Best 9mm Ammo | Outdoor Life

The 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge was invented over 120 years in the past, and it’s nonetheless the most well-liked handgun cartridge on this planet at present. It has a protracted and assorted historical past, however it’s secure to say that even whereas enduring the present ammo scarcity, shooters have all kinds of 9mm ammo for self-defense and 9mm ammo for apply to select from. Even higher, trendy 9mm bullets have elevated these hundreds to the very best 9mm ammo in historical past. The 9mm now has comparable terminal efficiency to some extra highly effective cartridges.

There are many metrics by which ammo might be in contrast, and choosing the easiest is at all times going to be a matter of how you propose to make use of it. For instance, you’ll discover that 9mm ammo for self-defense is far completely different (and dearer) than 9mm ammo for apply. The following listing consists of my very own most popular ammo for all kinds of purposes.

More 9mm Ammo for Self-Defense

9mm Ammo for Practice

Things to Consider Before Buying 9mm Ammo

Application and Use

The most necessary factor to think about once you’re shopping for 9mm ammo is what you’ll be utilizing it for. If you’re shopping for 9mm ammo for self-defense, you need high quality bullets designed for optimum penetration and efficient terminal efficiency. Cheap FMJ or different 9mm goal ammo is inferior. If you’re wanting ammo to apply with, extra reasonably priced goal or plinking ammo can be your most suitable option. Still, it’s smart to match the grain weight of your carry or defensive 9mm ammo. If you’re desirous to shoot primarily by way of a suppressor and have the quietest report potential, heavier 9mm subsonic ammo will normally be your most suitable option.

Cost

Just like another load, 9mm ammo varies in value. The most reasonably priced 9mm rounds are normally 115-grain FMJ goal and plinking hundreds. You can discover them for round $20 per field of fifty rounds, and cheaper per-round should you purchase in bulk. The greatest 9mm ammo for self-defense is normally way more costly, however when your life could also be at stake, it’s price spending the additional cash. The greatest 9mm ammo for self-defense will normally value about $1.75 per spherical.

Why It Made the Cut

Federal Premium’s +P Solid Core load has a deep-penetrating solid 147-grain bullet with an artificial jacket to scale back fouling. Penetration is what counts in a defensive scenario with huge animals.

Key Features

• 147-grain strong lead bullet
• Syntech artificial jacket
• Nickel-plated brass and sealed primer
• Velocity: 1120 fps
• $39.49 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Deep Penetration
• No lead fouling
• Nickel circumstances and sealed primers are weather-resistant

Cons

Product Description

Although the 10mm Auto is mostly a greater possibility for carry in grizzly nation, the 9mm generally is a viable possibility for backcountry carry if that’s all you’ve obtained. The key to creating the 9mm an efficient animal protection cartridge is a bullet that may penetrate. Most 9mm ammo for self protection expands quickly and is designed for restricted penetration. Federal Premium’s Solid Core line is designed to ship a 147-grain synthetic-jacketed lead bullet at 1,120 ft per second—which is barely sooner than Buffalo Bore’s +P Outdoorsman load.

The complete artificial jacket on this bullet prevents any lead fouling, which might be an annoying situation with some pistols when capturing plain hard-cast hundreds. The nickel-plated case and sealed primer make for clean biking, they usually resist the weather. This 9mm ammo is meant for a easy activity: deep penetration. It absolutely accomplishes that mission.

Why It Made the Cut

Federal Premium’s HST bullet is a stalwart performer in 9mm ammo for self protection. It expands quickly and uniformly, maintains weight, and offers optimum penetration and terminal efficiency.

Key Features

• 124-grain jacketed hole level
• Segmented jacket for uniform growth
• Nickel-plated brass and sealed primer
• Velocity: 1150 fps
• Price: $32.99 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Rapid, uniform growth
• Optimal penetration for self protection
• Reliable feeding

Cons

• Leading edges of hole level might be broken if cartridges are dropped

Product Description

There is a lot of competitors within the sport of 9mm ammo for self-defense, and many glorious selections. However, my favourite defensive load is Federal Premium’s 124-grain HST hole level. The HST bullet is likely one of the greatest 9mm bullets with probably the most constant growth for self-defense available on the market. It strikes a pleasant stability between mass, velocity, and terminal efficiency.

The HST contains a gaping hole level and scored jacket to direct growth into six equal-sized petals. It’s designed to maximise efficiency within the FBI’s testing protocol. It expands reliably by way of quite a lot of limitations and is constructed to retain weight with out over-penetration. It’s correct, dependable, and a very good alternative for any carry gun.

Why It Made the Cut

This 9mm ammo options Hornady’s dependable and deep-penetrating XTP hole level, and at 115-grains, is softer capturing than heavier 9mm rounds for self-defense—particularly in micro-compact 9mm pistols.

