.40 S&W VS .45 ACP - Hornady Custom

Through my 5" pistols I test the Hornady Custom in a 155 gr .40 S&W VS a 200 gr .45 ACP in a 10% Clear Ballistics test.

[@aarongreenfield9038]

Also I'm glad to see that they are now actually showing the true rating fired from handguns that people actually use, not some crap rating from ammo fired from a 25 or 30 inch test barrel.

[@brandiwynter]

Very interesting, honestly I didn't expect much from the .45acp because the xtp often has problems expanding at slow speeds. The .40S&W was just disappointing. I expected better from Hornady. There's no way I believe that Hornady didn't test these rounds through fabric themselves and knew performance was unacceptable. Until people who buy ammo start holding companies responsible they have no incentive to do better. Thats why videos like these are so important, most people can't test ammo like you can so they have to trust the manufacturer and sadly, that's a mistake much of the time. Thanks for the informative video!!!

[@jdk_360]

I really think hornady is just loading these because they’ve been around for a while even though they know they don’t perform well. The xtp is well known for not expanding without enough velocity

[@TooManyChoices1]

.40 S&W for the win 🥇!! Sorry I’ve missed so much, but I hear .40 and come running 🏃‍♂️! 😂.

[@thystaff742]

Only in this brand.

[@aarongreenfield9038]

Wow thanks, been waiting for another one with 40~45 cals 😁👍

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Ignore any comments critical of your testing and shooting. Your tests are always consistent and well done. And your shooting skills ? Anything at 75 yards or closer is gonna get smoked !

[@ftdefiance1]

Glad to see you back Sir

[@GunSam]

I'm not back. This was filmed a month ago

[@mopesrus7266]

Sam, thanks for doing the work so we don't have to. I'll stick to my HST's in .40s&w. Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@GunSam]

HST, Gold Dot, Ranger are my go to. In my 5" barrel the 165 gr bullets seem to give the best overall performance.

[@RamPatriot]

Great info. Thank you. I search your site for all my ballistic inquiries. Please continue your analysis efforts.

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks. I am transitioning back to a 1911 .45ACP pistol as my primary carry gun. I appreciate you testing the .45ACP ammo.

[@paulscountry456]

If I can get around 500 ft lbs from 40 I'm happy.Good show.

[@duaneridings6591]

great videos Sam

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I use the 45 ACP with 200 gr lead SWC cast bullets and don't worry about expansion. That's with my Tisas Stingray Carry w/4 1/4 inch barrel. It will cut a 45 caliber hole whatever it goes through. I use the same load in my 625 S&W 5". Loaded with 4.8 gr Red Dot, WW primers and a mixture of brass. Not a hot load at all, well under Lyman loading table max load, but very accurate. When it comes to self defense loads I would rather have this load in 45 ACP than any of the JHP loads. In my 646 S&W revolver in 40 S&W I use Berry's 180 gr HP with 6.3 gr of AAC #5 and moon clips. Why? Because that's what I could get. Haven't experimented much with this one because I don't have ready access to a variety of bullets and I'm guessing this would be a better load than any of the lead alloy bullets I've seen advertised in this caliber.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@jmichaelcarbonniere9549 .45 was designed to take out cavalry horses. And it did. I doubt the soldiers stooped down to stick a measure into the horse wound and see if the hole was big enough to have the effect they wanted. While an expanding/mushrooming bullet makes a potentially larger wound, the effect is to prevent continued penetration, not to make bigger holes. It's a sectional-density reducer, a parachute, if you will.

[@KD-lb9bg]

Thanks for the testing. Hope you’re feeling better.

[@GunSam]

Not recovered yet

[@robertstephens8011]

Throughly enjoy all the .40 videos and testing you do! Honestly I've watched a few of the same ones over 5 times! I appreciate your work my man keep it going! Stayed Blessed

[@327Federal]

It appears that Federal Handgun Cartridges have been performing better overall.

[@tigerman3]

Just found your channel. Keep 'em coming!

[@donsteilberg9050]

Nice test. The property looks good with all the leaves down. Thanks for the video.

