What Are the Current .40 S&W Ammo Prices?
| Product Line | Type | Grain | Use Case | Typical CPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer Brass .40 | FMJ | 180gr | Range / Training | $0.24—0.34 |
| Federal American Eagle .40 | FMJ | 180gr | Range / Training | $0.26—0.36 |
| Winchester White Box .40 | FMJ | 180gr | Range / Training | $0.26—0.36 |
| Federal HST .40 | JHP | 180gr | Self-Defense | $0.55—0.85 |
| Speer Gold Dot .40 | JHP | 180gr | Self-Defense / LE | $0.55—0.80 |
| Hornady Critical Duty .40 | FlexLock | 175gr | Self-Defense / LE | $0.60—0.90 |
What .40 S&W Ammo Types Are Available?
- .40 S&W FMJ / Range ammo — Full metal jacket training and target loads
- .40 S&W Hollow Point / JHP — Expanding defense and duty loads
How Much Does .40 S&W Ammo Cost Per Round in 2026?
The .40 S&W was developed in 1990 as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP for law enforcement, and its pricing reflects an interesting market position: it's often cheaper than you'd expect because declining demand has created buyer-favorable conditions.
FMJ range ammo runs $0.24—0.36 per round — slightly more than 9mm but often less than .45 ACP. The standard range load is 180gr FMJ, though 165gr options exist. Blazer Brass and Federal American Eagle are the most common training options.
JHP defense loads run $0.55—1.00 per round, comparable to 9mm and .45 ACP defensive ammo. Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot in .40 S&W have extensive law enforcement track records — the .40 S&W was the dominant LE duty caliber from the mid-1990s through the mid-2010s.
The .40 S&W market shift: Since the FBI's 2014 decision to return to 9mm, most law enforcement agencies have followed suit. This has created an unusual buyer's market for .40 S&W: used duty pistols (Glock 22, Glock 23, S&W M&P 40) are available at significant discounts, and ammunition manufacturers occasionally run promotions to move .40 S&W inventory. For budget-conscious shooters willing to accept sharper recoil and lower capacity, the .40 S&W platform offers genuine value.
.40 S&W Market Trends
The .40 S&W is in a slow, structural decline. New gun sales in the caliber decrease each year as 9mm dominates. However, the caliber is far from dead — millions of .40 S&W pistols are in circulation, and all major manufacturers continue full product lines. Pricing has actually improved for buyers as production capacity exceeds demand.
Caliber Comparisons
- 9mm vs .40 S&W — The FBI transition, surplus market, and why .40 still has value
Related Calibers — 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto
- 9mm — Lower recoil, higher capacity, lower cost, dominant market position
- .45 ACP — Larger bore, subsonic by default, classic big-bore handgun
- 10mm Auto — The .40 S&W's parent cartridge, significantly more powerful
- .380 ACP — Compact carry alternative with much lower recoil
- .357 SIG — Often swappable via barrel change on the same frame. Higher velocity, higher pressure.
.40 S&W Ammo Brands — Federal, CCI, Winchester & More
- Federal — American Eagle range ammo and HST duty loads. Extensive LE track record.
- CCI — Blazer Brass .40. Budget brass-cased range option.
- Winchester — White Box FMJ and Ranger duty loads.
- Speer — Gold Dot .40. The standard LE duty round for decades.
- Hornady — Critical Duty FlexLock. Barrier-blind defensive loads.
Where to Buy .40 S&W Ammo Online
- Lucky Gunner — Fast shipping, real-time inventory
- Target Sports USA — Free shipping on case quantities for members
- Palmetto State Armory — Frequent sales and surplus LE deals
- MidwayUSA — Wide selection across all brands
- Sportsman's Warehouse — Online and in-store pickup options