{"id":214593,"date":"2025-04-02T16:43:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T21:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=214593"},"modified":"2025-10-14T08:32:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T13:32:22","slug":"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">9<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experienced gun owners can walk into any gun store and find the ammunition they need for their purposes. A newer gun owner might assume it&#8217;s as easy as grabbing a box off the shelf and taking it to the counter. However, did you consider the caliber?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The projectile type?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your purpose?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Projectile weight?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Velocity?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You should, and today, we&#8217;ll dissect each category and give you the ultimate guide to choosing the correct ammunition for your handgun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-make-sure-it-s-the-right-caliber\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Make Sure It&#8217;s The Right Caliber!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-purpose-plays-a-role-with-ammunition\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Purpose Plays a Role With Ammunition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-self-defense\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Self Defense<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-ammunition-exception\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">The Ammunition Exception<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-hunting-loads\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Hunting Loads<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weight-matters-with-ammunition\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Weight Matters With Ammunition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-p-conundrum\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">The +P Conundrum<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-special-purpose-ammo\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">Special Purpose Ammo<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-right-ammunition-for-the-right-job\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-level=\"2\">The Right Ammunition For the Right Job<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-sure-it-s-the-right-caliber\">Make Sure It&#8217;s The Right Caliber!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This sounds like common sense, but if you&#8217;re new to handguns, you might be surprised at how many calibers have similar names and types. Let&#8217;s say you have a 9mm handgun and go ammo shopping. It seems like you need a box of 9mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5-1024x582.jpg\" alt=\"Four ammunition rounds for handguns \" class=\"wp-image-97863\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5-1024x582.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/17-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left to right, we see the .32ACP, the 9x18mm Makarov, the 9x19mm Parabellum, and the .45ACP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>9mm what? It&#8217;s likely 9&#215;19, but there is also 9mm Makarov, 9x25mm Dillon, 9mm Laugo, 9mm Glisenti, 9mm Browning, 9x21mm, 9mm Short, and about a dozen other 9mm cartridges. The same goes for rounds like .380 ACP, which is known as 9mm Short, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Browning short, 9mm Corto, and more. The little .22 has the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=.22lr\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">.22LR<\/a>, the .22 Short, the .22 Long, the .22 CB Cap, and the .22 Magnum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"G42 with Ammo boxes\" class=\"wp-image-209556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/G42-Ammo-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author used a Glock 42 to test 10 popular .380 ACP loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This applies to a wide variety of cartridges. It&#8217;s always wise to double-check the ammo box to match what&#8217;s on the gun. Most of the time, the caliber will be inscribed on the barrel, ensuring you have the proper caliber for your firearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-purpose-plays-a-role-with-ammunition\">Purpose Plays a Role With Ammunition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s the purpose of the ammunition you are purchasing? Do you want to go shoot your <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=.45%20ACP\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">.45 ACP<\/a> at the range? Are you taking your .22LR hunting? Maybe you need to load the gun for self-defense and concealed carry. Either way, you&#8217;ll need different ammo types.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"397\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-1024x397.jpeg\" alt=\"The Big Bore Levergun in 50 Alaskan\" class=\"wp-image-176442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-1024x397.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-400x155.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-150x58.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-768x298.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-1536x596.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/AA7A7822-DB1A-4575-9D74-5CDE285CFCB8-2048x794.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Left to Right, My favored Large and Heavy game load, 450 Swift A-Frame, My Texas load 350gr. WFN from Montana Bullet Works, A 450gr. Hawk JHP, My 465gr. LFN from MBW that gets used on Large and Heavy game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you go to the range to train, plink, or compete, the best bang for your buck will be cheap full metal jacket loads. These provide a low-priced option for turning money into noise. Full metal jacket ammo is basic ball ammo that&#8217;s typically a copper-jacketed lead round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FMJs aren&#8217;t safe for self-defense use or appropriate for hunting. They tend to over-penetrate, go through soft targets, and maintain enough energy to harm something behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-self-defense\">Self Defense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You typically want a jacketed hollow point made explicitly for self-defense. A jacketed hollow point round opens and widens as it strikes a target, creating a parachute effect, where the round slows down rapidly inside a soft target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"872\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/m17-hollow-point.jpg\" alt=\"SIG Sauer Announcing M17 Ball and Hollow Point Ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-101740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/m17-hollow-point.jpg 872w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/m17-hollow-point-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/m17-hollow-point-400x298.