[@RedProg]

Much appreciated 👍

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Glad you're out of the hospital and back at work. Must be feeling better. Happy New Year to you and great video!...

[@GunSam]

I'm not at work. I filmed this almost a month ago. I'm still very ill. I'm not sure when I'll start filming again

[@lens7859]

Hope you’re doing better, good to hear from you again

[@GunSam]

Long recovery. Haven't filmed in a month. I hope to start filming again soon.

[@lens7859]

@@GunSam There is a lot of crap around, flu, covid, and some respiratory thing, that can knock the hell out of a person. Feel better, appreciate your work

[@dustyneudy7017]

Recently found your channel, love the content, please keep up the great videos. 💪

[@GunSam]

Thank you. I haven't filmed for a month due to illness but I do plan on trying to continue the best I can.

[@fairnheight3673]

Hey Sam I remember from an older video that you use that same Glock for 10mm testing by swapping the barrel on it. I just thought maybe it would be worth checking out the new Taurus TH10 and doing an unboxing, first shots, and maybe some future ammo testing.

[@GunSam]

I am not a professional. I can barely feed my family right now. Yet someone gets on my channel "oh just go buy this several hundred dollar item for my entertainment"

[@fairnheight3673]

@@GunSam that brings up another video idea, a Q&A. At the end of one of your videos say you’re doing one so your fans can write some juicy questions because you do have fans buddy. We want to know more about you, and you can discreetly answer questions like mine. I think you’re very intelligent and most of my ballistics knowledge comes from your channel and whenever I can’t explain it, I direct people to your channel. Happy New Year Sam, I look forward to your upcoming content.

[@ariesmight6978]

​@fairnheight3673 Gum Sam meant nothing personal. This economy has truly sucked. We are in a recession. That is far worse then the one that occured. In the 1930's, which has lasted. For nearly a decade now. I recently started working for dollar tree. The price of the items are going up again. From a $1.25 to $1.75. The long running joke is. That the company has never up dated its name. On the side I deliver food when I can. We have an employee that is holding down a third job. Because his personal buissness is slow. He supports both his ex, his son and himself. Plus Sam has not been feeling well. So try to imagine all of the personal stress and worry that he is under. In my own way, I have been under. Very heavy personal stress for nearly three years now. I truly do not want to get into it. I have been having trouble getting proper sleep. For nearly three years now. I avarage 5 hours to zero hours every night. Again nothing personal.

[@JeffreyCotle]

Hi gun Sam. I carry Winchester xtp 230 grn hollow. Point in my colt 1911. I works awsome for me. Its pretty stout. And functions very well. 😊

[@skipx7073]

I’ve had good results with 185+p .45 no real change in recoil and better velocity and expansion…. I’m also shooting a fs dan Wesson not polymer. Bit different. Thanks

[@moreme40]

Good video. Looks to be chilly in your neck of the woods

[@kentwilliams3326]

Thanks for testing the 155 grain .40 S&W. Most test the 180 grain. We issued the 155 grain (U.S. Border Patrol) since it performed significantly better than any of the 180 grain versions. BTW - That looks like a Glock 41.

[@GunSam]

I feel like in my 5" barrel that the 165 gr is the ideal bullet weight as it does everything, dumps in 13" or so and still expands. With a shorter barrel I think 155 gr is very ideal, with the right bullet anyways.

[@murrayjimm]

Hope you have recovered from the medical incident.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. Not yet. Multiple issues. I haven't filmed in about 4 weeks

[@1diggers1]

Hope you're feeling good again Sam. Man that's surprising results! Your .327 with HST did better than a .45 and .40! That is kind of crazy. The .327 really is an under rated cartridge. I recently watched your hard cast video using B.B ammo where the .327 didn't perform well. I saw Double Tap makes a hard cast load in 120 grain, be interesting to see you test that one.

[@danoneill2846]

Happy New Year Sam !!!

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@boostcreep4749]

Thanks, great testing as always!!

