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.
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.
Where To Buy
.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.
Where To Buy
.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.
Where To Buy
.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.
Where To Buy
.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.
Where To Buy
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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Hey Everyone, our apologies but there were some technical issues with the original posting of this story so I had to recreate it and repost it so we lost eight of the comments that had already been posted. Didn’t want anyone thinking the thought police had come in and taken down their innocuous comments for no reason. I will post them back here.
Speaking of technical glitches, I occasionally use my phone to view this website while waiting at a doctor’s office for 20 minutes. Today, on my phone, I could only see articles that were two days old. I don’t think my phone was the root cause, although I spent very little time trying to find a solution.
Bizarre. Not sure what would’ve caused that but sorry for the hassles on your end. Waiting for the doc can be mind-numbing. Had to do it yesterday. Nice to be able to read something you want. I’ll ask my tech guy if he has any ideas.
For reference I could see all content that was two days old or older. I just could not see the latest content. I even closed that tab in my phone’s browser and reloaded this site–to no avail.
I have Android Operating System.
Hey uncommon, this was brought to my attention this morning and addressed. We had an issue with cache for the homepage from a plugin, it (should) have been fixed since. Let us know if you’re still experiencing any technical issues.
Justin,
I just checked my cell phone and it looks like everything is working correctly now.
(The glitch that I experienced was around 11:25 a.m. this morning.)
Tried to buy shoes online today – major retailers having issues w/ search. Maybe the IT community is miffed about the election?
While not exactly a carry gun, the new LC Carbines from Ruger in both .45acp and 10mm are excellent home defense guns. Equipped with a muzzle brake .45acp+P ammo is light recoiling and extremely powerful. Stick a 26 round mag in it (or the 30 rnd mag for 10mm), and you’ve got a HD gun that will take care of anything that comes thru the door.
From JWM:
I’m willing to bet that there are as many folks carrying snubbie .38’s on the daily as there are carrying .380’s.
I bet a lot more carry snubby .38sp than carry .357 magnum in a revolver. The special not the magnum should be on this list. Don’t get me wrong. I love the .357 in a full sized revolver. While I frequently carry my .38sp (and .380, and 9mm), I never carry my 4″ Security Six .357mag.
From SAFEupstateFML:
May see that shift over time (more 380s made than 38spc) but for the moment I would argue more with the 38 than 380.
From Live Free:
Don’t see the 45 magazine problem? I have 10, 13 and 18 round mags for our Glock 21’s and 30’s.
Yes they stick out some, but that is real firepower. They work with any range ammo except steel case and Gold Dot Short Barrel is good for carry.
From SAFEupstateFML:
They remain the most popular cartridges in this space for a reason. We might eventually see 10mm in greater use but I would be amazed if it ever managed to tie 45acp let alone 357.
From Elmer Fudd:
What about 12 gauge shotgun?
Oh, and Elmer Fudd, a 12-gauge shotgun is great for home defense. This was a handgun caliber article though so just didn’t fit in this discussion.
Too many stamps and doesn’t conceal carry well.
From Sam I Am
Subtle entry in the calibre wars. Bottom Line: real men carry nothing less than .500; everything else is just a noise maker (being a .22LR owner/shooter, I know whereof I speak).
From LazrBeam:
Other viable options, at least for me, are the .44 Spl, the .38 Spl +P, and the .327 Federal Magnum (or even .32 H&R Mag). Ultimately, all of these as well as those in the article are good.
LazrBeam,
Those three cartridges are incredibly useful as well.
I will argue that ammunition variety and availability at local gun stores for .327 Federal Magnum and .44 Special are incredibly lacking and thus a significant demerit. Aside from that, those are excellent cartridges.
Of course .38 Special +P is rock solid for self-defense with proper bullet selection.
This is a solid article and touches upon the most significant pros and cons of the most common (and useful) self-defense handgun calibers.
From Xddulyelected official:
Top defensive handgun cartridges:
.357Magnum
.45acp—-
BTW the 9Makarov is a hot rod .380, don’t know why people don’t use it more?
Could be because the only guns you can find that shoot it are old Warsaw Pact junk. Nobody’s making new 9 x 18 pistols.
Or that the countries making the ammo are mostly not able to effectively import ammo here? More yours I think.
I’ll likely stick with my 9’s I can easily pocket carry. I’d carry 40 which I’ve had. Interested in 10mm and 357 in a 3″barrel. No 380 or 38 which I’ve had. No 45. Or rare calibers. I gotta very strong grip(for a 70 year old) & unafraid of recoil🙄
If you don’t mind a comp 460 Rowland. With that said be ready for reloading or using buffalo bore/underwood damn near exclusively.
There’s that “stopping power” thing again. I’ve been assured by several authors for this website that “stopping power” doesn’t exist and is a myth. I can hunt grizzlies with .32 acp as long as I shoot them through the eye socket.
.357 and .44 magnum are my principal self-defense cartridges. Performance over capacity. I rarely carry a semi-, but when I do, it’s a .357 SIG.
I do enjoy shooting man sized targets at 100 yards with a NY special Sig 320 (full sized slide on subcompact grip) in 357 Sig. Seeing everything hit just a tad under point of aim is neat.
Johnny LeBlanc,
“I can hunt grizzlies with .32 acp as long as I shoot them through the eye socket.”
(snicker)
Someone who doesn’t carry every day every where in a hot climate where shorts and short sleeves are still too hot.
.32 and .25….
.380 is a heavy and harder to conceal EDC. If you don’t agree you tell me you don’t carry everywhere.
Nikita Tesla,
At the peak of sun and heat this summer, I was installing some outdoor network equipment. Of course it was hot and uncomfortable so I was wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt. I ditched my everyday carry semi-auto handgun which is arguably “full size”. Instead, I carried two Ruger LCP semi-auto pistols (chambered in .380 ACP, one in each of my front pockets) in pocket holsters. It was obviously uncomfortable and I was sweating everywhere. So, carrying those LCPs in each front pocket did not increase my discomfort significantly. Note that Ruger LCPs are VERY small and only weigh 12 ounces (unloaded).
One of the earliest advocates of everyday concealed carry summed up that lifestyle with words to the effect of, “carrying a handgun everyday [for self-defense] is comforting, not comfortable.”
NT
Just checking the weights I have a 380 that is much lighter then my 25.
The 380 is plastic the 25 is steel.
I still prefer the .25 because it has a hammer. I just don’t feel comfortable with that striker fired no safety .380 in my pocket.
Big Iron on the hip and a hide out.😉
Not sure if the .357 has ever been beaten with the ‘one shot stop’ record. The optimum weight was 125 grains combined with a very high velocity. Someday I get that 10mm, the one to beat the .357.
Now for the top 5 keyboard warrior self-defense handgun cartridges:
10mm (duh)
.44 Magnum (Did I fire five shots…)
.460 Rowland (bestest .45)
.50AE (yeah that’s a Deagle in a shoulder holster under my black trenchcoat)
5.7x28mm (the future is now, old man)
Honorable mention: 9×23 (sonny, I bought it in the 80s and am now 75, but I can still shoot straight, zoomer)
Hmm 2/5 applies on my end but would have said 9×25 Dillon or some of the widley automags for the honorable mention. All the same for home defense it’s whatever is ready to go the fastest when needed.