9mm Luger vs .40 S&W
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the 9mm Luger is about 150 ft/s faster at the muzzle (1,150 vs 1,000 ft/s).
The .40 S&W carries about 10% more energy at the muzzle (400 vs 364 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
On the same size target, the 9mm Luger has the longer point-blank range (109 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| 9mm Luger | .40 S&W | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Georg Luger's military round, now the most popular handgun cartridge. Self-defense, police and competition with manageable recoil. | Shortened 10mm built for the FBI and police. More punch than 9mm in a standard-size pistol. |
| Typical load | 124 grJHP · 4" barrel | 180 grJHP · 4" barrel |
| Muzzle speed | 1,150 ft/s | 1,000 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 364 ft-lbs | 400 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.15typical, varies by brand | ≈ 0.16typical, varies by brand |
| Twist rate | 1:10 | 1:16 |
| Practical range | 25 yd | 25 yd |
| Point-blank range | 109 yd6" vital zone | 99 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Compact or full-size pistolMild; micro-compacts are snappier | Compact or full-size pistolSnappier than 9mm |
Which one fits you?
9mm Luger: Georg Luger's military round, now the most popular handgun cartridge. Self-defense, police and competition with manageable recoil.
.40 S&W: Shortened 10mm built for the FBI and police. More punch than 9mm in a standard-size pistol.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
More
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.