[@bobcatforever3485]

GS. Good video. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@timrobinson6573]

Do you consider doing an intra-caliber comparison. Compare 180, 155 and 130 grain 40 S&W?

[@DinoNucci]

I like this idea!

[@GunSam]

Maybe at some point. Not always easy getting same bullet in those weights.

[@bluescatreimer]

Good video Sam. 😉

[@ElainesDomain]

I seems to me that Hornady isn't what it used to be. 155 gr is a bit too light for me. The .45 should have done better. Both calibers failed. Hornady is too pricey for this it is. Thanks Mr. Sam.

[@rururu5630]

I think the XTP bullets usually need more velocity to expand reliably in standard handgun calibers. They are great 44 magnum bullets for both self-defense or hunting, depending on bullet weight. I would be interested to see how these XTP rounds do in pistol caliber carbines.

[@DinoNucci]

XTP = poop

[@GunSam]

What's interesting is .38 125 gr xtp does expand well at just 900 fps. I think there's many factors such as specific caliber hollow cavity size that makes the biggest difference in performance with xtp.

[@rururu5630]

@GunSam Interesting. I dunno. The XTP in standard calibers doesn't seem to be consistently good to trust it. HST and first generation Gold Dots are winners!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Sam, do you take down notes and observations for every cartridge you've range tested, keeping things catalogued? I would like to know your process in retention of so much nuanced information with all the factory stuff you've tested over the years.

[@DinoNucci]

@@exothermal.sprocket it's almost like he would benefit from recording video of his tests ... ... ... ... Good lord!

[@lanedexter6303]

Interesting! We have great bullets today, but there are so many variables, and terminal ballistics is never an exact science. I went with .45 in the 70’s, when bullet choices were limited, but today the .40 and even 9mm look much better.👍

[@exothermal.sprocket]

As they say, it doesn't shrink. The .45 will either rip a .45 or bigger hole, no matter what. And this is NOT an insignificant piece of information. The folks that hunt with .45 Colt for deer or larger game, will typically use a hardcast flat nose projectile, mostly these kind of bullets do not expand. If killing a deer or larger game is effective and preferred with a .45 caliber in a bullet design that does not expand, then one has to consider how much more blood, lung, capacity, and tenacity for life that a large mammal has compared to a person. Penetration depth is always a consideration with game (the greater the better usually), but the point is, the caliber is and has been effective since the late 1800's.

[@danoneill2846]

I don't recall where I heard it .. that 200 gr was the design weight for 1911 45 acp ??

[@GunSam]

I always thought 230 gr was it. But I am no expert at that.

[@GunSam]

When I Google original .45 ACP weight it shows "The original round that passed the testing fired a 200-grain (13 g) bullet at 900 ft/s (274 m/s), but after a number of rounds of revisions between Winchester Repeating Arms, Frankford Arsenal, and Union Metallic Cartridge, it ended up using a 230-grain (15 g) bullet fired at a nominal velocity of 850 ft/s (259 m/s)."

[@danoneill2846]

I don't remember where .. I heard that some how they wanted 45Colt like bullets , I think they were 250 gr at the time ? So they ended up at 230 ? You have said many times for some rounds , the case is small , the more lead the less room for powder .There is a weight range you best stay in .@@GunSam

[@mikethefarrier]

The XTPs are just too bonded for handguns. Very few are able to force expansion, out of a PCC they are great though. I use them in 357,44 and 45 rifle loadings. In that configuration they are fearsome but from a pistol, not so much

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Makes a person wonder, would the 45 have expanded with just a touch more powder? As in.... Hornady may not have loaded this cartridge to max SAAMI for .45acp, whereas a +p would typically be considered 10% more. I know +p isn't universally standardized, it's more relative to a manufacturer's usual habit of pressure with similar loading.

[@Fudmottin]

Isn't the Hornady Custom kind of budget ammo? At least not their top of the line. I would probably go with the 45 out of familiarity. That's what I used to carry before I switched to the M&P340 (after trying some 9s along the way).

[@GunSam]

I always thought it was their better version of basic ammo. Like American Gunner is their cheap stuff but custom is generally loaded more consistent and a little more power.