Key Features

• 115-grain XTP jacketed hole level
• Small hole level opening with notched jacket
• Brass case
• Velocity: 1155 fps
• Price: $19.99 per 25 rounds

Pros

• Deep Penetration
• Good growth
• Lower recoil
• Affordable for self-defense ammo

Cons

• XTP doesn’t develop as dramatically as another 9mm bullets for self-defense

Product Description

Hornady’s American Gunner 115-grain XTP is a high quality 9mm spherical for self-defense at an reasonably priced value. The XTP bullet is a reliable hole level that has a smaller opening and extra restricted growth than another defensive 9mm ammo. The profit is that it retains a lot of weight and penetrates effectively. In a 115-grain providing, it has good velocity for each growth and penetration—and has much less recoil than many 124- and 147-grain 9mm rounds.

In micro-compact 9mm pistols, this 115-grain load may be very soft-recoiling, however nonetheless performs and features effectively. Some hundreds with heavier bullets and +P pressures make these tiny handguns beasts to tame, however decrease recoil hundreds like this permit a shooter to be extra correct and efficient.

Why It Made the Cut

Nosler’s Assured Stopping Power 147-grain 9mm ammo is made with high quality parts and bullets which are designed to develop reliably at subsonic velocities. Fired by way of a suppressor, it’s pussycat-quiet, and feeds easily in each pistol and PCC I may run it by way of.

Key Features

• 147-grain jacketed hole level
• Rounded, notched jacket
• Nosler brass
• Velocity: 950 fps
• $36.49 per 50 rounds

Pros

• Good growth and weight retention
• Subsonic in any pistol and most PCC’s
• Clean and exact parts
• Great value

Cons

• Not as very best for all-around protection as among the sooner 124-grain JHP’s.

Product Description

Nosler’s ASP 147-grain load is premium 9mm ammo at a fantastic value. It’s jacketed hole level is clear and exact, with a notched jacket to direct growth, even at its gradual, subsonic velocities. The bullet has a extra rounded profile than another hole factors which appears to make them feed with nice reliability.

The 950-fps muzzle velocity is gradual sufficient to remain subsonic, even when fired by way of most longer PCC barrels, and is ultra-quiet when fired by way of a suppressor. That’s the place this ammo actually shines. It’s a fantastic alternative in 9mm ammo for self-defense or house protection in a handgun, however I actually prefer it in my Kalashnikov USA KP-9 with a suppressor.

More 9mm Ammo for Self-Defense

Why It Made the Cut

Underwood’s 90-grain Extreme Defender load contains a Lehigh Defense Extreme Defense bullet at blistering velocity. It’s designed for glorious barrier penetration and dramatic wound cavities.

Key Features

• 90-grain Lehigh Defense Extreme Defense Bullet
• Monolithic Copper bullet with fluting on the nostril
• +P+ stress score
• Velocity: 1550 fps
• $34.99 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Excellent barrier penetration
• Fluting causes dramatic wound cavities
• Lead-free
• Lower recoil than heavier bullets

Cons

• +P+ will not be secure for some 9mm pistols

Product Description

Underwood Ammo is likely one of the hottest producers of manufacturing facility ammo utilizing Lehigh Defense’s mono-metal Extreme Defense and Extreme Penetrator bullets. This load, which options the 90-grain Extreme Defense bullet, is all about velocity. It’s loaded to excessive +P+ pressures and pushes the bullet out at a screaming 1550 fps. Check your pistol’s handbook to see if this ammunition is secure to make use of earlier than shopping for.

The Extreme Defense bullet is all-copper and has a degree that’s fluted and appears like a Phillips screwdriver. The minimal entrance floor space and strong development give the bullet nice hard-barrier penetration skills, and the flutes act to direct hydraulic stress in such a manner that it causes a wound cavity like that produced by a hole level. At such excessive velocities, it’s sure to be efficient.

Why It Made the Cut

Winchester’s USA Ready Defense is a good possibility for 9mm ammo for self-defense. It feeds and cycles reliably, and has a Hex-Vent insert to stop clogging of the hole level and assist growth.

Key Features

• 124-grain hole level with notched jacket
• Hex-Vent insert prevents clogging and drives uniform growth
• +P stress score
• Velocity: 1200 fps
• $22.49 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Nickel-plated circumstances cycle effectively
• Insert helps drive uniform growth
• Rounded hole level edges don’t deform as simply as different bullets
• Great velocity for 124-grain hundreds

Cons

• +P will not be secure for some 9mm pistols

Product Description

Winchester’s USA Ready Defense rounds function a nickel-plated case and a wide-opening hole level bullet. The jacket is folded over the sting of the hole level and notched on the very prime. These bullets are extra immune to deformation than others if dropped by chance. The most characterizing function is the Hex-Vent insert within the hole level cavity itself.

