of up. It does not have much muzzle flip. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
