Vern Evans
Picking a cartridge for your next handgun purchase is relatively easy if you consider the compromises and variable associated with each. Take a look at this list of top-sellers to help make your own decisions.
1. 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum)
The 9mm Luger is arguably the most popular self-defense cartridge in the world today. Originally designed in 1902, it has stood the test of time and remains a top pick for both civilian and law enforcement use. There are several key factors that make the 9mm an excellent self-defense round:
Capacity: 9mm handguns typically offer high magazine capacities, allowing for 15 to 17 rounds in a standard full-size pistol. This provides more opportunities to stop a threat if needed.
Low recoil: The 9mm produces relatively mild recoil, especially compared to larger calibers. This allows for faster follow-up shots and makes it easier to shoot accurately, particularly for smaller-framed shooters.
Penetration and expansion: Modern 9mm hollow point ammunition achieves the FBI-recommended 12-18 inches of penetration in ballistic gelatin while also expanding reliably. This provides a good balance of penetration and tissue damage.
Affordability: 9mm ammunition tends to be less expensive than other defensive calibers, allowing for more frequent practice.
Availability: As the most common pistol caliber, 9mm ammunition is widely available in a variety of loadings.
The combination of sufficient power, high capacity, shootability and ammunition availability make the 9mm a top all-around choice for self-defense.
Favorite Loads: I’ve got three faves when carrying a 9mm for self defense. The first is Hornady’s Critical Duty 124-grain FlexLock that’s rated +P. Next is Remington’s +P 124-grain Golden Sabre Bonded Brass Jacketed Hollow Point. My favorite Federal Cartridge in this role is their Personal Defense Hydra-Shok 135-grain load.
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2. .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)
The venerable .45 ACP has been a go-to defensive round since its introduction in 1905. Here’s where personal bias rears its head. The Model 1911, for which this cartridge is chambered, fits my largish hands perfectly. I shoot a 1911 in .45 ACP as well or better than any 9mm, and it leaves a larger hole in the target and delivers more energy, too. One the down side, 1911 pistols typically hold 7 to 10 rounds in the magazine, necessitating a mag change before most 9mms will run dry.
It offers several advantages as a self-defense cartridge:
Large bullet diameter: The .45 ACP fires a large .452-inch diameter bullet, creating a significant wound channel.
Proven stopping power: The .45 ACP has a long track record of effectiveness in both military and law enforcement use.
Subsonic velocity: Most .45 ACP loads are subsonic, making it an excellent choice for use with suppressors.
Low pressure: The relatively low operating pressure of the .45 ACP contributes to its reliability in a variety of firearms.
While the .45 ACP does have some drawbacks like lower capacity and more recoil compared to the 9mm, its large bullet, widespread availability and proven track record keep it as a top defensive choice, especially for those who prioritize bullet diameter and momentum over capacity.
Favorite Loads: I have two loads that I rely on when carrying a .45 ACP…and that’s quite often. Federal’s 230-grain Hydra-Shok and Remington’s Golden Sabre Bonded 230-grainer. I’ve shot both into ballistic gel and they produce deep penetration and will take the fight out of the meanest hombre.
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3. .357 Magnum
Although primarily used in revolvers, the .357 Magnum deserves a place on this list due to its exceptional ballistic performance:
High velocity: The .357 Magnum drives medium-weight bullets to velocities over 1400 fps from a 4-inch barrel, delivering excellent energy on target.
Penetration: The high velocity of the .357 Magnum allows for deep penetration, even through barriers.
Versatility: .357 Magnum revolvers can also fire the milder .38 Special cartridge, offering flexibility in both training and defensive use.
Reliability: Revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum are known for their simplicity and reliability under adverse conditions.
The main downsides of the .357 Magnum are its sharp recoil and muzzle blast, as well as the limited capacity of revolvers. However, its raw power and penetration capabilities make it a formidable defensive round, particularly in outdoor environments where longer shots or barrier penetration may be necessary.
Favorite Loads: Personal defense doesn’t always mean that you might be facing a human adversary, and there’s no calling 911 in remote wilderness. If you want to stay at the top of the food chain in bear country while carrying a .357 Magnum, rely on a heavy, deep penetration round. My new favorite for this cartridge is Hornady’s .357 Mag 165-grain DGH Backcountry Defense.
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4. .40 S&W
Developed in the early 1990s as a compromise between the 9mm and .45 ACP, the .40 S&W offers its own set of advantages:
Increased bullet diameter: The .40 S&W uses a .400″-inch diameter bullet, larger than the 9mm but smaller than the .45 ACP.
Good balance of capacity and power: .40 S&W pistols typically hold 2 to 3 more rounds than comparable .45 ACP models while offering more power than the 9mm.
Law enforcement pedigree: The .40 S&W was widely adopted by law enforcement agencies, leading to extensive real-world data on its effectiveness.
Barrier penetration: The .40 S&W tends to perform well through intermediate barriers due to its velocity and bullet weight.
While the .40 S&W has fallen out of favor somewhat in recent years due to advancements in 9mm ammunition, it remains an excellent defensive cartridge. Its combination of power, capacity and proven effectiveness keep it as a viable option for those seeking a middle ground between 9mm and .45 ACP.
Favorite Loads: I really like Federal’s HST 180-grain load in a .40 S&W. Do yourself a favor and try Federal’s Practice & Defend that offers 100 rounds split between the previously mentioned 180-grain HST and the same weight Syntech load for practice.
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5. .380 ACP (9mm Short)
The .380 ACP rounds out this list as an option for deep concealment for recoil-sensitive shooters or concealed carriers who prefer a gun that is ligher than most other lethal options and also smaller:
Compact size: The .380 ACP allows for very small, easily concealable pistols.
Low recoil: The mild recoil of the .380 ACP makes it manageable for shooters with limited hand strength or those sensitive to recoil.
Improved modern loads: Advancements in ammunition technology have significantly improved the terminal performance of the .380 ACP.
Adequate penetration: Quality .380 ACP hollow points can achieve the FBI-recommended 12″ of penetration in ballistic gelatin.
While the .380 ACP is often considered underpowered compared to the other cartridges on this list, its ability to be carried in extremely small pistols makes it a viable choice when deeper concealment is necessary. The old adage “the gun you have with you is better than the one you left at home” applies here – for some, a .380 ACP pistol may be the largest firearm they can reliably conceal and shoot well.
Favorite Loads: The .380 Auto doesn’t pack as much punch as the previous cartridges, but they’re typically chambered in very compact carry guns. Hornady’s 90-grain FTX Critical Defense is a good one. Another hot load for this diminutive pistol that I recently tested is Lehigh Defense’s XD. This is a light 68-grain solid copper slug that produces a wicked wound channel.
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These top five cartridges – 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, and .380 ACP – represent some of the best options for self-defense. Each offers its own set of advantages and compromises in terms of power, capacity, recoil and concealability. The “best” choice ultimately depends on individual factors such as shooting ability, carry method, local laws and personal preferences. Regardless of the cartridge chosen, proper training, shot placement and reliable expanding ammunition are crucial factors in effective self-defense.
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