9MM vs .40S&W!....Hornady Critical Defense AMMO Test! 

All the guys at my local shop make fun of 40S&W and think it's outdated, but numbers don't lie. One of my favorite auto calibers. Thanks for the test, Tools!

40 will ALWAYS be superior to 9mm. 9 has its place, but if I had to get into a fight, 40 is it.

I'm a 10 mil guy, but I really like the .40's as well. Tired of hearing about how the 9mm is just so much better of a round than the .40 is, no it is not! 🤬

I've always liked the .40, I don't know why it gets so much hate, but it does. My first was a G23 back in the early 2000's and while I like to shoot all my calibers, I always felt the .40 provided the best balance of weapon size and power. Thanks for the video!

I kinda expected the 40 to win, but didn't expect it to nearly double the penetration of the 9. Another thing you showed here is that some 40 loads are better than some 10 mm loads

As always, .40 leads the crowd. 9mm certainly is adequate, but, .40 leads.

468 ft lbs out’ve my G23 I’m not complaining ❤

The 40 gets way too much hate it really is superior to 9mm of 45. Also love that you videos haven’t just become constant new product and unboxing videos I’m here for real honest testing. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

The myth (and marketing ploy) of the .40 being dead is really pretty funny. Considering the guv'ment agencies all went to it, bought millions of rounds, then discovered their limp-wrist agents couldn't control the recoil impulse, then scurried back to the 9mm and tried to tell everyone the .40 was ineffective speaks volumes. That's a huge energy difference between those two. I like my 9mm's , I like my .40's, I love my .45 ACP. They all will do the job, one will nearly always need a doubletap, with the others it might just be the option that ensures neutralization, but not always needed.

The 40 165 CD checks all the boxes... awesome performance. The 9mm 115 CD is honestly a great round for normal civilian use.... which is what it's designed for. There are better 9mm rounds available but at least Hornady is giving people premium performance for the dollar.... Velocity on point for both loads and nobody can argue with the results.

The more I see the 40 S&W in testing, I'm starting to think these ammo company's are just loading 40S&W into a 10 mm case, and raising the price. 🤦‍♂️

Another good test. The 40 definitely showed up to over take the 9. Thanks for sharing 👍

After watching this, I’m definitely gonna be adding a 40 to my carry rotation. Great demo and info!

I carry 9mm Critical Defense in my EDC, a S&W Shield Plus. I like that it will not over penetrate if I am ever unlucky enough to have and use it in a public setting. That being said, I was impressed with both rounds. Thanks again for another great test!

I carry Critical Duty in my P365. Theres no doubt in my mind that .40 is a bit better. But since i severely broke my wrist i have bad arthritis in it, and .40 is just to snappy. So for me.. 9 it is. Great test! Love the side by side comparison!

It’s good to see a review that doesn’t drag out for 30 minutes. Nice job!

Another great test, I wouldn't expect anything less . You have the best channel on the tube, no one is even close . Thank you for all your hard work. I hope your dog is doing better

When I carry 1 of my 40's I carry the Crical Defense ammo and I'm fine with the 19" in clear gel as it isn't as dense as flesh & bone.

You always do an amazing job as to the head to head testing or testing in general. No fluff, no hype, and call 'em as ya see 'em. My only argument is the penetration thing. Having been a tactical instructor for nearly 30 years, I do not agree with the FBI protocols as to civilian carry. 99.9% of CCW people will never have to shoot thru a car door, windshield, etc.. The human torso from front to back is on average 11 inches. From side to side, not more than 20 inches Generally, the vitals are half that distance. I say this as a current medical professional. As a former LEO, I had a certain amount of leeway and the benefit of qualified immunity as to over penetration. As a civilian, not so much. My current carry ammo gives 13 inches or so max(V-Crown). I can live with that. I have it on record, qualify for the record with it, and KNOW I can trust it. I DO not disparage anyone else's choices as their situation may be different. You just happen to be one of the few that just give the results as they are. THEN give an opinion. Can't ask for more than that!!!! Keep in mind also, my personal opinion as to performance is just that. God bless!

