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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Sig Sauer Elite Performance 9mm 115GR V-Crown JHP 20Rds
Sig Sauer Elite Performance ammo is made with fast-burning propellant that burns completely inside a short barrel pistol like the Sig P365. 115 grain V-Crown jacketed hollow point bullets give you extra stopping power while reducing risk from pass-through. When it counts, Sig Sauer delivers a phenomenal product for serious users.
$29.99 -
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 -
CCI Ammunition Blazer Brass Full Metal Jacket Round Nose 124 Grain Brass 9mm 50Rds
Featuring reloadable brass cases, this 50 round box of Blazer Brass 9mm ammo is 124 grain full metal jacket.
$28.99 -
MagTech Range/Training Brass 9mm 124-Grain 50-Rounds LRN
MagTech Range/Training offers excellent performance in a reliable and consistent practice load. Each box contains 50 rounds of 124 grain 9mm with lead round nose bullets and brass casings.
$28.99 -