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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Federal F460FS1 460SW 260 Fusion 20rds
Federal 460 Smith & Wesson 260 Grain Fusion$31.99 -
Federal HYDRA-SHOK 40S&W 155GR 20rds
Federal Hydra-Shok, 40S&W, 155 Grain, Hollow Point P40HS2$29.99 -
Federal HYDRA-SHOK 44mag 240GR 20rds
Federal Hydra-Shok, 44MAG, 240 Grain, Hollow Point P44HS1$39.99 -
Federal HYDRA-SHOK 45ACP 230GR HP 20rds
Federal Hydra-Shok, 45ACP, 230 Grain, Hollow Point P45HS1$30.99 -
Federal Hydra-Shok 9mm 135GR JHP 20rds
Federal Personal Defense, Hydra-Shok, 9MM, 135 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point, Low Recoil PD9HS5H$32.99 -
Federal Military Grade Brass 9mm 124 Grain 50-Rounds FMJ
Federal Military Grade delivers the most reliable, highest performing, and consistent round. Each box contains 50 rounds of 124 grain 9mm with full metal jacket bullets. Stock up today with flat-rate shipping from us!
$21.99 -
Federal Personal Defense 9mm 147gr 20rds
Federal Personal Defense HST offers great personal protection with specially designed hollow points that expand reliably and product the desired penetration for personal and home defense without over penetrating.$26.99 -
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 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 Premium HammerDown Nickel Plated Brass .357 Mag 170 Grain 20-Rounds BHP
Federal Premium HammerDown provides the consistency, reliability, and optimal performance wanted in lever-action ammunition. Each box contains 20 rounds of 170 grain .357 Magnum with bonded hollow-point bullets.
$24.99 -
Federal Premium HST .40 SW 180GR HST SP 20Rds
Federal Premium, 40S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point P40HST1S$29.99