Great test as always! I think you have proven time and time again that 9, 40, 45 are indeed NOT all created equal, as the trend will tell everyone that there's no difference between any of the major handgun rounds, this clearly demonstrates different performance characteristics. 40 has been growing on me.

More solid content, sir. I'm shocked you're not already at 100k subs. Keep 'em coming!

Even though I'm not a 9mm fan, I have one and was impressed with the expansion. I'm still a big and fast BIG bore fan. Thanks for the test.

I appreciate all the work you put in to bring us the information! And I still don’t understand why the 40 is so hated on. I own several 40’s and I love the caliber. Keep up the great work!!

SW was asked to come up with a superior round to the 9 that could be carried in a frame the same size as a 9. They did it with the .40. It’s an awesome round.

The difference in energy between this 40 and 9mm was 155 efp. 155 efp is almost exactly half of the total energy of the 9mm(313). This 40 is substantially more powerful than this 9mm.

Still Rocking the G23, G35 ! 50% more ft lbs of energy, 50% more penetration, 2x the cavity! A real mens pistol caliber !!!

Yeah, I only carry Critical Defense in my little micro 9's because it's less snappy in my opinion. You know, I have a gen 2 glock 22 that I think is still great for home defense. I don't understand why 40 gets a bad rap. Thanks for the demonstration!

Critical defense in every caliber is a near perfect round for civilian use. IMHO a great standard pressure choice. Another great presentation. Ty.

Kinda surprised the 9 out expanded the 40. Can’t complain about either round, good disruption and adequate depth. Always been a fan of the 40, definitely hits harder than the 9. Hated when our Dept switched from the 40 to the 9 because the Feds recommended it. Haven’t carried any before, thanks for the video Tools!

Thanks for another great test! Looks like a winner from both to me. Longer barrel would easily meet the speeds, and very surprised that both came close with the sub compacts. Hornady C/D is good stuff!

Wow, incredible short barrel performance, especially the 40. I don't think I've seen 460+ ft/lbs energy from a 40 without a specialty load, especially from a 3.5" barrel. You've had some 10mm not get that good from your Glock 4.5", IIRC. My 40 has a 4" barrel, so you just incentivized me into staggering these with the HSTs 👍 Hope you had a great holiday, Tools. Thanks for another great test. Odd to see the red insert stick with both rounds. But they worked great.

Appreciate all your tests and videos. Im still sticking with 124 gr. 9mm gold dot though . Keep doing what you do brother! 👍

Good stuff Tools. For whatever reason I always carry 124/147gr in 9mm, never 115. Never messed with 40cal at all

I use both these rounds. I actually liked the performance of the 9mm much better in this test. The 9 penetrated adequately and dumped all its energy in the first gel block. That's just what I want it to do to an attacker. It indicates good stopping power. The 10mm, reaching 19" is too much for my liking. That would likely go through an attacker and hit whatever or whoever is behind the attacker. It probably wouldn't have too much energy after passing through an attacker but I just don't like a round possibly hitting an unintended target behind the intended target.

The .40 acts more like a critical duty not a critical defense 👌 great performance for both thought just depends what you are looking for

A local store as of today ran out of 9,22,and 380. There was plenty of 40.

I carried the Critical Defense 9mm in a G19.5 for about a year and a half, then I switched to the G23.5. I have been carrying that for about a year, loaded with Speer Gold Dot 180 grain .40 S&W. I am going to order the Critical Defense in .40 S&W in a few days.

Awesome comparison. Time to rename the 9mm Luger to 9mm LCD (lowest common denominator). The short & weak runs circles around the geriatric German in this test

This is my carry load in 40. I think the cold weather hampered your velocity. I get 1150 -1160 from my 3.3. Inch xds.. its a truly nasty round.

