Handgun Ammo Explained: Ballistics, Cost, and Real-World Use

When it comes to selecting the right handgun ammunition, there’s more to consider than just caliber size. Ballistics, cost, and real-world performance all play critical roles in determining which ammo best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for self-defense rounds, affordable training ammo, or specialized loads for competition, understanding the basics of handgun ammunition is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down how handgun ammo works, compare popular calibers, and explain their uses in everyday scenarios.

Understanding Handgun Ballistics

Ballistics refers to how a bullet behaves from the moment it’s fired until it stops. It’s divided into three key areas:

• Internal Ballistics: What happens inside the gun as the bullet travels down the barrel.
• External Ballistics: How the bullet travels through the air, including velocity and trajectory.
• Terminal Ballistics: How the bullet behaves when it hits a target, including penetration and expansion.

For handgun ammo, terminal ballistics is the most important for self-defense—ensuring the round penetrates adequately and expands reliably to stop a threat effectively.

Common Bullet Types and Their Purpose

Different bullet designs impact performance and cost. Here are the most common types of handgun bullets:

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Non-expanding bullet used for practice and training. Affordable but not ideal for self-defense.
• JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point): Designed to expand on impact, creating a larger wound channel while minimizing over-penetration.
• Bonded Hollow Point: Premium defensive bullet that retains weight and expands consistently through barriers.
• Frangible Ammo: Breaks apart on hard surfaces to reduce ricochet, often used for close-range training.

Popular Handgun Calibers: Ballistics and Cost

9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum)

The 9mm is the most common handgun caliber globally, favored for its balance of ballistics, cost, and availability.

• Ballistics: Typical defensive loads achieve 1,100–1,200 fps and 350–400 ft-lbs of energy, meeting FBI penetration standards.
• Cost: Most affordable centerfire handgun ammo, ideal for frequent training.
• Real-World Use: Preferred for concealed carry, duty use, and home defense.

.40 S&W (Smith & Wesson)

The .40 S&W was created as a middle ground between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering more energy with moderate capacity.

• Ballistics: Defensive loads produce 950–1,100 fps and 400–500 ft-lbs of energy.
• Cost: More expensive than 9mm but cheaper than .45 ACP.
• Real-World Use: Formerly popular with law enforcement, still a solid choice for personal defense.

.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

The .45 ACP is a heavy, slow round that delivers strong stopping power and large bullet diameter.

• Ballistics: Typical loads run 850–1,000 fps with 400–500 ft-lbs of energy.
• Cost: More expensive than both 9mm and .40 S&W.
• Real-World Use: Ideal for home defense and shooters who prioritize maximum bullet size.

.380 ACP

The .380 ACP is a smaller round designed for ultra-compact pistols. It’s easier to shoot but less powerful than 9mm.

• Ballistics: Lower velocity (900–1,000 fps) and energy (200–250 ft-lbs).
• Cost: Slightly higher than 9mm due to niche production.
• Real-World Use: Deep concealment and backup guns.

.357 Magnum

The .357 Magnum is a revolver caliber that offers exceptional velocity, penetration, and energy.

• Ballistics: High velocity (1,300–1,500 fps) and 500–700 ft-lbs of energy—excellent stopping power.
• Cost: More expensive than semi-auto calibers.
• Real-World Use: Revolver self-defense, hunting, and wilderness carry.

.22 LR (Long Rifle)

The .22 LR is the most affordable handgun round, great for training but not ideal for self-defense.

• Ballistics: Low velocity (1,000–1,200 fps) and minimal energy (~100 ft-lbs).
• Cost: Extremely inexpensive for high-volume practice.
• Real-World Use: Target practice, beginners, and small-game hunting.

Cost Comparison: Practice vs. Defensive Ammo

Handgun ammo pricing varies based on purpose:

• FMJ (training) rounds: Cheapest option for high-volume practice.
• JHP (defensive) rounds: More expensive due to advanced bullet design and testing.
• Premium bonded ammo: Highest cost, but offers the best reliability for self-defense.

As a general rule, 9mm is the most cost-effective to train with regularly, while larger calibers increase training costs over time.

Real-World Use Cases

Different calibers excel in different real-world scenarios:

• Self-Defense: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP with quality hollow points all meet FBI standards for defensive use.
• Concealed Carry: 9mm and .380 ACP are popular due to lower recoil and compact firearm options.
• Home Defense: .45 ACP and .357 Magnum deliver strong stopping power with proven reliability.
• Training: .22 LR and 9mm are the most cost-effective for frequent practice.

Quick Ballistics & Cost Chart

Which Handgun Ammo is Right for You?

When choosing ammo, consider your primary purpose, your budget for training, and how comfortable you are with recoil. For most shooters:

• 9mm offers the best balance of performance, cost, and availability.
• .40 S&W delivers more energy but with sharper recoil and slightly higher cost.
• .45 ACP provides maximum bullet size but lower capacity and higher expense.
• .22 LR is unbeatable for inexpensive training but not for serious defense.

Always test different loads in your handgun to ensure reliability before relying on them for self-defense.

Final Thoughts

Handgun ammo isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ballistics, cost, and real-world use all factor into the right choice for your needs. With modern hollow-point technology, even smaller calibers like 9mm have proven highly effective for self-defense, while larger calibers still offer strong stopping power. The best handgun ammo is the one you can shoot accurately, affordably, and reliably under stress.

Always follow firearm safety practices and test your chosen ammo thoroughly before using it for self-defense.