- When you’re shopping for ammo, you’ll most definitely come across .380 ACP cartridges. The .380 is also known as 9mm short. .380 is used in compact and sub-compact pistols.
- The second type of 9mm is the 9x18mm Makarov. The 9mm Makarov was standard in the Soviet Union’s military. The cartridge is used in semi-automatic pistols and sub-machine guns.
9mm Bullet Sizes (Source)
Types of Bullets
9mm rounds come in a variety of bullet types. The most common are:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): FMJ bullets have a saft core made of mostly lead. They are encased in wan outer metal shell. Experts don’t recommend full metal jacket ammo for self-defense because they over penetrate the target. So, if your attacker was standing in front of other people, you might hit someone else as collateral.
Hollow Points: Hollow points are preferred by experienced shooters because of how they penetrate targets. They are the most common rounds used by private citizens and law-enforcement in 9mm pistols.
When the bullet enters the target, the core and jacket fold outwards creating a mushroom shape. Because hollow points have a wider surface area, they create a larger wound cavity with less penetration.
5 Of the Best 9mm Rounds for Self Defense
There are a lot of good self-defense bullets on the market today. We’ve listed a few to help you get started with your research on 9mm rounds.
- Winchester PDX1 Defender – The FBI has contracted the PDX1 as one the ammo types they use. The PDX1 is reliable and penetrates up to 14.75” and expands about .58”.
- Hornady Critical Defense 115 Grain – Normally, the nose of hollow point tips would get clogged with debris which leads to the tip not expanding and the bullet over penetrating the target. Hornady’s critical defense bullets are filled with a flexible material in the hollow tip. The material prevents the hollow tip from getting clogged and allows the bullet to penetrate properly.
- Speer 115-Grain Gold Dot – Globally, Speer Gold Dot is the number one choice for law enforcement. Most of the time, it will be easier to find these rounds in bulk since they are primarily used by police agencies. The reason why so many agencies use Gold Dot rounds is because they are very good at traveling through thick clothing and barriers, making them a great choice for self defense as well.
- Sig Sauer Elite Performance – These rounds are typically used for target shooting, but they can also be used for self-defense. They aren’t designed for deep penetration of flesh but they still have enough stopping power to get the job done if you are getting attacked.
Handgun with 9mm bullets (Source)
- Remington 115-Grain HTP P+ – Remington 115g round have a bit more velocity and less felt recoil. Both factors result in a good self-defense bullet that has excellent expansion, penetration, and control.
Ammo Auctions at Compass Auctions
Our Ammo & Accessories auction has a selection of 9mm rounds that you could use for self-defense. The auction includes rounds from well known brands including Winchester, Remington, Hornady, and more. You’ll also find a variety of other calibers including 17HMR, 45Auto, 38spl, 5.56, and .308 ACP. Pre-bidding for the auction is open now! The auction will begin to close tomorrow, February 24th, at 6pm ET. Bids will be accepted online only. If you have any questions about the auction, give us a call at 800-729-6466 or email info@soldoncompass.com.
About Compass Auctions
Compass Auctions and Real Estate hosts monthly auctions featuring heavy equipment, firearms and ammo, industrial equipment, vehicles, jewelry and collectibles, and restaurant equipment. Our team is here to help! If you have questions about any of the items for auction, call 800-729-6466 or send an email to info@soldoncompass.com.
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