Handgun Ammo

What is Handgun Ammo?

Handgun ammunition is a cartridge made specifically for pistols and revolvers. The cartridges include primer and gunpowder in a case with a projectile or bullet. There are many types of handgun ammo and many calibers, with the four most common types being 9mm, 22LR, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum. Each caliber is suitable for different types of handguns and uses, such as self-defense, target shooting, or competition.

Choosing the Right Handgun Ammo

When deciding on handgun ammo, three key factors are important: the type of handgun, the intended use, and the performance characteristics required.

Always match your ammo with your gun. Only use the caliber of ammo that your handgun is designed for. The caliber can be on the receiver or in the owner's manual. The wrong caliber will not function properly and can cause permanent damage to your handgun and be unsafe.

Select ammunition based on how you will use it. If you are using the handgun for self-defense, jacketed hollow-point (JHP) is the best choice. These rounds expand on target and create stopping power. If you are going to a range for target practice, you would use full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds. These are more economical when buying the amount needed for varying target shooting sessions.

Another important consideration is how much recoil you're willing to manage. Essentially, lighter-grain bullets recoil less than heavy. Knowing and getting ready for this aspect of shooting can make you feel more in control and prepared. So, with target shooting, you'll want to stick with lighter grain rounds, but for self-defense, you'll want heavier grain.

Handgun Ammo FAQs

What is the best caliber for self-defense?

When choosing ammo for self-defense, several factors come into play, including stopping power, recoil control, capacity, and personal preference. Some of the most popular calibers for self-defense include:

• 9mm - widely available and affordable with a manageable recoil for fast follow-ups, and it has a higher capacity in most handguns with effective stopping power.
• .40 S&W - offers a balance between capacity and stopping power. It has a slightly larger diameter than 9mm with a bit more recoil, and it's widely used by law enforcement.
• .45 ACP - best known for its great stopping power and ability to offer single-shot knockdown. It's a large caliber with a heavy recoil, but it has a proven track record for effective self-defense.

How does bullet weight affect performance?

Bullet weight affects performance by influencing recoil, penetration, and stopping power. Heavier bullets typically offer deeper penetration and more stopping power, while lighter ones may have more velocity and a flatter trajectory to travel farther.

What is the difference between FMJ (full metal jacket) and JHP (jacketed hollow point) bullets?

FMJ (full metal jacket) and JHP (jacketed hollow point) bullets are two common types of ammunition with distinct characteristics and purposes.

• FMJ - are encased in a jacket typically made of copper or another metal, covering the entire bullet except the base. The jacket protects the core of the bullet, usually lead, preventing it from deforming too much on impact with the target. It is generally used in target practice and for military use because it is known to penetrate deeply and break through barriers.
• JHP - have a hollow tip that is designed to expand on impact with the target. This creates a large wound channel but makes breaking through barriers much more difficult. It is commonly used for self-defense because it causes great damage to soft targets, improving its stopping power, but is less likely to penetrate hard barriers like walls and doors.

What is the significance of muzzle velocity and energy with handgun ammo?

Muzzle velocity refers to the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel. The greater the speed and heavier the bullet, the greater the energy the bullet carries with it to impact the target.

How can I prevent ammo corrosion and ensure longevity?

To prevent corrosion, store ammo in airtight containers, avoid exposure to humidity, and rotate your stock so that the older ammo is used first.