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9mm Ammo
About 9mm Ammo
The 9mm ammo is the single most popular handgun cartridge in the world. For a workhorse caliber that fits any budget or taste — it's literally the caliber for anyone.
Created in 1901 by George Luger and introduced to the public in 1902, 9mm ammunition grew in popularity based on its performance. Contributions of the caliber's success are greatly attributed to its increased capacity in magazines, low-cost, and university functionality.
As time passed, new calibers have come along and offered continued competition - some with more success than others. Still, thanks to the growing popularity of models like the Glock 19, 9mm bullets continues to reign supreme.
From first-time shooters to U.S. military special operations or soccer moms who conceal carry, 9mm ammunition is as useful and practical of a round as anyone could possibly need.
Common Names of 9mm Ammo
Since its initial release in 1902, 9mm ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- 9mm Ammo
- Luger 9mm
- 9mm Bullets
- 9mm NATO
- 9mm Parabellum
- 9mm Caliber
Regardless of your preferred nomenclature, 9mm Ammo has gained massive popularity over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.
Common Types of 9mm Ammo
When purchasing 9mm ammunition is generally an easy process, owners should be aware that there are several other less common types of 9mm ammo that are NOT compatible with most 9mm pistols, these types include:
- 9mm Kurz/9mm Cort/9x17 – These are all European names for the cartridge we know in the US as the 380 Auto.
- 9mm Makarov (or 9x18) – These rounds fit Eastern Block military surplus pistols based on a design by a Russian fellow named Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov.
- 9mm Largo/9x23 – This is an old Spanish cartridge. Unless you have a century-old Spanish pistol, you probably don't need this ammo.
- 9mm Glisenti – Same as above but Italian
- 9mm Steyr – Same as above but Austro-Hungarian
Although it's important to be aware of the different 9mm calibers out there, the chances of finding any of the above listed types at your local firearm store is somewhat slim.
Popular 9mm Guns
GLOCK 9MM HANDGUNS
Glock 17 Glock 19
Glock 26 Glock 34
Glock 43 Glock 43X
Glock 45 Glock 48
SMITH & WESSON 9MM HANDGUNS
M&P 9 2.0 M&P Shield
M&P Shield+ M&P Shield EZ
M&P
SIG SAUER 9MM HANDGUNS
Sig P938 Sig P320
Sig P365 Sig P365XL
Sig P210 Sig P229
Sig P226
HECKLER & KOCH 9MM HANDGUNS
VP9 P30SK
P30 P2000
USP USP Tactical
BERETTA 9MM HANDGUNS
92FS PX4
APX M9A3
9mm Ammunition Features
ROUND STOPPING POWER & RECOIL
9mm ammunition has good stopping power, meaning it is effective at stopping a threat quickly. 9mm ammunition has moderate recoil compared to larger calibers, making it much easier handle when when shot accurately is critical.
Additionally, recoil is primarily based on the size and weight of the gun - so naturally a firearm using 9mm ammo will have less recoil then a firearm using 45 cal ammo.
ACCURACY
When it comes to hitting the target center mass, 9mm ammunition has proven to be consistent even at greater distances.
9mm rounds have a flat trajectory and are usually rated to 50 yards - although evidence suggests that targets can be hit with accuracy up to and including 100 yards.
USABILITY
The 9mm round is one of the most user-friendly cartridges on the market. We've discussed how that’s true with respect to the round’s accuracy, but it also has low recoil, which makes it easy to control when shooting.
The 9mm round also supports the lowest recoil out of the standard self-defense calibers, which are 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP.
COMPATIBILITY
9mm ammunition is compatible with a wide range of firearms, including handguns, carbines, and submachine guns. This versatility makes it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies.
EFFECTIVENESS
With modern bullet designs, 9mm ammunition can be very effective for self-defense, with good penetration and expansion characteristics.
9mm rounds also have an effective velocity, ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 feet per second.
AFFORDABILITY
9mm ammunition is generally more affordable than other popular handgun calibers like 40 S&W and 45 ACP, making it a popular choice for target shooting and practice.
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: Hollow point 9mm ammo is the best choice for self-defense with a 9mm firearm.
Hollow points expand 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.
For more information check out our article Why Hollow Points Are the Best Choice for Self Defense.
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.
