Lindcott Armory Compare / .40 S&W vs 9mm Luger
Cartridge comparison
.40 S&W vs 9mm Luger
9mm Luger is faster (1,250 vs 1,200 fps); .40 S&W carries more energy (500 vs 400 ft·lb); 9mm Luger recoils less.
.40 S&W →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
9mm Luger →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .40 S&W | 9mm Luger | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1990 | 1902 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.4″ | 0.355″ |
| Case length | 0.85″ | 0.754″ |
| Velocity | 1,050–1,200 fps | 990–1,250 fps |
| Energy | 400–500 ft·lb | 300–400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 35,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Recoil | 10–15 ft·lb | 5–8 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .40 S&W faster than 9mm Luger?
- 9mm Luger is faster — up to 1,250 fps versus 1,200 fps.
- Does .40 S&W hit harder than 9mm Luger?
- .40 S&W carries more muzzle energy (500 vs 400 ft·lb).