What is the difference between 9mm 115 and 9mm 124?

The difference between the two is the weight of the projectile measured in grains. One grain is equal to 1/7000th of a pound. The 9mm 115 projectile weighs 115-grain, and the 9mm 124 projectile weighs 124-grain. Different grain weights will have different muzzle velocities, energy, and terminal ballistics.

9mm Ammo | 9mm Ammo for Sale | Ammunition Depot

Q: Can 9mm Ammunition go bad?

There is no actual expiration date for 9mm ammo. However, keeping it in the correct conditions (cool and dry) will ensure your 9mm rounds will last over a lifetime! For more information, check out our article How to Store Ammo.

Q: Is 9mm subsonic Ammo?

Subsonic ammo is ammunition that travels slower than the speed of sound. Most 9mm ammo travels faster than the speed of sound, but there are some options that travel slow enough to be subsonic. This ammo usually has a heavier projectile around 147 grains or more. The desire for subsonic ammo is that it does not create the sonic boom that an object traveling faster than the speed of sound will. Most often, subsonic ammo is used in conjunction with a suppressor (AKA silencer).

Q: Why Choose Ammunition Depot for 9mm Ammo?

With the best selection of ammo, magazines, and firearms online, Ammunition Depot is your go-to source when purchasing ammo online. Our extensive online catalog of target practice and home defense 9mm ammo for sale is available to ship at low prices.

Q: Can I return 9mm Ammunition?

Ammunition Depot is one of the only places to take returns on 9mm ammo purchased from us. Check out our return policy at Shipping / Returns.

Ammunition Depot is your trusted destination when shopping for Bulk 9mm Ammo. View our extensive selection of 9mm Firearms and 9mm Pistol Mags from the manufacturers you trust. Learn More

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About 9mm Ammo

Developed in 1901 by Austrian designer Georg Luger, 9mm ammo, also known as the 9mm Luger or 9x19mm Parabellum, has become a workhorse caliber that fits any budget or taste.

The caliber's initial adoption was by the German Navy in 1908 and subsequently by the German Army, marking the beginning of its widespread military use.

With the extensive use of the German MP40 and the British Sten submachine gun, 9mm bullets gained significant prominence during World War I and World War II.

The post-war era saw an even broader adoption of 9mm ammo as military and police forces globally appreciated its manageable recoil, capacity for high-capacity magazines, and effective stopping power for handgun rounds.

For example, the United States military adopted the 9mm as its standard pistol cartridge in 1985, replacing the 45 ACP.

Over the years, advancements in ammunition technology have led to various 9mm ammo improvements, notably the jacketed hollow-point (JHP) rounds, which offered enhanced stopping power, a crucial improvement for law enforcement applications.

Today, 9mm bullets remain a standard caliber for NATO forces and numerous police agencies.

They are also a favorite among civilian users for personal defense and competitive shooting thanks to the cartridge's well-rounded nature, striking a balance between power, magazine capacity, and recoil.

In addition to standard quantities, gun owners can easily purchase bulk 9mm, ensuring a consistent supply of ammunition, saving time, and avoiding the need to purchase smaller quantities frequently.

Common Names for 9mm

Since its initial release in 1902, 9mm Luger has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:

9mm Ammo
Luger 9mm
9x19mm Parabellum
9mm Parabellum
9mm Bullets
9mm Caliber
9mm NATO

Regardless of your preferred terminology, 9mm ammunition has gained a massive share of popularity over the years and is available in multiple configurations throughout the lineup of every significant ammo manufacturer.

Common 9mm Bullet Types

9mm Luger ammunition is available in various types and variations, catering to the owner's needs and preferences.

This variety in 9mm ammo includes several standard types, including FMJ, JHP, and other specialized types for competitive shooting or law enforcement use.

Learn more about each variation type and its unique characteristics below.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Designed for target shooting and range training, 9mm FMJ is by far the most common. FMJ bullets have a soft core (usually lead) encased in a harder metal and are known for their reliability and smooth feeding.

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Used by military members, law enforcement, and for self-defense, 9mm JHP ammo features a lead bullet with a hollow point inside.

The round is still encased in copper but will expand on impact, increasing stopping power by creating a larger wound channel.

Range Ammo
Known as practice or target ammunition, 9mm range ammo is specifically designed for recreational shooting and typically uses full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets.

The primary purpose of 9mm range ammo is to provide shooters with a cost-effective option for honing their shooting skills and improving accuracy.

9mm Hollow Point (HP)
Similar to JHP but may not have a jacket, 9mm hollow point bullets expand on impact and are also commonly used for self-defense and law enforcement applications.

Frangible
Frangible ammunition is a type of 9mm bullet designed to break apart or disintegrate upon impact with a hard surface or target, reducing the risk of ricochets.

Frangible rounds reduce over-penetration risk and are used in close-quarters training or steel target shooting.

