{"id":5912,"date":"2024-02-09T22:19:06","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T22:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/?p=5912"},"modified":"2024-12-18T17:26:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T17:26:01","slug":"9mm-vs-45-acp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/","title":{"rendered":"9mm vs. .45 ACP &#8211; Caliber Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 9mm vs. .45 ACP debate is a contentious one among shooters. These two pistol calibers, created within four years of each other in the early 1900s, have both marked their place as popular defensive rounds in the modern day.<\/p>\n<p>Today we&#8217;re taking a look at the two rounds, how they differ, and how they stack up for self defense.<\/p>\n<h2>9mm vs. .45 ACP Quick Facts<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .45 ACP is bigger than the 9mm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no appreciable ballistic or stopping power advantage of the .45 ACP over the 9mm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm pistols will generally have higher magazine capacities than .45 ACP pistols<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both rounds are over 120 years old and have been service calibers for militaries and law enforcement agencies across the world<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Common 9mm bullet weights for 9mm rounds range from 115 to 147 grains, and traveling at 900 to 1300 fps velocities<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Common .45 ACP bullet weights range from 185 to 230 grains, and traveling at velocities from 700 to 1100 fps velocities<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">9mm ammo is generally cheaper than .45 ACP ammo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mc-shortcode\">\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__carousel\">\n                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/2\/52518ab602252513dbbfce4f836d4341.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Sellier & Bellot 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $269.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-luger-sellier-bellot-115-grain-fmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/5\/5522596c9e039b51c89a20587781ea90_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $273.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-9mm-luger-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-115-grain-fmj.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/d\/0\/d0080d110306af16f6cdd11b93acd3c4_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $279.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-luger-federal-ae-115gr-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/9\/1\/91f0ece6a1cce3e42c4221102ef1790d_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Blazer Brass 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-regular\">\n                              $279.99                           <\/div>\n                           <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $269.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-luger-blazer-brass-115-grain-fmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/8\/58e23f643cf95a2f634e28c7a1a13617.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Classic 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain Hi-Shok JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $22.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-classic-9mm-luger-50-rounds-of-115-grain-hi-shok-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"6\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/6\/a6ea9e9edb398c54de5904506339a45c_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 124 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $287.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-luger-federal-ae-124gr-fmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"7\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/6\/8\/683b3f4b03d9e0a203a23682ab1cf89e_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 124 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $15.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-luger-federal-ae-124gr-fmj-50.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__pagination\">\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-left\" onClick=\"handleMcGetPreviousSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"left icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-steps\">\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot mc-shortcode__nav-dot--selected\" data-slideIndex=\"2\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"4\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"6\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"8\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n            <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-right mc-shortcode__nav-right--active\" onClick=\"handleMcGetNextSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\" alt=\"right icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mc-shortcode\">\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__carousel\">\n                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/5\/55c94c5bb171d4f8077dcc8fd9ee6f15.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Sellier & Bellot 45 ACP Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 230 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $23.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45acp-sellier-bellot-230-grain-fmj-50.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/1\/f\/1f6d383a08e9d37f2e3a6401213a0c1c.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        PMC Bronze 45 ACP Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 230 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $464.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45acp-pmc-bronze-230gr-fmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/2\/f\/2ffe12e6983db295938aec35f346ed01_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP Ammunition - 20 Rounds of 165 Grain FTX HP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $33.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-45-acp-ammunition-20-rounds-of-165-grain-ftx-hp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/4\/a\/4a1287c4c152d451a7d365c6e115b988_2.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Winchester 45 ACP Ammunition - 500 Rounds of 230 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $254.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45acp-winchester-230gr-fmj-500.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/d\/c\/dccab992e06b7be56854aea14afd332f_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Lawman 45 ACP Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 230 Grain TMJ RN                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $26.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-lawman-45-acp-ammunition-50-rounds-of-230-grain-tmj.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"6\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/2\/a\/2a0a818ab99602894b5ada5c80601b85_4.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Lawman 45 ACP Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 230 Grain TMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-regular\">\n                              $468.99                           <\/div>\n                           <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $459.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45acp-speer-lawman-230gr-tmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"7\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/6\/c\/6c89689b02515f617d3f21a4f45c7e1d.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Sellier & Bellot 45 ACP Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 230 Grain FMJ                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-regular\">\n                              $454.99                           <\/div>\n                           <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $444.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45acp-sellier-bellot-230gr-fmj-1000.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=9mm-vs-45-acp\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__pagination\">\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-left\" onClick=\"handleMcGetPreviousSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"left icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-steps\">\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot mc-shortcode__nav-dot--selected\" data-slideIndex=\"2\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"4\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"6\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"8\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n            <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-right mc-shortcode__nav-right--active\" onClick=\"handleMcGetNextSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\" alt=\"right icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>9mm vs. .45 ACP Comparison Chart and Specifications<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5997 size-full\" title=\"9mm vs. .45 ACP\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions.jpg\" alt=\"a 9mm vs. .45 acp round marked with their overall lengths to compare size\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-1024x594.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-768x446.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-1536x892.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-200x116.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-750x435.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45dimensions-1140x662.