9mm Ammo

9mm ammo is said to be the best all-around defensive cartridge because it offers shooters a high-powered round with manageable recoil that allows for faster target acquisition. It has become an increasingly popular concealed-carry cartridge because of the affordability of firearms and ammunition alike. A greater accessibility allows shooters of all skill levels to master the most important technique in defensive shooting – shot placement.

Common bullet weights for 9mm include 115gr, 124gr, 125gr, and 147gr. Generally speaking, heavier bullets hit harder, have more recoil, and are more expensive. Most people practice with 115gr ammo, and carry heavier stuff for personal defense. For self-defense, shoot your specific 9mm handgun with 115 grain and with 147 grain bullets at 25 yards and less to see if you find, like I did, that the heavier 147 grain bullet hits the target higher almost every time.

Additionally, 9mm NATO, is also over-pressurized, but not to the same extent as the +P. The 9mm NATO has a service pressure of 36,500 psi, and a bullet weight between 108-grains and 128-grains. Generally safe for most 9mm firearms, gun owners should still ensure that older handguns can handle the added pressure from 9mm NATO.

There are plenty of other variations, which is why 9mm has remained the most ubiquitous firearms caliber in the world.