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊 how long does it take to recast the gel blocks .

[@GunSam]

Melt wise it's about 6 to 8 hours. But it takes more time cutting up and washing them first.

[@terrywadsworth5645]

​@GunSam Wow...think I would've stuck with the "Juggernaut " and called it a day. But then you wouldn't be the Terminal Ballistics content creator that you are today. Thanks for the quality work you produce for our edification and entertainment. Godspeed and get well, Gun Sam.

[@pietrycranberry6621]

If I did my calculations right, there isn't a significant difference with regards to the momentum of the .40 S&W vs.45 ACP.

[@onpsxmember]

Interesting weights. I wonder if the .45ACP will still open if filled with denim at a bit of distance. I wish reloading in .45ACP would be cheaper over here.

[@GunSam]

I used to hand load .45 ACP. Alliant Power Pistol easily reached 1,000 FPS or more with 230 gr XTP

[@eduardorivera4100]

The worst case scenario 40 path is undesirable by testing standards but amazing in real world applications

[@eduardorivera4100]

Tumbling and expansion deliver same results

[@GunSam]

Maybe. Under my studies of real shootings, bullets stopping within 13" tend to stop threats the best. Not dumping energy in a short distance tends to have worse street performance.

[@josephpepper3087]

XTP's arent bad bullets. But most of them need higher velocities to expand and they tend to clog against clothing. However they are accurate and penetrate well in most applications. I'd like to see the "new" / "gen 2" Winchester .45 acp 185 gr Silvertip tested. I've got a bunch and get about 900 fps from 4 to 4.5 in barrels. I went with .40 165 gr HST for my .40 carry load.

[@GunSam]

I don't think they are bad, they are pretty good. That being said they are better at being a hunting bullet than a self defense bullet as they are designed to expand less than 1.5 times and meant to only expand a little and make a pass through on an animal. With certain calibers like .357 Magnum, they make excellent defensive bullets as the energy will still dump without over penetrating.

[@josephpepper3087]

@@GunSam I haven't found the "perfect" bullet or even weight for a .357 mag SD load. I've reloaded the 125 gr XTP to about 1325 fps from my 3" barrel guns on a full charge of Enforcer. It's loud and blasty, but less so than some factory 125's. In my amateur testing years ago Federal 180 SJHP's did great from snubbies @ 950 fps. Low blast & flash, expanded and penetrated. And I like a soft lead hollow points like those from GT bullets. They have a good 160 gr that has been fine in my amateur testing and a 185 gr LHP I have but yet to test. I load the lead bullets more mildly with a quicker powder. I'd love to see you test those. I know you aren't firing anyone else's reloads. I'd have to send you the bullets and ask you to load them to a certain velocity. (850-950 fps)

[@STIBBS315]

Need to try buffalo bore 180 grain 40s&w +p gold dot...1150ish fps from your m&p 5"!

[@DinoNucci]

40 is the correct answer vs human sized questions

[@GunSam]

When I film again it will be featuring .40 S&W. Had a road rage incident and have decided to always have a truck gun. I decided my 40 caliber is the best choice I have. Going to test Gold Dot VS HST both in 165 gr, then maybe move onto other testing.

[@DinoNucci]

@@GunSam RoaR

[@Indianarmslover]

Very nice video,I have only s&b .45 fmj & 230 grain jhp ammo ,if you did s&b 45 ammo test please send me video link thanks

[@DinoNucci]

Google

[@Stalin4403]

Ok not really comment on this topic but if you were choosing between a non-1911 .45,a 4 inch .357,and a non-1911 10mm for a backup carry/truck all around gun what would you pick? Kinda cross between cityscape and outdoor weekends. Probably seldom carry but out side waistband with concealment garment.

[@DinoNucci]

40

[@GunSam]

Hard to decide really. I personally don't think 10mm brings enough to the table without a lot of negatives like recoil and potential jams. I use .40 S&W for my truck gun as it has everything I need. With your choices I might go with .357 mag if I had a choice of a large frame 8 shot. Second choice might be an M&P .45 ACP with a good ammo like 230 gr Hydrashok as even in 2024 that old-school ammo seems to perform better than most.45 ammo.