Excellent presentation. Love seeing the head-to-head between different calibers. I have a G27 also.

Thanks for the short barrels! It just makes sense.

Hornady critical defense 45 ACP is my ammo of choice. I’d like to put big slugs down range ! And I use 44, 300 grain Hornady custom ammo for deer hunting. And it puts them down. 😊 I would like to see you test Hornady 44 Magnum custom 300 grain sometime.

Hi Tools, you ask what do I think, I don't carry anything that you don't recommend, you are my sole choice for firearms and ammunition choices, please keep up the good work and happy holidays to ya brother. 🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲💪🇺🇲

I switched to federal in my 9 and underwood defender in my snubby 38 because of your testing. Happy Holidays!!

Hornady showed their loading precision with such consistent velocities for both! Regarding performance they both did really well from short barrels. I'd feel good about using either. Thanks for the 40 S&W test, it's popularity has faded but its results are still impressive.

Love my 40 & 45... would like to see a comprehensive comparison of all from 380, 9, 40, 10, and 45... Maybe even throwing in a couple from 38 & 357 magnum... I think the "pecking order" would run 357, 10/40, 45, 38, 9 then 380 bringing up the rear... Just my thoughts on it.

This is a great test, and it spells it out well. 40 is better than 9. Well done!

I really like the Hornady 9mm and .223 critical defense ammo. Thanks for the test!

Do a 9mm vs .45 test on the hornady critical defense and critical duty I’d love to see that

Just a continuation of really great testing as well as Tool’s choices, he listens to his followers for sure! ❤️❤️

I carried this in my sig 365xl, but recently upgraded to Wilson Combat SFX9 and this is one round that Wilson does not recommend carrying with this particular handgun. I’m not sure why but I now carry Federal HST. Thanks for your great videos, really enjoy them.

Great test, thanks!!! For the past 30 years, 9mm has been fighting .40. Perhaps they both work????

Great gobs of gator guts that .40S&W did even better than I expected. One of my HD guns is an M&P40 full size filled up with Critical Defense so I loved seeing this. Thank you so much for usually using compact carry guns for your tests. It's easy to estimate performance of a long barrel after seeing the results of a short barrel test but you have no idea what will happen the other way around.

I carry the 40 in my fully size piece. It gets a bit more expansion and a bit less expansion but does great either way. Keep up the good work friend

I carry .40 because I did my own expansion testing at my range. I prefer it ... nice video as always.

This video is why I am an advocate for the glock 23 over the glock 19. With just buying 9mm & a 357 sig conversion barrels plus a 9mm glock 19 magazine you've got 3 calibers at your disposal at the same size as the glock 19. But those who know choose glock 23 the true Glock G.O.A.T.

Glad to see .40 S&W is still putting in some work. That was a significant difference in energy and penetration over the 9mm.

Just bought A box of Critical Defense and wanted a reliable round from my micro compact. But after the Underwood Extreme video I'm carrying those loaded up after payday. That fluted round penetrates deep with great internal disruption

Tools your testing is always spot on. Thank you. Maybe sometime you could do a 22 magnum vs. 380 test.

Never was a fan of the ,40 until I started watching the side by side with the clothing "jelly contraption" Now let's see 10mm go head to head with .357Sig. Good luck finding ammo for it. 😊

Thanks for another great test. I was impressed with the 9mm. I have a couple boxes of those but never carried it. Thanks again.

Great test. Hornady CD is another good performer. Once again worth the price difference. Very interesting test, good commentary and results. I have the CD for my 9mm. Nice to see a precise test. Thanks for sharing. Good stuff. A++. Be safe. 👊⭐️⭐️👊🇺🇸

I bought two Police trade in Glock 22s a .22 conversion kit and a Sig 357 and 9mm conversion barrels and they're fun ❤😎👌🏼

Great video as always thanks! I carry 40.

