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 Critical Duty .357Sig 135GR FlexLock 20Rds
Hornady Critical Duty, 357 Sig, 135 Grain, FlexLock Duty 91296$24.99 -
Federal Premium Punch Brass .40 SW 165 Grain 20-Rounds JHP
Federal Premium Punch produces the best penetration and expansion of a defensive round. Each box contains 20 rounds of 165 grain .40S&W with jacketed hollow point bullets.
$24.99 -
Winchester Service Grade Handgun Rounds .38 SPL 50-Rounds 130 Grain FMJ
Winchester Service Grade Handgun Rounds are made with the military in mind. The demand for precise, accurate, and reliable .38 Special rounds is satisfied right here. Whether for recreation or for training, Winchester has you covered.
$23.99 -
Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection Ammo 9mm 20-Rounds 147 Grain Hollow Point
The number 1 choice in law enforcement, Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection rounds represents a commitment to protect and serve, wherever they may be needed. All casings are nickel-plated brass and are 9mm hollow point 147-grain rounds. Grab as much as you can from us today for the best price online!
$22.99 -
MagTech Sport Shooting 9mm 115GR FMJ 50 Rounds per Box
Firearms World has 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.
$22.99 -
Aguila Ammunition 9mm 124gr FMJ 50rd
Aguila 1E092110 9mm Luger124 GR Full Metal Jacket. Originally made for the Mexican military and law enforcement, this hard-hitting round is now available to civilian shooters. This round is perfect for home defense tactical scenarios, right down to target shooting.$22.99 -
Speer Lawman Brass 9mm 115 Grain 50-Rounds TMJ
Speer Lawman delivers accurate, consistent shots similar to a personal protection load. Each box contains 50 rounds of 115 grain 9mm with total metal jacket bullets and brass casings.
$22.99 -
Hornady Critical Defense Handgun Ammo .38 SPL +P 25-Rounds 110 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding
Self defense ammo is just as important as your choice of self defense gun, if not more so. Ensuring you are able to safely and cleanly discharge your firearm reliably is paramount to being secure while carrying. These rounds are a great choice for anyone looking for that reliability in their ammo!
$22.99 -
Hornady 44mag 200GR XTP 20rds
Hornady Custom 44 Mag 200Gr XTP 20 200 9080$22.99