whats the diff. between .40cal auto & .40cal S&W Ammo?

Tommyboynjnj · 02-21-2005, 09:55 AM

I am looking into getting the new Beretta CX4 Storm.

I am unsure of which model to get, the .40 S&W or the .40 Carbine Auto

Can anyone explaine the differances to me?

And finally, would I just be better off getting the .45 even though it holds 2 less?

More info on the cx4 models is here: http://www.berettausa.com/product/ri...rrentseries=18

Thanks so much,

Tom

BattleRifleG3 · 02-21-2005, 10:10 AM

Welcome to Gunandgame!

I believe the 40 auto and 40 S&W are the same thing. I've never heard the 40 Auto used to describe anything but the 40 S&W.

Regarding the 40 S&W vs 45 ACP decision, that depends on whether you want a round about median weight at a decent speed or a heavy round with more recoil moving at a slower speed. It would be a tough call for me. I'd be tempted either way, but I think I'd settle on the 40 version.
Here's why:
10rd capacity AND the ability to use higher capacity mags intended for the Beretta 96.
Beretta 96 mags will most likely be far more common and less expensive than the 8045 Cougar mags used in the 45 version.
40 S&W could also have its performance greatly improved in a carbine barrel. With a 45, I don't know that you'd gain as much velocity, but I could be wrong.
While 45 ACP is definitely good for pretty much anything you'd use a 40 for, the opposite is generally true in a carbine. It has plenty of power for home defense and for shooting targets or hunting, it has a flatter trajectory. Pretty much any bullet design available for the 45 will be available for the 40 now that it's so common (20 years ago may have been different). You can also get cheap plinking loads with lead bullets in reloaded shells.

So I'd give a slight edge to the 40 version for the above reasons, but there are plenty of good reasons to choose 45 as well. If it took 1911 mags I'd probably go for the 45 version.
Now if you are thinking of getting a Beretta pistol as well I'd suggest getting them in the same caliber and magazine. If you have another pistol preference, I'd suggest getting the carbine in the same caliber.

Now all this is as an armchair critic of the Beretta carbine. If I had my choice of carbine, I'd get a Ruger PC40, but I have yet to like a Ruger pistol all that much. I fired a PC9 once and it was great.

My sidearm is a Steyr M40 which I love more than anything else. I've also been considering adding a Taurus PT145 (new model) as a higher caliber more compact alternative. Neither has mags that interchange with a carbine, so I'm free of that consideration.

Tommyboynjnj · 02-21-2005, 05:16 PM

Thanks so much for your help. I now have it narrowed down to the .40 I just dont know the difference in these two .40 models?????

Model Catalog # Caliber Action Barrel Length Finish Mag. Cap. Rate of Twist Weight

Cx4 Carbine, 40 S&W JX49610 40 S & W Single 16.6" Synthetic/Blued 10 rounds 16 5 3/4 lbs $800.00

or the

Cx4 Carbine, 8040 Carbine JX48410 40 S & W Single 16.6" Synthetic/Blued 10 rounds 16 5 3/4 lbs $800.00

I got these to model #s from: http://www.berettausa.com/product/r...urrentseries=18

I actually do have a beretta but a 9mm 92, so mags arent an issue with me though. I will most likely keep the 2 10 round mags it comes with and then get 2 high cap mags also.

BattleRifleG3 · 02-21-2005, 05:24 PM

If you have a Beretta 9mm, I'd suggest getting a 9mm carbine to match and you can use the same mags. While many fault the 9mm as being underpowered, it can be plenty capable of doing damage when loaded with hollowpoint or other bullets designed for maximum energy transmission. Also, when fired in a carbine length barrel, it has a much more respectable velocity, many saying it reaches the speed of a 357 Rem Mag.
Also, with the amount of plinking you'll probably do with this carbine, 9mm will be far far more affordable.

As for your last question, the 8040 means that it takes the mags of the 8040 Cougar while the previous one uses the mags of the fullsize 96. The fullsize mags are far easier to find, in larger capacities, and probably more affordable. The 9mm has the same options while the only 45 by Beretta is the Cougar.

No$4Guns · 02-28-2005, 01:53 PM

After checking the Beretta web site, I think the difference is the magazines they use. One uses 92/96 magazines and the other uses Cougar magazines. If you have a 92 or 96 that would be the one to get.

