Handgun Ammo Face-Off: Accuracy, Power, and Cost Compared

When it comes to choosing the right handgun ammunition, three key factors dominate the conversation: accuracy, power, and cost. Whether you’re carrying for self-defense, training at the range, or selecting the best ammo for home protection, understanding how different handgun calibers stack up against each other is essential. In this guide, we’ll put the most popular handgun ammo head-to-head, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in real-world scenarios.

Why Accuracy, Power, and Cost Matter

The best handgun ammo balances all three aspects:

• Accuracy: How consistently you can hit your target with minimal recoil or deviation.
• Power: Also called stopping power, this refers to the round’s energy transfer and terminal effectiveness.
• Cost: Determines how much you can afford to train and stockpile, impacting both practice and preparedness.

Each shooter’s needs vary—what works for concealed carry may not be ideal for high-volume training or hunting. Let’s compare the most popular calibers using these three categories.

9mm Luger: The Balanced Choice

The 9mm Luger is widely considered the “do-it-all” caliber. Its blend of manageable recoil, good accuracy, and cost-effectiveness makes it the most popular handgun round in the world.

• Accuracy: Very good—low recoil helps maintain precision even during rapid fire.
• Power: Moderate stopping power with reliable performance, especially with modern hollow points.
• Cost: One of the most affordable centerfire calibers, perfect for training and defense.

Best for concealed carry, self-defense, and training.

.45 ACP: Maximum Stopping Power

The .45 ACP is a heavy-hitting round known for its exceptional stopping power and large bullet diameter. It has a long history of military and law enforcement use.

• Accuracy: Excellent in experienced hands, but heavier recoil can affect follow-up shots.
• Power: High stopping power due to its large, slow-moving bullet.
• Cost: More expensive than 9mm, making frequent training pricier.

Best for home defense and shooters who prioritize power over capacity.

.40 S&W: The Middle Ground

The .40 Smith & Wesson was designed to bridge the gap between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering a balance of power and capacity. It was once the top choice for law enforcement.

• Accuracy: Good, though sharper recoil can affect speed and precision.
• Power: Greater energy than 9mm but slightly less than .45 ACP.
• Cost: Moderate, usually priced between 9mm and .45 ACP.

Best for self-defense when you want more punch than 9mm but still decent capacity.

.380 ACP: Compact and Concealable

The .380 ACP is a lightweight, low-recoil round ideal for small concealed carry pistols. While less powerful than 9mm, it’s easier to shoot in micro-compact handguns.

• Accuracy: Good at close ranges, though small pistols have shorter sight radius.
• Power: Lower stopping power—best for self-defense with precise shot placement.
• Cost: Slightly more expensive than 9mm due to niche demand.

Best for deep concealment and backup guns.

.357 Magnum: Revolver Powerhouse

The .357 Magnum offers incredible velocity and energy, making it one of the most powerful handgun rounds available for personal defense.

• Accuracy: Excellent in a stable revolver platform.
• Power: Extremely high—effective for defense, hunting, and even wilderness carry.
• Cost: Higher than semi-auto calibers, and revolvers have lower capacity.

Best for revolver enthusiasts who value power above all.

.22 LR: The Budget Trainer

The .22 Long Rifle is an ultra-lightweight, inexpensive round perfect for beginners, training, and plinking. While not ideal for self-defense, it has its place in affordable shooting.

• Accuracy: Excellent for training due to minimal recoil.
• Power: Very low—better suited for target shooting than defense.
• Cost: The cheapest ammunition available for handguns.

Best for new shooters and budget-friendly practice.

Head-to-Head: Ammo Comparison Chart

Which Handgun Ammo Should You Choose?

There’s no single “best” caliber for everyone. If you prioritize low recoil, affordability, and high capacity, 9mm is hard to beat. If you want maximum stopping power, .45 ACP or .357 Magnum may be your pick. For deep concealment, .380 ACP fits micro pistols, while .22 LR remains unmatched for inexpensive practice.

The ideal handgun ammo is the one you can shoot accurately, afford to practice with, and feel confident carrying. Always test different loads in your firearm to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Always follow local laws and firearm safety guidelines when selecting and using handgun ammunition.