[@Stalin4403]

Thank you for responding! I am carefully weighing my options. Your input is definitely appreciated . ​@@GunSam

[@franzputsch254]

The hornady XTP is a great bullet for higher velocities, but just doesn't seem to do so well in standard pistol calibers. It's almost like they pressed a hunting bullet into service.

[@ethanmac639]

.40 s&w 👍💪❤️

[@Jack-xy2pz]

What do I know am not professional in this area. I know I like the 40 s&w and the 45 acp a lot more than the 9mm parabellum. Get er done.

[@adammitchell0]

And looks more impressive in videos, I know it’s probably less realistic in the damage factor. I hear FBI still uses organic.

[@Texan-1911]

.40 never gets a fair shake

[@KevinBalofh]

Check put the ltl bravo 1.50 with some aluminum balls its a less lethal but its got good performance for what it is as powerful as your 22 pellet rifle but its a co2 50cal semi auto pistol

[@DinoNucci]

Wat!?

[@robertseafield5810]

Good video. Good info.

[@kentwilliams3326]

Underwood Extreme Defender in .40 or .45!

[@GunSam]

I plan some tests with the Xtreme Defender but .44 Special/.44 Mag/.38 Special and .357 Mag

[@brodyhenry5664]

I will never use hornady again after an entire box of critical defense misfed and caused stoppage in my shield. Federal hst and underwood extremes ammo from now on.

[@tommcqueen3145]

👍

[@jerrybushey6654]

Feeling better?

[@GunSam]

No

[@GunSam]

Haven't filmed in a month due to illness

[@jerrybushey6654]

Hang in there hope you get better coming from cancer survivor

[@adammitchell0]

Seams like 10% organic works better, see much less failure to expand

[@papasmurf205]

40 sw has more snap, yes because it has 100 more FPE....

[@AKS-74U]

The XTP is a junk bullet. Expands like shit in every caliber.

[@demuntresmith6666]

I like the 45acp because I am fat and slow.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Disappointing. Thank you.

[@DinoNucci]

XTP = 💩

[@livincincy4498]

Thanks again ! The bitter truth about the 40 caliber aka 10 mm Kurtz is that it over penetrates. Police departments could not afford the insurance costs associated with over penetration and hitting bystanders. Insurance companies are really good at statistics. The ballistics of a 147 grain 9mm are good at staying inside the target. A double tap is an 18 mm hole. Self defense shooting is about multiple hits. It is interesting how a 147 grain 9mm is oddly similar to a 148 grain 38 +P FULL wad cutter. With plated bullets we can push a soup can fast. Maybe a video is in order? For load data just state published load data.

[@DinoNucci]

W r o n g

[@carlbunner5515]

I dont get it, why does one want to make everything equal. Its like grading tests on a curve so the kid that doesnt try or cant perform gets a better score. Or taking a top fuel dragster to go buy groceries. Or every kid gets a trophy communist mindset. You end up with everything is just average. Test the best that every mfg has in every cartridge. Keep the best performers and the rest go in the trash pile . Maybe they will try harder or they will fade away as they should.

[@GunSam]

No one said anything about being equal. Comparing common calibers is all it is buddy

[@carlbunner5515]

@@GunSam dont get me wrong i watch your videos and find the results interesting. But i think that testing two different calibers and trying to make sure same bbl length and sectional density . Well that takes away the built in adavantages of the superior cartridge. Let nature sort it out as it should be. If you wanna compare cartridges compare the best each has to offer. A 9mm isnt and never will be as good as a 40sw when 40 is loaded to full potential. Nor is a 10mm as good as a 44mag when both loaded to full potential in a propper firearm . Common sense says you dont use and 8 inch bbl 44 mag for self defense carry . Or a 6 inch 10mm auto for ccw. But i have carried glock 23 and or 32 even a xd45 tactical in the winter. They all carry fine given conditions are right so bbl length is very important test for performance .

[@3Pillers]

👍