Soft Point (SP)
9mm Soft Point (SP) bullets are jacketed expanding bullets with a soft metal core enclosed by a stronger metal jacket left open at the forward tip.

A soft-point bullet is intended to expand upon striking flesh to cause a wound diameter greater than the bullet diameter.

9mm Tracer Rounds
Contain a small pyrotechnic charge that ignites and produces a visible trace in flight. Used primarily for training and special applications.

Regarding the affordability and accessibility of each variation, bulk and standard options for cheap 9mm ammo are readily available from top manufacturers.

Bulk 9mm purchases often come with lower per-round costs, making them a practical choice for frequent shooters.

Popular 9mm Ammo Brands

Federal Premium:
HST JHP: High-quality self-defense ammunition with effective expansion and penetration.
American Eagle FMJ: Economical range training ammo with consistent performance.

Winchester:
Ranger T-Series JHP: Premium self-defense rounds known for reliable expansion and stopping power.
USA Forged Steel Case: Affordable steel-cased ammunition for range practice.

Remington:
Golden Saber JHP: Widely used self-defense ammo with bonded jacketed hollow points.
UMC FMJ: Affordable and reliable target shooting ammunition.

Speer:
Gold Dot JHP: Trusted self-defense ammunition with controlled expansion and high terminal performance.
Lawman FMJ: Quality training rounds for consistent shooting practice.

Hornady:
Critical Defense JHP: Reliable self-defense rounds with FTX bullet design for controlled expansion.
American Gunner XTP JHP: Accurate and consistent ammo for self-defense and target shooting.

CCI:
Blazer Brass FMJ: Brass-cased training ammunition with dependable performance.
Speer Lawman TMJ: Clean-burning and accurate ammo for range use.

Fiocchi:
Extrema XTP JHP: Premium self-defense ammo with XTP hollow points for reliable expansion.
Shooting Dynamics FMJ: Cost-effective range ammo with consistent accuracy.

Sellier & Bellot:
S&B FMJ: Affordable and reliable range practice ammunition.
S&B JHP: Hollow point rounds suitable for self-defense and personal protection.

PMC:
Bronze FMJ: Quality range training ammo with consistent performance.
Starfire JHP: Expansion-enhanced ammunition designed for self-defense.

Magtech:
Sport Shooting FMJ: Affordable target shooting ammo with reliable cycling.
Guardian Gold JHP: Self-defense ammunition with controlled expansion and good stopping power.

9mm Ammunition Features

Versatility
9mm rounds can be used for a broad range of activities, including self-defense, tactical operations, competitive shooting, and casual target practice. This versatility makes it a go-to caliber for many shooters.

Recoil Management
9mm pistols generally offer manageable recoil, making them suitable for shooters of all experience levels. The lower recoil improves shot accuracy and allows for quicker follow-up shots, which is particularly beneficial in high-stress situations like self-defense.

Availability and Cost
9mm ammunition is widely available and tends to be more affordable than many other calibers, partly due to its popularity. This makes it an economical choice for frequent practice and training sessions.

High Capacity
Firearms chambered in 9mm often feature high-capacity magazines, allowing shooters to carry more rounds for self-defense or during competitive shooting events without the need for frequent reloading.

Effective Stopping Power
With modern bullet designs and advanced propellants, 9mm ammo offers effective stopping power within the typical engagement distances for self-defense. While there are more powerful calibers, 9mm rounds provide a good balance of penetration and damage.

Compatibility
The 9mm caliber is well-suited for compact and subcompact handguns, which are preferred by many for concealed carry. These smaller firearms provide a discreet self-defense option without sacrificing firepower.

Wide Selection
There is a broad array of 9mm ammo types available, including full metal jacket (FMJ) for training, jacketed hollow point (JHP) for self-defense, and specialized rounds for competitive shooting. This diversity allows shooters to select ammunition tailored to their specific needs.

Popular 9mm Guns

9MM HANDGUNS

Glock 17
One of the most widely used 9mm pistols globally, known for its reliability and capacity, favored by law enforcement and civilian shooters.

Glock 19
A compact version of the Glock 17, it balances size and capacity, making it ideal for both concealed carry and general-purpose use.

Sig Sauer P365
A micro-compact pistol with high magazine capacity, revolutionizing the options available for concealed carry.

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
Known for its ergonomic design and reliability, available in full-size, compact, and subcompact models.

Springfield Armory Hellcat
A micro-compact offering a high capacity in a small frame, designed for concealed carry with features catering to modern shooters.

FN 509 Tactical
Features a threaded barrel and optics mounting system, designed for tactical applications and personal defense.

Taurus G3C
A budget-friendly compact pistol that has been well-received for its features, reliability, and affordability.

9MM CARBINES

Ruger PC Carbine 9mm
A pistol-caliber carbine that is versatile and user-friendly, accepting Ruger and Glock magazines.

Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9mm
A 9mm variant of their popular Saint series, this carbine is designed for performance and versatility.

Kriss Vector GEN II CRB
A unique carbine with a recoil mitigation system, offering a futuristic design and comfortable shooting experience in 9mm.

KEL-TEC Sub-2000
A foldable carbine that is lightweight and portable, accepting various magazines from different manufacturers.

HI-Point 995TS
An affordable option for a 9mm carbine, known for its simple design and reliability.

9mm 115 grain vs 124 grain Ammo

The primary distinction between 115-grain and 124-grain 9mm ammunition is the weight of the bullets, with the 124-grain being slightly heavier. This difference in weight impacts several critical aspects of their performance.

Lighter 115-grain bullets typically travel at higher velocities, potentially offering more impact energy and a flatter trajectory at close ranges, but may be more susceptible to wind drift.

They also tend to produce less recoil, making them preferable for rapid or sustained shooting.

On the other hand, the heavier 124-grain bullets, while generally slower, are often better at retaining their energy over longer distances and can offer a more stable trajectory, especially in windy conditions.

This makes them potentially more suitable for longer-range shooting.

The choice between these two bullet weights largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter, as well as the particular characteristics of the firearm being used.

While both are popular choices in the 9mm category, shooters might opt for the lighter 115 grain for its speed and lower recoil or the 124 grain for its stability and downrange performance.

9mm Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What is the difference between 9mm Ammo and 9mm Luger Ammo?

ANSWER: 9mm and 9mm Luger both represent the same type of ammunition and is classified by the Sporting Arms and Ammunitions Manufacturers' Institute (SAMMI) as the 9mm Luger. The 9mm refers to the bullet's diameter, and Luger comes from the Luger semi-auto pistol. Additionally, 9mm ammo can also be referred to as 9mm Parabellum.

QUESTION: What is the difference between 9mm 115-grain and 9mm 124-grain?

ANSWER: The difference between the two is the weight of the projectile measured in grains. One grain is equal to 1/7000th of a pound. The 9mm 115 projectile weighs 115 grains and the 9mm 124 projectile weighs 124 grains. Different grain weights will have different muzzle velocities, energy, and terminal ballistics.

QUESTION: Which 9mm Ammo is best for self-defense?

ANSWER: 9mm Hollow points are the best choice for self-defense with a 9mm firearm. Hollow point ammunition expands on impact creating a larger wound path and expending maximum energy in their target. They are also less likely to over penetrate causing you to strike an unintended target.

QUESTION: Can 9mm Ammunition go bad?

ANSWER: There is no real expiration date for 9mm ammunition. If you keep it stored in the correct conditions (cool and dry) it can last over a lifetime! For more information check out our article How to Store Ammo.

QUESTION: Is 9mm Ammo subsonic?

ANSWER: Subsonic ammo is ammo that travels slower than the speed of sound. The speed of sound is roughly 1,100 feet per second. This number could vary based on barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity. Most 9mm ammo travels faster than the speed of sound but there are some options that travel slow enough to be subsonic.
This ammo usually has a heavier projectile around 147 grains or more. The desire for subsonic ammo is that it does not create the sonic boom that an object traveling faster than the speed of sound will. Most often subsonic ammo is used in conjunction with a suppressor (AKA silencer).

QUESTION: What is the most common 9mm ammo?

ANSWER: Common bullet weights for 9mm ammunition include 115gr, 124gr, 125gr, and 147gr. Generally speaking, bullets with more weight will hit harder, produce more recoil, and will be more expensive. When it comes range training and target practice, most owners opt for 115gr ammo, and carry heavier rounds for personal defense.

QUESTION: Which 9mm Ammunition has the least recoil?

ANSWER: 9mm ammo with low recoil will be advertised that way. Look for 9mm ammo that says low recoil or lite on the box. For example: Federal Hydra-Shok 9mm 135 Grain Low Recoil JHP or Hornady Critical Defense Lite 9mm Luger 100 Grain FTX. Low recoil ammo will generally be easier to shoot and allow for quicker target reacquisition for follow-up shots.

QUESTION: Why Choose Ammunition Depot for 9mm Ammo?

ANSWER: If you’re looking to buy the best ammo online, you’ve come to the right place. Ammunition Depot provides its customers with a vast selection of 9mm ammo. We have the best selection of 9mm ammo for sale including Luger 9mm from all the brands you know and trust.
Whatever you and your firearm needs, including target practice and home defense, you'll find it at Ammunition Depot. Shop our inventory and find the right 9mm ammo for you today!

QUESTION: Can I return 9mm Ammunition?

ANSWER: Ammunition Depot is one of the only places that will take returns on 9mm ammo purchased from us. Check out our return policy at Shipping / Returns or speak to an Ammunition Depot Customer Service agent.