Top 5 40 S&W Self Defense Ammo

Federal Premium Hydra-Shok has proven itself for self-defense since 1989. Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested platform with design improvements that better meet modern performance measurements. The bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent deeper penetration than original Hydra-Shok and competitor loads. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable nickel plated brass cases.

Features

• Penetrates 15 inches in bare ballistics gel—the optimal depth according to FBI standards
• 50 percent deeper penetration than original Hydra-Shok
• 70 percent improvement in FBI protocol score
• Iconic center post design has been improved for better, more consistent expansion through standard barriers.
• Consistent, specially formulated propellant
• Extremely reliable Federal primer

Hornady Critical Duty Ammo is designed to meet the needs of those who demand superior barrier penetration and prefer a full-size handgun for their personal protection. Critical Duty is loaded with the tough Hornady FlexLock bullet that delivers "barrier blind" performance when shot through common urban barriers.

The FlexLock bullet incorporates two revolutionary Hornady features to deliver superior barrier penetration and consistent performance in FBI tactical handgun ammunition tests (FBI Protocol).

The patented Hornady Flex Tip design eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. A large mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock band works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention, excellent expansion, consistent penetration and terminal performance through all FBI test barriers. Additionally, all Critical Duty ammunition is loaded with low flash propellant to help preserve night vision in low-light firing.

Features

• FlexLock Bullet - Incorporates two revolutionary Hornady features: the no-clog, patented Flex Tip design and the heavy duty jacket-to-core InterLock band.
• Interlock Band - Works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention and proven terminal performance through all FBI test barriers.
• Core - Made of high-antimony lead making it extremely tough, delivering controlled expansion for unparalleled terminal performance consistency through all FBI test barriers. It's also more economical than similar bonded bullets.

Liberty Civil Defense ammunition is a high velocity, extremely accurate load designed for self-defense. The 60 Grain Lead-Free Fragmenting Hollow Point bullet travels at 2000 feet per second, resulting in 10 inches of ballistic gel penetration. This light bullet, high velocity round yields less felt recoil and has an effective range of 25 meters. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, and requires no weapons modifications.

G2 Research is a premium self defense, and environmentally conscious defense/hunting ammunition manufacturer. G2 Research's vast understanding of material properties and utilization of complex geometries renders predictable and consistent results that maximize the effectiveness of its solid copper/lead free projectiles. The G2 Research R.I.P. (Radically Invasive Projectile) features a unique one hundred percent copper petaled-trocar design which gives it the ability to not only penetrate deep into a target but also fragment in fluid. Upon entering a gel or fluid the petals break from the base and create individual wound channels as the base continues on course. This penetration and separation delivers not only a maximum shock wave but wound path as well. In years of ammunition design there has always been a trade off between mass and velocity to accomplish the goal of effective stopping power. G2 Research added a third variable with the patented trocar design. The surgically designed trocars offer better barrier penetration thus maintaining a higher velocity when hitting a target, transferring more energy into the target. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases.

Lehigh Defense XD Ammunition features the proven Xtreme Defense bullets. This high quality ammunition is perfect for hunting or pest control. The lead free projectiles are safe to use in any environment with no risk of lead contamination. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases.

The Xtreme Defense (XD) Technology is based on the popular Xtreme Penetrator product line. The design goal was to achieve the same barrier performance and massive permanent wound cavity and reduce the penetration depth to coincide with an individual's personal comfort level. It was a goal Lehigh did not meet; it was a goal they blew out of the water!

The XD Bullet has an optimized nose flute, total weight, and velocity to achieve a penetration depth range of 18 inches with a permanent wound cavity (PWC) that is just simply enormous; no other expanding hollowpoint comes close to achieving anywhere near this diameter and volume. Not only is the PWC over 100% larger than any other expanding bullet, it is near barrier blind, ignoring wallboard, sheet metal, and automotive glass.

Lehigh Defense was able to accomplish this quantum leap in terminal performance at the same time while reducing recoil. The terminal performance achieved is quickly approaching that of 5.56 rifle performance and that is an incredible feat.

Suppressor Safe — The projectile is machined from solid bar stock.  This is not a frangible bullet produced from powdered metal.

Features

• A permanent wound cavity (PWC) that is 2 times greater than any expanding bullet
• Radial flutes that force the hydraulic energy inward to build pressure
• Minimal surface area to increase the force at the point of contact and sharp cutting edges that defeat barriers