In .45 ACP vs 9mm, is the .45 still the top self-defense choice? 9mm vs. .45. This is an extremely important factor to consider. But I still think there are much better alternatives out there. From World War 1 to Desert Storm, the 45 ACP is a big bore bullet that deals with big-bore damage. I'm not taking any chances with either.  :grin: Honestly, as a former military member myself...I hate the Beretta. Please note, the following information reflects the estimated average ballistics for each caliber and does not pertain to a particular manufacturer, bullet weight, or jacketing type. Be the first to know about sales, surplus items, and new products. A 9mm round can have anywhere from eight to sixteen inches of penetration, while a .45 will have anywhere from eleven to fourteen inches. You said there are better alternatives out there than the Beretta, but you have to remember, when the M9 was adopted, it was state of the art for high cap pistols.  Polymer pistols hadn't really taken off yet. Our comparison can help you to choose right bulk ammo for your shooting needs. but weekly training using 500 rounds per week makes proficiency on any caliber more desirable.  i'm pretty sure i can hit 6x headshots within 12 feet during panic with a .22. i wish i could afford to shoot as many rounds at the range with the other calibers. Almost all handguns chambered for the 9mm boast a high round count, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.The 9mm’s case measures 9.93mm in diameter while the .45 ACP’s measures 12.2mm in diameter. The LR stands for long rifle, but this tiny cartridge is extremely popular in pistols, rifles, and everything else. There has always been a debate over the best caliber for self-defense. 9mm vs .40 S&W Conclusion If you can’t decide between a 9mm and a .40 S&W, try them out and see what you like. 5.7x28mm VS 9mm Cost. The large-bore fan might proclaim, “Take a 147-grain 9mm bullet that might be going 950 to 980 fps from a compact pistol, and a 180-grain .40 S&W that might be doing the same velocity. I understand your scenario and would still choose the single .45ACP ... you have to be confident in your shooting skills to carry a .45 in the first place, given the quantity limitations of the magazines of most .45's compared to smaller/lesser calibers. That’s 46% more rounds than a .45 carries… and you’re likely to get at least 3 of your rounds into your attacker. March 8, 2016. There are those who are adamant that .45 caliber is the best, due to its stopping power. To me it's far more reliable and better made than the  GI issue 1911.  And I don't think the .45 ball ammo is the holy grail of knock down power that many make it up to be.  I carried it for over 10 years while I was in and don't recall one single issue with any of the Berettas I was issued.  Having said that, I agree with you that it is too big and bulky for anything but military or police duty.  I would maybe consider it for open carry.  I have med/large hands, so grip size or working the safety was never an issue.  Plus, my hands are of a size that it's pretty easy to reach up with my left thumb and flip the safety, as well (I'm right handed).  (Funny thing also, I don't know if it was intended to do this, but my issued holster, a Bianchi, whenever I drew my M9, the safety would flick off because of the holster.  If that's not intentional, I think they should make it so.)Â. 9mm vs 45 vs 40: Finding the Balance. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge holds bullets that have a diameter of .452 inches (11.5mm) so it is slightly larger than the 9mm (.355 inch bullets). .45 ACP vs 9mm comparison. But I digress, I am a huge proponent of .45ACP for carry but that's not to say that my carry involves a 1911 pistol. 17 +1 (9mm Luger) 19 +1 (9mm Luger) 24 +1 (9mm Luger) 31 +1 (9mm Luger) 33 +1 (9mm Luger) Winner: Tie Well, we argue that the .38 Special is still a super relevant caliber today. As to my second point, 28gr x 8 = 224gr. The little 22LR is used in both revolvers like the Ruger Wrangler and automatics like the Taurus TX 22. This round starts with a velocity of … The world of handguns is full of various calibers, ranging from the ultra-powerful 500 S&W to the teeny tiny but blistering fast 17 HMR. Right, but that's not an option in the given scenario.  :). The 45 ACP is also one of the easiest rounds to suppress. Bullet Penetration. .22 or a 9mm can both be the right option for beginners or for an inexperienced shooter. They lowered the standards of the test, and ended up taking the Beretta over the Sig because Beretta's bid was lower. Followers 1.22 vs 9mm vs .45. 9mm Ballistics. There has always been a debate over the best caliber for self-defense. The saying The Quick And The Dead was true. 9mm vs .40 vs .45 Debate | Which Is Better for Self-Defense? Now let me add a little something about 9mm vs .45. I personally prefer 9mm due to it being much more economical for me to shoot. The 45 ACP as a defensive round is often overshadowed by the capable and higher capacity 9mm round. The 9mm and .45 caliber pistols are two of the most popular choices for personal protection. The .45 ACP, .40 S&W or 9mm are the most commonly argued for calibers. Copyright 2020 Classic Firearms, LLC. In typical documented personal self defense situations are their ever more than a few shots fired?I would be curious to know the statistics. Just following the weight limit rules you initially set? Becasuse if you're getting into the size of the .45, as you say, all else being equal, the 1x .45, 2x 9mm and 6x .22s all have the same mass, just spread out over an area. Rimfire Power. 9mm vs .40 vs .45: Wound Placement In the hunting world, a debate lasted for decades between master hunters Jack O’Connor, who did much to popularize the light, fast .270 Winchester rifle cartridge, and Elmer Keith , who was a vociferous advocate of large calibers and … I'm new to shooting and I've only been to the the range 7-8 times, but I didn't think I would be this bad with my 9mm's. Caliber Facts. 