The cavity of the hole level is deep and stuffed with the polymer insert that options six radial slots. The objective of this insert is to stop clogging of the cavity itself when penetrating limitations, but additionally to drive dramatic growth. This 9mm ammo’s +P stress score means it won’t be secure to fireplace in all pistols, however it delivers best-in-class velocities for 124-grain bullets. If it’s secure in your pistol, this can be a nice possibility for 9mm ammo for self protection.

Why It Made the Cut

Speer’s Gold Dot hole level is likely one of the standard-setters in the case of optimum defensive efficiency. In the 124-grain +P 9mm ammo, it’s a stellar possibility in your carry gun.

Key Features

• 124-grain Gold Dot hole level
• Uni-Cor bonding for weight retention
• Nickel-plated circumstances
• Velocity: 1220 fps
• $31.99 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Nickel-plated circumstances
• Excellent growth and weight retention
• Optimal penetration for defensive bullets
• glorious velocity for 124-grain hundreds

Cons

• +P will not be secure for some 9mm pistols

Product Description

Speer’s Gold Dot hole level bullet is likely one of the greatest defensive 9mm bullets available on the market, and their 124-grain +P 9mm ammo is a superb alternative for self-defense. It options the Gold Dot bullet that has a pressure-formed core, Uni-Cor bonding, and a notched jacket. The bullets develop dramatically and uniformly, optimizing penetration and wound cavity.

Speer’s on-the-box slogan is that Gold Dot is the primary alternative of legislation enforcement, and whereas we are able to’t confirm that, we are able to confirm that the bullets are correct and efficient, and the ammunition runs fantastically in each gun I’ve put it by way of. The +P pressures give it a step up in velocity from commonplace 9mm ammo for self-defense, and it’s a superb alternative in your carry gun.

Why It Made the Cut

Remington’s Golden Saber jacketed hole factors have been available on the market ceaselessly, and beneath new possession, Remington continues to be rolling them out. They develop dramatically and provides optimum penetration for 9mm self-defense ammo.

Key Features

• 147-grain brass-jacketed hole level
• Jacket “hot-bonded” to core
• Smaller nostril diameter than authentic Golden Saber
• Velocity: 990 fps
• $28.99 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Dramatic growth
• Good weight retention
• Great for suppressors
• Smaller-diameter nostril feeds effectively

Cons

• Heavier recoil than hundreds with lighter bullets

Product Description

Among long-standing selections of 9mm ammo for self-defense, the Remington Golden Saber has held its personal. After their chapter debacle, Remington Ammunition is again in enterprise beneath the possession of Vista Outdoors and is cranking out high quality ammo. The Golden Saber is a superb 9mm spherical for self-defense. It is characterised by its brass-jacketed hole level bullet with spiral-angled notches within the jacket on the level. When expanded, the brass jacket petals peel again, and the core flattens, sustaining most of its weight.

The 147-grain Golden Saber 9mm ammo is subsonic, and glorious for utilizing with a suppressor. The bullet is designed to develop quickly at low velocities and has a bonded jacket and core to take care of weight and penetrate between 12 and 18 inches.

Why It Made the Cut

Sig-Sauer’s V-Crown jacketed hole level load is made with high quality parts and an ultra-uniformly increasing bullet that’s optimized for self protection

Key Features

• 124-grain V-Crown jacketed hole level
• Deep star-shaped hole level cavity
• Low-flash propellant
• Velocity: 1165 fps
• $15.99 per 20 rounds

Pros

• Dramatic uniform growth
• Good velocity
• Optimal penetration for self protection
• Nickel-plated circumstances

Cons

• Edges of hole level might be deformed if dropped

Product Description

Neck and neck with the Federal Premium HST, the Sig-Sauer V-Crown hole level is likely one of the most uniformly increasing 9mm rounds for self-defense available on the market. The open jacketed hole level has a deep cavity with a six-pointed star-shaped cavity that goes even deeper into the core. The factors align with notches on the jacket, and mixed, they drive constant, flower-shaped growth.

This 9mm ammo makes use of low-flash powder, and high quality parts, together with nickel-plated circumstances. It’s proper up there with all the very best 9mm rounds for self-defense in velocity, terminal efficiency, and performance.

9mm Ammo for Practice

Why It Made the Cut

This apply ammo from Federal Premium matches the ballistics and really feel of the 124-grain HST 9mm ammo for self-defense. The complete artificial jacket reduces bore fouling and offers minimal splash again on onerous targets.

