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Lindcott Armory Lindcott Armory
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Pistol · SAAMI

.40 S&W

Also known as .40 Smith & Wesson · 10x22mm

Law enforcement favorite in 1990s-2010s.

Caliber
0.4″ · 10.16 mm
Introduced
1990
Case
Rimless
Parent
10mm Auto
Primary use
Self Defense, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains155 · 165 · 180 gr
Identity
Introduced
1990
Type
Pistol
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson / FBI
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
21.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Rimless
Pressure & range
Max pressure
35,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
2050 yd
Recoil
8.9–10 ft·lb

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .40 S&W. Parent case: 10mm Auto.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 10.160.400 ✓
Neck ⌀ 10.740.423 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 10.770.424 ✓
Rim ⌀ 10.770.424 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.400.055 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 21.590.850 ✓
Overall length 28.831.135 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .40 S&W is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

40 reloading powders listed for .40 S&W, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Bull's-EyeClaysVihtavuori N320American SelectInternational ClaysTitegroupZipShooters World Action PistolRS20No. 4N330IMR Hi-Skor 800XCompetitionRS24CFE PistolVectan SP2SP2Vihtavuori N340UniversalWinchester 231
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .40 S&W

KelTec Sub-2000 Gen 3 .40 S&W Glock 22KelTec Sub-2000 40 S&W Gen3KelTec Sub-2000 9mm Gen3Taurus G3 10mmKelTec Sub-2000 Gen 3 Glock .40 S&WKelTec Sub-2000 Gen 3 .40 S&W 16-inchKelTec Sub-2000 Gen 3 9mm 16-inchKelTec SUB2000 Gen3KelTec Sub-2000 Gen3 .40 S&WKelTec Sub-2000 Gen3 9mm 16.25-inchGlock Glock 22 Gen 5 FS MOS NSGirsan Witness2311

Lineage

Immediate parent
10mm Auto · Shortened from
Direct descendants (1)
.357 SIG
Family TreeOpen .40 S&W in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Reloading40 suitable powders — cross-reference

History

Developed in 1990 as FBI's solution after 1986 Miami shootout. FBI wanted 10mm power but agents couldn't handle recoil, so S&W shortened case. Dominated LE for 20 years before agencies returned to 9mm.

FAQs

What twist rate does .40 S&W use?
.40 S&W typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .40 S&W?
.40 S&W uses a 0.4″ (10.16 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .40 S&W still in production?
.40 S&W is active; typical availability is common.
What is .40 S&W used for?
.40 S&W is primarily used for self defense, target.
What is .40 S&W based on?
.40 S&W is derived from the 10mm Auto case.
What are the best powders for .40 S&W?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .40 S&W include Bull's-Eye, Clays, Vihtavuori N320, American Select, among 40 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 337 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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