17 +1 (9mm Luger) 19 +1 (9mm Luger) 24 +1 (9mm Luger) 31 +1 (9mm Luger) 33 +1 (9mm Luger) I have weapons in all three calibers and based on shooting experience this is what I'd say.T here's many others on here with more experience who will join in I'm sure. I typically avoid these posts cuz most will never agree. Another alternative would be the FNH FiveseveN pistol. Microgunner said it best -- everything in life is a compromise.  Smaller calibers equal more capacity, lower recoil (thus faster follow on shots), smaller firearms, and more maneuverable, but less power and range.  Higher calibers equal more power and range, but higher recoil (slower follow up shots), larger firearms, lower capacity, less maneuverable. I gotta go with the .45ACP on this one ... just for sheer trauma and wound cavity. Both rounds certainly have their place when it comes to plinking. .38special +P 5 shot revolver for everything else.  I have carried my Beretta 92 often but I always go back to my Para P12. So the advantage of the larger calibers is a greater chance of a one shot stop and the advantage of the smaller calibers is faster shots on target. Here's a hypothetical I have cooked up in my brain. The competitors with the Air Force testing were: Beretta 92S-1, Colt SSP, Smith & Wesson 459, FN DA, FN FA, FN High Power, Star M28, Heckler & Koch P9S and H&K VP70. 1. Bullet Penetration. i train with a .22 because it's cheaper which result to more range time. When the rubber hits the road, either a .22 or a 9mm can both be the first gun for an inexperienced shooter. Penetration between the 9mm and .45 is fairly even, though the 9mm has the slightest edge overall. Ø R1 10,77 … I'll still take my .45's for civi carry duty. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. However, it shoots it much faster, with much less recoil, and 9mm handguns have a higher capacity. In this segment of “Cameras Don't Lie,” competitive shooters Patrick Sweeney and Jim Tarr head to the range to put the vaunted loads on … 9mm vs .38 Special – Conceal and Carry. Any question of the 9 mm’s lethality, or stopping power, has been put to rest with the relatively recent technological advancements in self-defense 9 mm ammo. 3. I will be happy to put my .45 marksmanship skills up to the test, whatever that test may be. The .45 & 9mm only have an advantage in near misses where the larger temporary wound channel would damage nearby vital organs, but a direct hit (heart, brain or major vessel) from any of these three calibers will yield similar results IMO. The less costing of ammo ($35 per 500 for 22 vs. $45 for a box of 50 9mm) would mean you could learn to become a good shot for less money. Two of the most popular calibers in the United States are the 9mm Luger and the 22 long rifle. True, but one of the military contract competitors was the Sig Sauer P226.....which was not chosen, and in my opinion is FAR superior to the Beretta in almost every way. 22 LR vs. 9mm vs. 45 ACP The world of handguns is full of various calibers, ranging from the ultra-powerful 500 S&W to the teeny tiny but blistering fast 17 HMR. Gun Reviews. We examine which of these popular cartridges makes for the best defensive load. Tactical 22 Accessories ; Ammunition .22 vs 9mm vs .45 Sign in to follow this . That’s a difference of 22.86% in cartridge diameter favoring the 9mm as far as ammo capacity.For comparison, the magazine of a full-size double stack 1911 (informally referred to as a 201… The age-old question, 9mm vs .45 ACP. Comparisons. The main difference between the 9mm and .45 is the size of their rounds. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. I am considering getting a self defense pistol, full size in either 45ACP or 10mm. In the second the 6 .22's fired together would be equivlent to a 00 shotgun shell, and that ain't good. Although they are both handguns, there are distinct differences between them that a buyer should consider. 12 gauge at home. My 5.7 holds 20 or 30rds, depending on which mags I have in it. Well since most people using a handgun in self defense empty the magazine should the question be 10 .22s, 15 9mms or 8 .45s  ;D Sorry had to be the smart alec. There are those who are adamant that .45 caliber is the best, due to its stopping power. 9mm vs .40 vs .45 Debate | Which Is Better for Self-Defense? The 9mm a little less damage, but to two areas. Be the first to know about contests, surplus items, and new releases! Two 9mm rounds if good hollowpoints will produce two massive wound cavities, vs a single wound cavity from (1) 45 round. Display as a link instead, × With that being said, in the United States, the three most popular pistol cartridges are the 22 LR, the 9mm, and the all-American 45 ACP. The 9mm cartridge also delivers less felt recoil than similar calibers, While a .22 LR has a felt recoil measured in ounces, a 124 grain 9mm round generates around 4.5 lbs of felt recoil while the larger 160 grain .40 S&W generates 50% more felt recoil – coming in at 6.3 lbs on average. All rights reserved. Truthfully, all of these calibers are awesome. As we've discussed before, everything is a compromise, as was the M9 for the military.  You said there are better alternatives out there than the Beretta, but you have to remember, when the M9 was adopted, it was state of the art for high cap pistols.  Polymer pistols hadn't really taken off yet.  Nowadays, since polymer pistols don't have metal frames, you can double stack a lot more rounds into a skinnier grip.  So things have changed since then.  So it's easy to say there are better things out there now, but not necessarily when it was adopted.  And I also think you have to take a look at the big picture -- you said the M9 is a poor choice for military service, then you later had a whole paragraph of the faults of the 1911 -- those are huge issues, and have to be taken into account.  From your own words, it looks to me like a 1911 is a poor choice for general military service. Anyone that’s shot both a 10mm and a 9mm round certainly understands that these two cartridges are different.