I'll never understand 40 hate. Especially from folks that have no problem w/ their standard 10mm ammo. I like them all, but I'm pickier w/ my 9mm ammo selections than 40.

I carry CD in a 9mm Shield EDC. I enjoy watching tests like this because I feel more confident should SHTF. It’s not a commercial with salesman talking about how good it is, you get to see for yourself.

I can't remember but i think that out penatrated the 40s&w 165 bonded golden saber. I will have to review your test. Great job and happy holidays!!

I love all this Critical Duty Jelly Time !!!

Glad to see I’m not the last .40 fan. 9mm is ok but I carry a glock 23.

My girlfriend carries the 40 in 3 different pistols. She loves it. I tell her to pay no attention to the haters. Haters gonna hate. The 40 is a solid choice. Thanks for the video.

Just got a Glock 27 and this made me say “Ooooooweeee” 😂🤣 keep the content coming 🎯🔥💥

One of the best and clear videos I’ve seen in a long time. I had to subscribe out of respect. Stockton,ca❤️

In my own meat targets similar to Paul Harrell set up the .40 in critical defense did well lost it’s jacket but did well. The critical duty in .40 and 9mm more like a critical dud. No expansion at all. Target was denim pork ribs pork loin and watermelon in middle.

Excellent comparison. I really like the Critical Defense in 40. I have carried it in past for a couple years. During WUFLU I got a great deal on a couple hundred 165 Gold Dots when it was time to rotate so I switched. But the crude tests I did resulted in impressive everything. Even in my M&P40C I averaged over 1100. My full size was 1160s. 0.60s in all expanded bullets. Other Gun tubers had same results. But I haven't been overly impressed with the 9. The 45 is bad either.

I've been a 40 S&W guy since I got into pistols... Never quite understood the 9mm guys' logic behind how a lighter projectile traveling at the same speed as 40 S&W is better/more ballistically efficient... 9mm isn't a bad cartridge, or option. But saying it's better than 40 is disingenuous.

Nice comparison. If I had a .40, I'd definitely consider the Critical Defense after this test.

Well here’s the deal to ponder. If you take “center mass” (front) into account, there’s probably 60-70% that has no frontal bone covering and upper “center mass with 30-40% having rib bones. Once a bone is hit, stats go out the window. Either round will change a lot after going trough bone and make a mess of the major organs. Rounds below the ribs will likely be similar to the gel results until the round might hit bone or ribs in the back. These comparisons give us a good idea how the different calibers and projectiles work and I enjoy watching your testing. Bottom line, no matter what gun, caliber or projectile used, make darn sure you carry and practice-practice-practice! Make sure it connects with your intended target. Thank You Tools for dour dedication!

I've always loved and believed in the .40 and this test just proved it! "YES"

I like the 40 so much I just picked up a second 40 cal PCC. I've been able to accumulate a large stash of seeds from people getting out of that caliber.

I have always thought the guys fools that made fun of the .40 S&W and called it .40 Short and weak and claimed it was useless. 165 grain bullet, 1130 fps from a short barrel, 468 fpe, 19" of penetration, good expansion and weight retention, only a fool would argue against those results.

Hornady ammo for all my pistols.great stuff.😊

Nothing wrong with 9mm and I carry a subcompact 9mm often but in the woods lately I have been carrying a full size 40. The Critical Defense is ok, but I like the Underwood Xtreme Penetrator better in larger bullets and I do like Corbon DPX solid Copper hollow points too. They go through cloth and other barriers and still expand and penetrate very well and are a little hotter loaded than Barnes makes theirs. Critical Defense is available in 45 Long Colt too but I haven't tested any myself. I have tested the 45 acp version whuch is the exact same bullet and they done well. I expect the 7.5 inch barrel on my 45 LC will get them to expand even better.