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/m17-hollow-point-768x572.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SIG Sauer Announcing M17 Ball and Hollow Point Ammunition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern hollow points are tuned to penetrate just deep enough to reach something vital while not over-penetrating the target. The rounds opening up have the added benefit of becoming more prominent and causing more damage to the target. Hollow points might not always be the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-ammunition-exception\">The Ammunition Exception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use something like .22LR or .32 ACP, you may want to use an FMJ load. This is precisely due to the lack of penetration some calibers offer. FMJ loads allow for deep penetration but are also very unlikely to over-penetrate.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"761\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/38-special-wadcutters-1024x761.jpg\" alt=\"Cimarron Evil Roy Cowboy Colt Replica\" class=\"wp-image-3915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/38-special-wadcutters-1024x761.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/38-special-wadcutters-150x111.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/38-special-wadcutters-400x297.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/38-special-wadcutters.jpg 1220w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cimarron Evil Roy Cowboy Colt Replica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You might want to choose a wadcutter round when fielding snub-nose revolvers. Hollowpoints require a certain velocity to function, and short revolver barrels often fail to generate the velocity needed. The wadcutter design allows for adequate penetration without overpenetration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you choose a gun and caliber, learning about the round and gun is wise. Research penetration, barrel length, and projectile types, and how they work with your firearm and caliber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hunting-loads\">Hunting Loads <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunting cartridges will vary depending on the animal you&#8217;re hunting. Shooting squirrels with a .22LR differs from hunting deer or bears with a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=.44%20Magnum\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">.44 Magnum<\/a>. You must consider your gun, cartridge, and chosen game animal when hunting. This will guide your load.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/CMR-30-54.jpg\" alt=\"The CMR-30: Kel-Tec's Compact Powerhouse\" class=\"wp-image-55476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/CMR-30-54.jpg 900w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/CMR-30-54-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/CMR-30-54-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">40-grain soft points. Sub 2000 FPS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For example, you need a cartridge that will expand quickly if you&#8217;re hunting deer. If you shoot a bear, you need a cartridge and projectile that penetrate deeply and kill humanely. A soft tip or deep penetrating hollow point is desired for lighter animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For larger, more muscular games, you may choose a hard cast lead round that can penetrate super deep and reach the vitals. Luckily, game-specific cartridges are produced that allow an easy way to get the right ammo for the right animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weight-matters-with-ammunition\">Weight Matters With Ammunition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re shopping for one specific cartridge, you might notice that the same cartridge has different weights. For example, 9mm comes in 115-grain, 124-grain, 135-grain, 147-grain, and more. What&#8217;s the point of all of these different bullet weights?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, heavier bullets allow for better penetration from short-barreled handguns. If you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sig-sauer-p365-subcompact\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"601\">carrying a SIG P365<\/a>, you might want the Federal 150-grain HST ammo for short barrels so you can reach an appropriate penetration level.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Silencing-the-300-Blackout-7-1024x697.jpg\" alt=\"If you plan to stick to subsonic ammunition only, you can buy a large pistol silencer and use it on a wide variety of guns.\" class=\"wp-image-21898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Silencing-the-300-Blackout-7-1024x697.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Silencing-the-300-Blackout-7-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Silencing-the-300-Blackout-7-400x272.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Silencing-the-300-Blackout-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Silencing the 300 AAC Blackout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re carrying a midsize 9mm handgun, the 124-grain JHPs might offer excellent penetration expansion. In other cases, lighter-loaded ammo might offer less recoil, which makes the gun easier to shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight and projectile design work together to produce an efficient defensive cartridge. When it comes to self-defense, consider your barrel length and projectile weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way weight matters is bullet speed. Heavier bullets are slower. If you&#8217;re shooting suppressed, you might want to eliminate the supersonic crack by using a bigger, heavier bullet. For .45 ACP, this occurs with 230-grain rounds, with 9mm; the 147-grain rounds are subsonic, and .22LR has specific subsonic loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2-1024x725.jpg\" alt=\"LTC William O\u2019Brien and the Battle for Saipan: Obie\u2019s Last Stand\" class=\"wp-image-103584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2-1024x725.