Winchester USA .40 S&W

A: Hi Tim, the main difference between the 165 grain and 180 grain is going to be the speed at which your bullet leaves your gun. The 165 grain is going to have a muzzle energy of 1268 foot lbs per second and have a muzzle velocity of 1985 and the 180 grain is going to have a muzzle velocity of 1000 foot lbs per second and only have a muzzle energy of 400 foot lbs per second. Muzzle velocity is the speed at which the bullet leaves the end of the barrel. Muzzle energy is basically the destructive power that the bullet has based upon its size and the load of gunpowder. I do not know why Buds Guns do not list these statistics about their ammunition?! Hope this helps.

A: typical light bullets are faster but slow down quicker and carry less penetration when the hit the target heavy bullets start slower bt retain more speed and energy downrange

A: Hi Tim, The 15 grain difference between 165 and 180 equals 0.03 ounces - the exact weight of a postage stamp. You may or may not feel any difference, although the 165 should have more snappier recoil. I know for some people, 180gr FMJ (full metal jacket) ammo gives better group consistency at the range, while they carry 165 HP (Hollow point) for defense. Stay safe & have a great day!

A: Hi Tim and welcome. Grains is the weight of the projectile. Heavier grain bullets have more mass and will have a slower velocity when fired than lighter grain bullets. Lighter bullets tend to have higher muzzle energy (striking power) at shorter distances but the lighter bullet also sheds velocity quicker and loses that energy the farther it travels. A heavier bullet is slower initially but the heavier mass sheds velocity slower and hits harder farther out distance wise. 9mm as an example, has common bullet weights of 115gr, 124gr and 147gr. I would stick to the 124gr for self defense and get the best of both worlds. https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/121123/federal+pd9p1+premium+punch+9mm+124+gr+jacketed+hollow+point+jhp+20+bx+10+cs ----------- Cheers and stay safe!