40 is a great round. That ammo is pretty consistent

Ive got a .40 and a 9mm and honestly im extremely glad to know what to expect from both. Both calibers have their purpose, but i always had a feeling .40 really was a more powerful round. Thanks 👍

I appreciate you going back and doing these again I was hoping you'd do that with the clothing now

Nice test Tools. The 9 did what it was designed to do, just needs more penetration. The 40 just needed more expansion. I wouldn't want to be hit by either one. Have a good Sunday. Be vigilant and always be safe my friend.

This was a great test. I don’t have a 40. Past 9mm I’m a 45 ACP, 10 mm guy. It is great that a 115 grain non +P will perform out of a 3 inch barrel. I think they got it absolutely right. My preferred carry ammo for 9 mm is generally 124 grain +p HST but these 9mm are absolutely one of the best options for the general public

I keep reading articles where folks say the 40 S&W is not a popular caliber. I don’t know how come people bad mouth the 40. I think it’s a great caliber and not too big a gun to easily carry. I appreciate your videos. I was just going through my inventory of ammunition, and found I had two boxes each of these two Critical Defense calibers. I was thinking of going to the Punch but I think these definitely perform well. Thank you again

I hope the 40S&W haters are watching. Listen to the sound difference. I switched from 9mm to .40S&W years ago. I refuse to go back even though new guns are almost always 9mm. I wouldn't mind the new Smith and Wesson FPC in 40S&W.

A bit shallow on the 9 but still good because you have a larger capacity mag. I carry the 40. I have some of this for my .380 Church edc. I think that there is more brass and lead than members.

Everyone i know says the 40 is their favorite defense round, and it's my home defense. 30% more power, 50% bigger holes, 25% more penetration

If you watch the slomo hitting the gel there's no doubt how much harder the 40 hit compared to the 9mm. Both work for whomever but so does the 30SC, 357 etc. Put it where it counts without flinching. Appreciate the comparison. 👍🙏💥

About ten years or so ago, my favorite ammo dealer had a great sale on Winchester .40JHP, I bought a couple of cases thinking they'd be good cheap practice ammo. Found out later, this was a huge batch of government returns after many of the Federal LE agencies transitioned to .9mm. I would match this ammo up against any of the top of the line HD/PD ballistic tests. Scuba Oz ran a gel test video on this ammo and the results blew him away. Still giggling after getting that great deal.

Great side by side Tools....thanks......also thanks for some positive vibes for the .40.....my caliber of choice.

Nice I just picked up sum critical defense for 9mm too let’s get to learning about this lil round

Great Test as always Tools! You know the 9mm round that won Hornady the US Federal agencies ammo contract was the 124grain "Critical Duty" It penetrated each of their 4 barriers and still met their depth on the Gel! (One at a time on each barrier/gel ) The "Critical Defense" is similar, but less power, etc. However that is what us mere "citizens" are allowed to buy. Regardless it showed there was no need for them to carry 40 cal anymore. Many agencies have since dropped 40 for 9mm from what I have read. I bet this test would show no major difference in 40 and 9mm in the 124gr "Critical Duty" rounds even after passing thru the 4 major barriers they use. In this slower less powerful "Critical Defense" the 40 is still doing much better as you showed. I think C.D. is extremely overpriced for a weaker, slowed down version of what LEO use, personally. I don't think the founding fathers would have approved of this 2 different ammunitions for the govt and the citizens. That is not why they wrote the Constitution and Bill of rights. I personally have now gotten a much dimmer view of Hornady for doing this, and I used to really like them.

While it has fell out of favor, a video of the 357 Sig and 9mm would surely be enlightening!

love 40 If you look at both magazine capacity and power - beats all others for a carry caliber.

Not a fan either. That 9 did well. Would have liked to have seen more expansion on that 40, but did well out of a shorty. As a side note... I tried to load V-Crowns in my 40 GC3 mags and they hung up loading them. Jammed up tighter than a tick. What in the world.

Great test. More evidence I need to tryout a .40. Thanks Tools!