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2-400x283.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/18-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The .45ACP bullet (left) was fully twice as heavy as that fired by the 9mm Parabellum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most standard handgun cartridges will have a subsonic variant available to maximize your suppressed shooting capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-p-conundrum\">The +P Conundrum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When shopping for ammunition, you&#8217;ll likely see the moniker +P. Overpressure ammunition is signified by a +P or even a +P+ moniker. This symbolizes ammunition that has been purposefully loaded to a higher internal pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The general idea is to produce ammo that generates a higher muzzle velocity and muzzle energy. It can translate to better penetration and expansion. <a href=\"https:\/\/hopmunitions.com\/product-category\/ammunition\/pistol-ammo\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">+P ammunition<\/a> tends to have a 10% higher pressure than standard cartridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"868\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2-1024x868.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson Combat Custom Glock 43 ammunition \" class=\"wp-image-94934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2-1024x868.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2-150x127.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2-354x300.jpg 354w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2-768x651.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_1866-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author\u2019s favorite load for the G43 is the Wilson Combat 115 gr. TAC-XP +P load. This load shot well in the G43, and the solid copper projectile provides excellent terminal ballistics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all guns are rated for use with +P ammunition. Your weapon&#8217;s manual should provide information about using +P ammunition. It&#8217;s better to be cautious and avoid +P ammunition when in doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-special-purpose-ammo\">Special Purpose Ammo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, talk about some common special-purpose ammunition you may run into. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frangible Ammo<\/strong>\u2014Frangible ammo explodes when it strikes a target. The harder the target, the more frangibility is achieved. It&#8217;s commonly used to avoid ricochets and shoot at steel targets with reduced risk of splatter and ricochets.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"524\" height=\"346\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Frang1.jpg\" alt=\"Frangible Ammunition for the Win\" class=\"wp-image-124480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Frang1.jpg 524w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Frang1-400x264.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Frang1-150x99.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Frangible Ammo for the Win<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Reduced Recoil<\/strong>\u2014Reduced recoil ammo is often loaded with lighter projectiles to reach standard velocities but produce lower recoil. These cartridges work fine in revolvers, but users should extensively test them in semi-auto handguns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hard Cast<\/strong>\u2014Hard cast rounds are designed to retain their weight and shape as they penetrate targets. They are typically used for hunting larger game or for predator protection.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Thureon Defense's 10mm Carbine is NOT An AR15!\" class=\"wp-image-103108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7156.jpg 1086w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Double Tap 230 hard cast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>READ ABOUT AMMO INNOVATION: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/vending-machines-a-new-way-to-buy-ammo\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">Vending Machines: A New Way to Buy Ammo!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wadcutter\u2014Wadcutter refers to a specific projectile type used in revolvers. They are completely flat bullets. They were initially used for competition due to the clean holes, where they were punched into paper targets. However, they&#8217;ve retained their ability to penetrate; they&#8217;ve moved into the defensive realm with short-barreled revolvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-right-ammunition-for-the-right-job\">The Right Ammunition For the Right Job<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, it\u2019s not always easy to just buy a box of 9mm and call it a day. You have to find the right ammo for the right job and consider a variety of factors. Luckily, it&#8217;s not all that difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow the information above, you&#8217;ll be able to find the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-classic-bushmaster-xm15-american-made\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\">right ammo<\/a> for the right job. It can be as simple as buying a box of 9mm\u2014a box of 124-grain JHP+P 9mm ammo for home defense with your Glock 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"choosing-the-right-ammunition-for-your-handgun\" title=\"Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This sounds like common sense, but if you&#8217;re new to handguns, you might be surprised at how many calibers have similar names and types.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":82234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1258,3459],"tags":[299,102,985,4464],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-214593","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ammo","8":"category-travis-pike","9":"tag-ammo-2","10":"tag-feature-articles","11":"tag-handguns","12":"tag-seo"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your Handgun<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ammo is tricky, and getting the right ammo requires the right research. 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