Does .40 S&W Pack a PUNCH?

Published on March 16, 2023
Duration: 10:24

This video provides an expert-level analysis of the .40 S&W caliber, specifically testing Federal Punch 165gr JHP ammunition through ballistic gel. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, uses a chronograph and detailed measurements to compare performance from different Glock barrel lengths (3.5" and 4.5"). The results showcase the Federal Punch .40 S&W's effectiveness in terms of expansion and penetration, debunking common criticisms of the caliber and this ammunition type.

Quick Summary

Expert instructor tests Federal Punch .40 S&W 165gr JHP in ballistic gel using Glocks. Results show average muzzle velocities of 1091 fps (3.5" barrel) and 1131 fps (4.5" barrel), with penetration up to 20 inches and significant expansion, confirming the caliber's effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:15Ballistic Gel & Clothing Barrier
  3. 00:46Ammunition Details
  4. 01:23Firearm Selection
  5. 01:50Chronograph Test (Glock 27)
  6. 02:36Muzzle Velocity (Glock 27)
  7. 02:50Chronograph Test (Glock 22)
  8. 03:27Muzzle Velocity (Glock 22) & Energy Comparison
  9. 04:02Gel Test (Glock 27)
  10. 04:39Gel Test (Glock 22)
  11. 05:13Gel Performance Analysis
  12. 06:23Penetration Measurement
  13. 06:40Bullet Track Close-up
  14. 07:10Recovered Bullet Analysis
  15. 07:41Bullet Weight
  16. 08:05Bullet Expansion
  17. 08:34.40 S&W Performance Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Federal Punch .40 S&W 165gr JHP perform in ballistic gel?

Federal Punch .40 S&W 165gr JHP demonstrated excellent performance in ballistic gel tests, achieving significant expansion (up to 0.617 inches) and penetration (20 inches from a 3.5" barrel, 18.5" from a 4.5" barrel) after passing through a heavy clothing barrier.

What is the actual muzzle velocity of Federal Punch .40 S&W 165gr JHP?

Chronograph tests showed an average muzzle velocity of 1091 fps from a 3.5-inch Glock 27 barrel and 1131 fps from a 4.5-inch Glock 22 barrel, closely matching the advertised 1130 fps from the longer barrel.

Does .40 S&W still have stopping power with Federal Punch ammunition?

Yes, the Federal Punch .40 S&W 165gr JHP ammunition exhibited substantial stopping power in ballistic gel tests, showing impressive expansion and deep penetration, effectively debunking concerns about the caliber's effectiveness.

How does barrel length affect .40 S&W performance?

Testing with Glock pistols showed that a longer barrel (4.5" Glock 22) yielded higher muzzle velocity (1131 fps) and slightly less penetration (18.5") compared to a shorter barrel (3.5" Glock 27, 1091 fps, 20" penetration), with comparable expansion.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →