The 40 Smith & Wesson calibre
The 40 Smith & Wesson calibre cartridge was first produced in the late nineteen-eighties, since when it has been widely discussed. It was jointly designed by Smith & Wesson and Winchester for use by the forces of order in replacement of the 9 mm Luger, which was considered to be sometimes insufficient in terms of stopping power. This handgun calibre is mostly used in the United States by the forces of order under the influence of the FBI. The ammunition loads 0.40 inch diameter bullets (that is, 40 hundredths of an inch, actually 10.17 mm) with a mass ranging generally from 8.70 grammes (134 grains) / 360 m/s to 13.00 grammes (200 grains) / 320 m/s. Approved by the CIP with the denomination 40 S&W, this ammunition does not really bear an official metric designation, although it is also known as 10x22 mm. The general dimensions of the 40 S&W are in between those of the 9 mm Luger and those of the 45 ACP with recoil levels situated between the 9 mm Luger and the 45 ACP. However, the transported kinetic energy is around 25% greater than the two reference ammunitions in its most extensive load. This compact ammunition allows 9 mm Luger manufacturers to offer versions of their .40 S&W calibre models at a lower cost, retaining the base of their 9 mm at a slightly reduced loading capacity. With its experience gained from designing this calibre, Winchester offers several particularly extensive, high-performance loads that can meet all requirements.
