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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Aguila 9mm Luger 115gr. FMJ Brass 9mm 50Rds
Aguila’s 9mm Luger 115gr. target load is loaded with a 115gr. full metal jacket bullet for reliable feeding and consistent accuracy in a variety of firearms. Loaded in a quality brass casing with premium powder and primers this ammo is a great choice for your next range trip.
$19.99 -
Winchester USA Ammo 9mm 50-Rounds 124 Grain FMJ
Winchester USA ammunition is the gold standard when it comes to reliable and high quality ammunition to use at the range. Be sure to pick up as much as you can today, and take advantage.
$36.99 -
Winchester Ammunition FMJ 124 Grain Brass 9mm 50Rds
Winchester 9MM ammo in 124 Grain Full Metal Jacket. You get 50 bangs per box, and at these prices and flat rate shipping you’ll want to stock up.$29.99 -
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 -
CCI Blazer Brass 9mm 115Gr FMJ 50Rds
With a boxer-primed, reloadable brass case, Blazer Brass ammo is an exceptional value. The perfect target practice and training round, stock up on Blazer Brass 9mm ammo and save!$29.99 -
Winchester White Box Brass 9mm 200Rds 115 GR FMJ
Firearms World has the best deals on ammo you can find online! Featuring $12.99 flat rate shipping no matter how much you order, be sure to stock up for your next day at the range or competition weekend.
$89.99 -
Sellier & Bellot 9mm 124GR FMJ 50rds
Sellier & Bellot Pistol, 9MM, 124 Grain, Full Metal Jacket SB9B$29.99 -
Federal Hydra-Shok 9mm 135GR JHP 20rds
Federal Personal Defense, Hydra-Shok, 9MM, 135 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point, Low Recoil PD9HS5H$32.99 -
Winchester Service Grade Full Metal Jacket 115 Grain Brass 9mm 50Rds
Winchester Service Grade ammunition was developed to provide excellent performance at an affordable price specifically for the high volume shooter.$29.99 -
Aguila Centerfire Rounds Brass FMJ 115-Grain 9mm 300 Rounds
Firearms World has the best deals on ammo you can find online! Featuring a great deal on flat rate shipping no matter how much you order, be sure to stock up for your next day at the range or competition weekend. Grab some ammo today and save big!
$169.99 -
Winchester Ammunition 9mm 115GR FMJ 100rds
If you’re aiming for a steady hand and consistent accuracy, then pick up a 100 round box (or two) of Winchester 9mm ammo in 115 grain, full metal jacket, and hit the shooting range.$45.99 -
Nosler Match Grade Brass .40 SW 150-Grain 20-Rounds JHP
Nosler Match Grade offers good performance in a consistent and reliable load. Each box contains 20 rounds of 150 grain .40 S&W with jacketed hollow point bullets and brass casings.
$19.99