Handgun

Caliber OverviewHandgun ammunition is a cornerstone of personal defense, sport shooting, and law enforcement, featuring popular calibers like 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. These calibers are designed for compact firearms, offering reliable performance in various scenarios. Originating in the late 19th century with the advent of revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army, handgun ammo evolved significantly with semi-automatic pistols in the early 20th century. Today, 9mm remains the most widespread due to its balance of power and manageability, while .45 ACP is favored for its stopping power, rooted in military history from World War I. At AmmoSouth, we stock a wide range of these calibers to meet the needs of shooters seeking quality and reliability.
Key SpecificationsHandgun ammunition varies by caliber, with bullet diameters ranging from 9mm (0.355 inches) for 9mm Luger to 0.451 inches for .45 ACP. Typical grain weights include 115-147 grains for 9mm, providing velocities of 1,000-1,200 feet per second and moderate recoil that suits most shooters. The .40 S&W, with grains around 165-180, offers higher energy but increased recoil compared to 9mm. These specs ensure compatibility with popular firearms like Glock pistols, Smith & Wesson revolvers, and Sig Sauer models. Ballistic performance focuses on accuracy and penetration, with AmmoSouth offering options that optimize for real-world conditions, such as expanded muzzle energy for self-defense rounds.
ApplicationsHandgun ammunition excels in self-defense, where calibers like 9mm provide quick follow-up shots for concealed carry. It’s also ideal for hunting small game, with .45 ACP delivering the necessary kinetic energy for ethical takedowns. In competition shooting, such as IDPA or USPSA events, lighter grain options enhance speed and precision. Tactical applications include law enforcement use, where reliability under stress is paramount. AmmoSouth curates ammunition for these purposes, ensuring shooters have access to high-performance options for training, range sessions, or field operations.
Ammunition TypesHandgun ammo comes in various bullet types to suit specific needs. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are perfect for target practice and training due to their affordability and reliable feeding in semi-autos. Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullets expand on impact, making them essential for self-defense to maximize stopping power while minimizing over-penetration. Other types include soft point for hunting and frangible rounds for close-quarters tactical scenarios. Popular brands like Federal and Winchester, available at AmmoSouth, engineer these types with advanced ballistics, such as JHP designs that achieve up to 1.5 times expansion for enhanced effectiveness.
Key BenefitsHandgun ammunition offers superior accuracy and versatility compared to rifle calibers, with options like 9mm providing pinpoint precision at ranges up to 50 yards. Its affordability makes it accessible for regular practice, often at lower costs than similar rifle ammo, while still delivering dependable performance. The recoil is generally manageable, allowing for faster shooting in dynamic situations. AmmoSouth stands out by offering a vast selection from trusted brands, ensuring versatility across firearms and scenarios, with benefits like extended shelf life and consistent quality that outperform competitors.
Explore AmmoSouth’s extensive handgun ammunition collection today for unbeatable quality and pricing. Whether you’re gearing up for defense or competition, our expert-curated inventory ensures you’re equipped with the best—shop now and experience the difference!