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40 S&W Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 40 S&W with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

40 S&W reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)35,000 psi
Nominal case capacity19.3 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.400 in (10.16 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Hornady 0.400 180 gr FMJ-FP
Powder
Alliant Power Pistol
Charge
5.1 gr
Barrel
4 in

Muzzle velocity

814 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)

11,913 – 15,304 – 19,238 psi

nominal is 44% of the 35,000 psi maximum average pressure

Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Use MyLoads as a 40 S&W velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 40 S&W in the MyLoads calculator →

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