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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CCI Ammunition Blazer FMJ 200 Grain Aluminum 10mm 50Rds
CCI/Speer Blazer, 10MM, 200 Grain, Total Metal Jacket 3597$36.99 -
Federal Premium HST .40 SW 180GR HST SP 20Rds
Federal Premium, 40S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point P40HST1S$29.99 -
Federal Syntech Defense Brass .40 SW 175 Grain 20-Rounds SJHP
Federal Syntech Defense is the ultimate personal protection round with its performance, accuracy, and deep penetration and expansion. Each box contains 20 rounds of 175 grain .40 S&W with segmented jacketed hollow point bullets.
$29.99 -
Barnes Bullets TAC-XPD 45ACP 185GR HP 20 ROUNDS
Barnes TAC-XPD, 45ACP, 185 Grain, Hollow Point 21555$39.99 -
Federal Personal Defense Low Recoil Hydra-Shok Handgun Ammo .45 ACP 20-Rounds 165 Grain JHP
elf 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!
$29.99 -
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 -
Hornady Critical Defense .45ACP 185GR FTX 20Rds
Hornady Critical Defense, 45ACP, 185 Grain, Hollow Point 90900$39.99 -
Federal Personal Defense HST Nickel Plated Brass .45 ACP 230 Grain 20-Rounds HSTJSP
Federal Personal Defense HST is an excellent personal protection round with its consistent performance, precision, and effectiveness. Each box consists of 20 rounds of 230 grain .45ACP with HST jacketed soft point bullets and nickel-plated brass casing. Stock up with flat-rate shipping from Firearms World today!
$36.99 -
Federal HYDRA-SHOK 45ACP 230GR HP 20rds
Federal Hydra-Shok, 45ACP, 230 Grain, Hollow Point P45HS1$30.99 -
Nosler Match Grade Brass 9mm 115-Grain 20-Rounds JHP
The Nosler Match Grade handgun ammunition delivers a reliable and consistent load at a great value. Each box contains 20 rounds of 115 grain 9mm with jacketed hollow point bullets and brass casings.
$29.99 -
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Flex Tip Expanding 115 Grain Nickel Plated Brass 25-Round
Hornady Critical Defense, 9MM, 115 Grain, Hollow Point. When lives are on the line. Hornady# 90250. Grab more than one box and save with flat rate shipping on all ammo.$39.99 -
Hornady Critical Duty 9MM 135GR FlexLock 25Rds
Hornady Critical Duty, 9MM, 135 Grain, FlexLock Duty 90236$36.99