02-21-2005, 09:55 AM	#1
Tommyboynjnj Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0)	whats the diff. between .40cal auto & .40cal S&W Ammo? I am looking into getting the new Beretta CX4 Storm. I am unsure of which model to get, the .40 S&W or the .40 Carbine Auto Can anyone explaine the differances to me? And finally, would I just be better off getting the .45 even though it holds 2 less? More info on the cx4 models is here: http://www.berettausa.com/product/ri...rrentseries=18 Thanks so much, Tom

02-21-2005, 10:10 AM	#2
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to Gunandgame! I believe the 40 auto and 40 S&W are the same thing. I've never heard the 40 Auto used to describe anything but the 40 S&W. Regarding the 40 S&W vs 45 ACP decision, that depends on whether you want a round about median weight at a decent speed or a heavy round with more recoil moving at a slower speed. It would be a tough call for me. I'd be tempted either way, but I think I'd settle on the 40 version. Here's why: 10rd capacity AND the ability to use higher capacity mags intended for the Beretta 96. Beretta 96 mags will most likely be far more common and less expensive than the 8045 Cougar mags used in the 45 version. 40 S&W could also have its performance greatly improved in a carbine barrel. With a 45, I don't know that you'd gain as much velocity, but I could be wrong. While 45 ACP is definitely good for pretty much anything you'd use a 40 for, the opposite is generally true in a carbine. It has plenty of power for home defense and for shooting targets or hunting, it has a flatter trajectory. Pretty much any bullet design available for the 45 will be available for the 40 now that it's so common (20 years ago may have been different). You can also get cheap plinking loads with lead bullets in reloaded shells. So I'd give a slight edge to the 40 version for the above reasons, but there are plenty of good reasons to choose 45 as well. If it took 1911 mags I'd probably go for the 45 version. Now if you are thinking of getting a Beretta pistol as well I'd suggest getting them in the same caliber and magazine. If you have another pistol preference, I'd suggest getting the carbine in the same caliber. Now all this is as an armchair critic of the Beretta carbine. If I had my choice of carbine, I'd get a Ruger PC40, but I have yet to like a Ruger pistol all that much. I fired a PC9 once and it was great. My sidearm is a Steyr M40 which I love more than anything else. I've also been considering adding a Taurus PT145 (new model) as a higher caliber more compact alternative. Neither has mags that interchange with a carbine, so I'm free of that consideration. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

02-21-2005, 05:24 PM	#4
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Trader Rating: (0)	If you have a Beretta 9mm, I'd suggest getting a 9mm carbine to match and you can use the same mags. While many fault the 9mm as being underpowered, it can be plenty capable of doing damage when loaded with hollowpoint or other bullets designed for maximum energy transmission. Also, when fired in a carbine length barrel, it has a much more respectable velocity, many saying it reaches the speed of a 357 Rem Mag. Also, with the amount of plinking you'll probably do with this carbine, 9mm will be far far more affordable. As for your last question, the 8040 means that it takes the mags of the 8040 Cougar while the previous one uses the mags of the fullsize 96. The fullsize mags are far easier to find, in larger capacities, and probably more affordable. The 9mm has the same options while the only 45 by Beretta is the Cougar. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

02-21-2005, 05:16 PM	#3
Tommyboynjnj Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks so much for your help. I now have it narrowed down to the .40 I just dont know the difference in these two .40 models????? Model Catalog # Caliber Action Barrel Length Finish Mag. Cap. Rate of Twist Weight Cx4 Carbine, 40 S&W JX49610 40 S & W Single 16.6" Synthetic/Blued 10 rounds 16 5 3/4 lbs $800.00 or the Cx4 Carbine, 8040 Carbine JX48410 40 S & W Single 16.6" Synthetic/Blued 10 rounds 16 5 3/4 lbs $800.00 I got these to model #s from: http://www.berettausa.com/product/r...urrentseries=18 I actually do have a beretta but a 9mm 92, so mags arent an issue with me though. I will most likely keep the 2 10 round mags it comes with and then get 2 high cap mags also.

02-28-2005, 01:53 PM	#5
No$4Guns Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0)	After checking the Beretta web site, I think the difference is the magazines they use. One uses 92/96 magazines and the other uses Cougar magazines. If you have a 92 or 96 that would be the one to get.