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 Defense .40S&W 165GR FTX 20rds
Hornady Critical Defense, 40S&W, 165 Grain, Hollow Point 91340$29.99 -
Hornady Critical Defense .45ACP 185GR FTX 20Rds
Hornady Critical Defense, 45ACP, 185 Grain, Hollow Point 90900$39.99 -
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 Defense 9mm Flex Tip Expanding 115 Grain Nickel Plated Brass 250-Round Case
Hornady Critical Defense, 9MM, 115 Grain, Hollow Point. When lives are on the line. Get a case of Hornady. Grab this case and save with flat rate shipping on all ammo.
$229.99 -
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 Critical Defense Lite 9mm 100GR FTX 25Rds
Hornady Critical Defense Lite 9mm Ammo for Sale. 100 Grain 25 round box. Pink Polymer Tip for Breast Cancer Awareness.$21.99 -
Hornady Critical Duty .357Sig 135GR FlexLock 20Rds
Hornady Critical Duty, 357 Sig, 135 Grain, FlexLock Duty 91296$24.99 -
Hornady Critical Duty 9MM 135GR FlexLock 25Rds
Hornady Critical Duty, 9MM, 135 Grain, FlexLock Duty 90236$36.99 -
Hornady Critical Duty Handgun Ammo Nickel 9mm 25-Rounds 135 Grain FlexLock
When you’re on the front lines, whether that’s in security or in a force, you want ammo you can rely on. Hornady Critical Duty rounds are made to be fired comfortably in lower light environments, and FlexLock bullets are both consistent and able to deliver superior barrier penetration.
$28.99 -
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