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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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 -
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 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 -
Federal Premium HST .40 SW 180GR HST SP 20Rds
Federal Premium, 40S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point P40HST1S$29.99 -
Hornady Critical Defense .40S&W 165GR FTX 20rds
Hornady Critical Defense, 40S&W, 165 Grain, Hollow Point 91340$29.99 -
Federal HYDRA-SHOK 40S&W 155GR 20rds
Federal Hydra-Shok, 40S&W, 155 Grain, Hollow Point P40HS2$29.99 -
Fiocchi 765B SPC 30LUG 93 JSp 50rds
Fiocchi 30 Luger 93 Grain Jacketed Soft Point$29.99 -
Federal Premium Personal Defense Ammunition Nickel Plated Brass 9mm 20-Rounds 124 Grain Hydra-Shock JHP
Grab some ammo for the best price around from Firearms World! Federal is the prime purveyor of quality rounds for your 9mm firearm, and it shows in their premium personal defense line. 20 rounds won’t be enough, so be sure to stock up on a few boxes from Firearms World using our flat rate shipping on any amount of ammo!
$29.99 -
Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics FMJ 124 Grain Brass 9mm 50Rds
Fiocchi 9MM 124 Grain Full Metal Jacket$29.99 -
Sellier & Bellot 9MM 124 Grains JHP 50 Rounds
Sellier & Bellot Pistol, 9MM, 124 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point, 50 Round Box SB9D$29.99 -
Hornady 9mm 147GR JHP/XTP 25rds
Hornady Self Defense, 9MM, 147 Grain, XTP 90282$29.99 -
Sellier and Bellot Subsonic FMJ 150 Grain 9mm 50 Rounds
Sellier & Bellot Pistol, 9MM, Subsonic, 150 Grain, Full Metal Jacket SB9SUBB$29.99