Key Features

• 124-grain flat level complete artificial jacket bullet
• Matches 124-grain HST ballistics and level of influence
• Brass case
• Velocity: 1150 fps
• $32.49 per 50 rounds

Pros

• Can be used as a direct apply substitute for carry ammo
• Minimal fouling
• Minimal splash on metal targets
• Recognizable by colour

Cons

• Only very best for apply and competitors

Product Description

Since 9mm ammo for self-defense is usually costly, shooters usually use cheaper, non-expanding apply ammo. This 124-grain 9mm ammo from Federal is designed to imitate the ballistics and really feel of the 124-grain HST self-defense load. It has a flat-pointed lead bullet with a complete artificial jacket. This reduces value and gilded metallic fouling in your bore—and prevents the lead fouling that you simply’d see with easy solid bullets.

The artificial coating of this 9mm ammo is purple and immediately recognizable. It’s an correct possibility for aggressive shooters and features effectively in each pistols and PCC’s. Frankly, it’s a fantastic apply substitute for any 124-grain 9mm self-defense ammo that you simply would possibly carry.

Why It Made the Cut

Blazer Brass is likely one of the most obtainable and reasonably priced choices for 9mm apply ammo. It’s obtained reloadable brass, and in 124-grains, is a good apply substitute for defensive hundreds.

Key Features

• 124-grain full metallic jacket bullet
• Boxer-primed
• Brass case
• Velocity: 1090 fps
• $24.49 per 50 rounds

Pros

• Great plinking ammo
• Good apply substitute for 124-grain defensive ammo
• Good for classic army 9mm pistols
• Affordable

Cons

Product Description

CCI’s Blazer Brass is an reasonably priced apply ammo that options reloadable brass circumstances (versus the aluminum circumstances of the usual Blazer ammo). It’s a easy 124-grain full metallic jacket bullet that’s about 60-70 fps slower than your common 124-grain 9mm ammo for self-defense, which common round 1150-1160 fps.

Despite being a bit slower, this 9mm ammo is a good apply substitute in your 124-grain carry ammo, or fulfilling purely as plinking and enjoyable fodder. I’ve discovered it to perform effectively in classic 9mm army pistols just like the Radom VIS 35 that had been designed for 124-grain ball ammo.

Why It Made the Cut

Winchester’s 147-grain FMJ goal load is subsonic and glorious for mimicking 147-grain self protection 9mm ammo or capturing by way of a suppressor for enjoyable.

Key Features

• 147-grain full metallic jacket bullet
• Brass case
• Velocity: 990 fps
• $39.99 per 50 rounds

Pros

• Great plinking ammo
• Good apply substitute for 147-grain defensive ammo
• Great for suppressors

Cons

Product Description

Winchester’s white-box 147-grain full metallic jacket load is sweet 9mm ammo for apply and plinking. It’s easy and reasonably priced, and the 990 fps velocity carefully mimics hundreds just like the Remington Golden Saber and Nosler ASP 147-grain. If these hundreds are what you want to make use of for 9mm self-defense ammo, this load is an efficient possibility for apply. The easy FMJ bullet is seated in a brass Winchester case with commonplace Winchester WSP primer.

This 147-grain 9mm ammo can be subsonic and may be very quiet in suppressors on each pistols and PCC’s.

Why It Made the Cut

Winchester’s 147-grain FMJ goal load is subsonic and glorious for mimicking 147-grain self-defense 9mm ammo or capturing by way of a suppressor for enjoyable.

Key Features

• 115-grain full metallic jacket bullet
• Brass case
• Velocity: 1145 fps
• $20.49 per 50 rounds

Pros

• Good for plinking
• Low recoil
• Affordable

Cons

• Not very best for self-defense

Product Description

Remington’s UMC handgun ammo is again in manufacturing together with their premium self-defense ammo. The UMC 115-grain full metallic jacket is among the greatest 9mm apply ammo you may get. It’s reasonably priced, reloadable, and light-weight recoiling.

The 115-grain bullet has a velocity of 1145 fps and would probably be shut sufficient to imitate many 124-grain 9mm rounds for self-defense—shut sufficient for apply anyway. Whether you’re performing some critical coaching or simply going to the vary to have enjoyable, that is among the greatest 9mm ammo for apply and plinking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best 9mm Ammo

If there’s something for 9mm shooters to rejoice about, it’s that we’ve a lot of nice ammo choices. Even within the doldrums of an ammo scarcity, firms have been pumping out 9mm like loopy. We have extra selections (and more practical selections) for 9mm ammo for self-defense than ever earlier than.

Although I’ve my very own preferences, you actually can’t go mistaken with any possibility on this listing, and there are lots of extra respectable hundreds that didn’t make the reduce. The 9mm could also be historical when it comes to trendy cartridges, however it’s nonetheless extra standard than ever.