HANDGUN AMMO
The .380 ACP has a similar diameter as a 9mm caliber. As a result, the .380 ACP makes up the smallest of the combat calibers with a moderate-diameter bullet and a small charge of powder intended for controllable recoil in small-frame automatics.
The world’s most popular pistol round, the 9x19mm Luger or Parabellum was designed for military and police applications. Militaries and police take advantage of the cartridge’s superior ballistic characteristics and relatively lightweight. As a result, more than half of US police use handguns in this caliber, and it remains one of the most popular cartridge types for submachine guns as well. Its secret lies in the high velocity of the relatively small round; while only three-hundredths of an inch wider than a .32 ACP.
The 9mm rounds are light, affordable, and nearly ubiquitous, making them an excellent choice for regular practice. 9mm rounds are a common choice for self-defense, especially in hollowpoint configurations designed to expand on impact. +P 9mm rounds are another choice, but again only in newer semi-automatics certified for the +P rounds. It is essential to understand what +P or +P+ means. To help understand this topic we recommend you check out the following two articles:
One of the twentieth century’s best-known pistol cartridges, the old .45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge originally supplanted the .38 Long Colt cartridge after the Moro uprisings in the Philippines showed a need for better stopping power in the pistol cartridges issued to the US military.
Its low muzzle velocity is sufficient for penetration, and the round relies on its weight for its lethal characteristics. A pistol caliber comparison chart will typically list this as the largest of common self-defense rounds by caliber alone. While it lacks the sheer destructive power of other large cartridges such as the .44 Magnum, the .45 ACP allows for much quicker follow-up shots due to its lower recoil. On the downside, the round’s large diameter means that most handguns chambered for this cartridge hold fewer rounds than their 9mm or .40 S&W equivalent.
Conclusion
Whether you’re equipping yourself for target practice or self-defense, the choice of caliber can make quite a bit of difference. Larger rounds require more material to manufacture and less-common rounds receive less benefit from economies of scale in their manufacturing. Common calibers such as 9×19, .40 and .45 tend to dominate the mainstream handgun market. Plinkers gravitate toward the small end of the spectrum. Those needing protection from ornery wildlife commonly relies on magnum cartridges to bring them home safe. Whatever your needs, check out our pistol caliber chart and learn more about your favorite caliber. Until next time, stay safe and stay on target!
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Hornady Handgun Hunter 9mm Luger +P 115 Grain MonoFlex 25 Round Box
Combined with premium cases, primers, and propellants, Handgun Hunter ammunition benefits from years of producing hard-hitting GMX and MonoFlex rifle bullets to introduce a handgun version that lives up to our reputation.
$39.99 -
Winchester Ammunition NATO Ammunition 9mm 150Rd 124 GR
We have the best deals on ammo you can find online! Featuring cheap flat rate shipping no matter how much you order, be sure to stock up for your next day at the range or competition weekend.
$39.99 -
Federal BallistiClean Brass 9mm 100-Grain 50-Rounds LFF
Federal BallistiClean delivers a reliable, clean-firing, and environmentally friendly practice load with excellent performance. Each box contains 50 rounds of 100 grain 9mm with lead-free frangible bullets and brass casings.
$44.99 -
Winchester Ammunition 9mm 115GR FMJ 100rds
If you’re aiming for a steady hand and consistent accuracy, then pick up a 100 round box (or two) of Winchester 9mm ammo in 115 grain, full metal jacket, and hit the shooting range.$45.99 -
Federal Champion Training Handgun Ammo 9mm 100-Rounds 115 Grain FMJ
Don’t compromise on worse ammo for the range just because it’s cheaper! These rounds are great for volume shooting and all kinds of training, but they have all the high quality you can expect from self defense and other, more expensive, rounds.
$46.99 -
Federal Champion Training Brass 9mm 115 Grain 200-Rounds FMJ
Federal Champion Training delivers accuracy, reliability, and performance in a training round at a great value. Each box contains 200 rounds of 115 grain 9mm with full metal jacket bullets. Stock up with flat-rate shipping from us today!
$47.89 -
Federal BallistiClean Brass .45 ACP 155 Grain 50-Rounds HRTF
The Federal BallistClean is a non-toxic load which also significantly reduces ricochets and backsplash danger making it an excellent training round. Each box contains 50 rounds of 155 grain .45ACP with HRT frangible bullets.
$49.99