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-211\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-211\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">9mm<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">.45 ACP<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Place of Origin<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">German Empire<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United States<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Designer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Georg Luger<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">John Browning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Year Designed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1901<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1904<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Parent Case<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">7.65x21mm Parabellum<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Type<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">rimless, tapered<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">rimless, straight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bullet Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.355\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.452\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.754\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.898\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Maximum Pressure (SAAMI)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">35,000 psi<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">21,000 psi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Common Velocities<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">900-1300 fps<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">700-1100 fps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Overall Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.169\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1.275\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-211 from cache -->\n<h3>9mm Ammo Specifications<\/h3>\n<p>The 9mm is one of the most popular rounds in the country for self defense, fun at the range, and competition. It&#8217;s also utilized by the military and law enforcement agencies across the country.<\/p>\n<p>Austrian firearms designer Georg Luger created the round in 1901, derived from his 7.65x21mm Parabellum round.<\/p>\n<p>Common bullet weights for the 9mm range from 115 to 147 grain, with velocities from 900 to 1300 fps. Nearly every major ammo manufacturer produces <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php\">9mm ammo<\/a>, meaning there are tons of ammo options available.<\/p>\n<h3>.45 ACP Specifications<\/h3>\n<p>The .45 ACP is also a popular handgun round, though its popularity has waned over the years with the growth in popularity of the 9mm round.<\/p>\n<p>Legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning developed the round in 1904 for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol. The U.S. military eventually adopted the round for use in the Colt M1911 pistol which served as the standard-issue sidearm from 1911 to 1985. The 1911 and .45 ACP round were then replaced by the Beretta M9 pistol chambered in 9mm.<\/p>\n<p>Common <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45-acp-ammo.php\">.45 ACP ammo<\/a> loadings have bullet weights ranging from 185 to 230 grains, with velocities ranging from 700 to 1100 fps.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm vs. .45 ACP Stopping Power<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6001 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol';\" title=\"9mm vs. .45 acp chronographing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1.jpg\" alt=\"a table set up at the range with pistols, a notebook, and ammo boxes, and a chronograph set up down range to measure velocities\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-1024x586.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-1536x879.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-200x114.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-750x429.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/chronographtesting-1-1140x652.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/>We\u2019ve all heard that one guy say, \u201cthe only reason I carry a .45 is because they don\u2019t make a .46.\u201d Or you&#8217;ve heard that shooter that says your defensive caliber should start with a &#8220;4.&#8221; This misguided advice is all too common.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shooters across the internet love to debate the stopping power of the 9mm vs. .45 ACP. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/stopping-power\/\">Stopping power<\/a> is essentially the measure of a cartridge\u2019s ability to incapacitate a target. Unfortunately, stopping power is a highly misunderstood topic in the shooting community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To answer the 9mm vs. .45 ACP stopping power debate up front: there is no real ballistic advantage to the .45 ACP over the 9mm. According to Vincent J. M. Di Maio in his book <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ojp.gov\/ncjrs\/virtual-library\/abstracts\/gunshot-wounds-practical-aspects-firearms-ballistics-and-forensic-0\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GUNSHOT WOUNDS: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201c&#8230;there is no appreciable difference in the effectiveness of the 9 mm and the .45 ACP cartridges.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A handgun cartridge\u2019s one wounding mechanism is direct damage to tissue from the bullet. This differs from rifle cartridges which have the added wounding mechanism of shock to surrounding organs from the bullet passing through.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means that the only reliable mechanism of stopping someone with a handgun round is to cause rapid blood loss or damage the central nervous system. How do we do this? With good shot placement and a bullet that adequately penetrates deep enough to hit vital organs and expands to cause tissue disruption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essentially, shot placement is key when discussing handgun stopping power, and the .45 ACP\u2019s larger size will not prevent you from needing to train with your gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm vs. .45 ACP Ballistics<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-210\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-210\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Muzzle Velocity<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-9mm-luger-ammunition-25-rounds-of-115-grain-ftx.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Hornady Critical Defense 115gr. FTX<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1126<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.501<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">324<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-le-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-124-grain-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Speer Gold Dot 124gr. JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1068<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">18.625<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.516<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">315<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-ronds-of-147-grain-hst-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Federal Premium LE HST 147gr. HP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">933<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.606<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">285<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-45-acp-ammunition-50-rounds-of-230-grain-hst-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">.45 ACP Federal Premium LE 230gr. HST JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">849<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.875<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.819<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">369<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-custom-45-acp-ammunition-20-rounds-of-200-grain-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">.45 ACP Hornady Custom 200gr. XTP JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">845<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.375<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.468<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">318<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">.45 ACP Black Hills 135gr. HoneyBadger<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1132<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15.375<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.452<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">385<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-210 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we know penetration and expansion are important factors in a pistol round\u2019s ballistic performance, we can see how the 9mm and .45 ACP stack up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We decided to test a few different 9mm and .45 ACP rounds in ballistic gel to get an idea of how they might perform. Using Clear Ballistic\u2019s 10% synthetic ballistic gel with a 4-layer fabric covering, we fired shots from a 10-foot distance, in line with the FBI\u2019s testing protocol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We look for penetration depth between 12 and 18 inches, per the FBI\u2019s standards. This correlates with rounds that adequately penetrate and reach vital organs without over-penetrating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We then dig the expanded bullets out of the ballistic gel to measure their expansion. Rounds that expand create a larger wound channel and prevent over-penetration. While there is no standard for expansion, experts in the field generally look for an expanded diameter of 150% the round\u2019s original size. For 9mm that is <strong>.533\u201d<\/strong> and .45 ACP that is <strong>.678\u201d<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind, these tests just give us an idea of how the rounds might perform and should not be the sole deciding factor when selecting a self defense round.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm Ballistic Test<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5995 size-full\" title=\"9mm ballistic test\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest.jpg\" alt=\"six 9mm rounds in ballistic gel with a 4-layer fabric covering\" width=\"2000\" height=\"874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-1024x447.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-1536x671.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-200x87.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-750x328.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmballistictest-1140x498.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-212\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-212\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Muzzle Velocity<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-9mm-luger-ammunition-25-rounds-of-115-grain-ftx.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Hornady Critical Defense 115gr. FTX<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1126<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.501<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">324<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-le-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-124-grain-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Speer Gold Dot 124gr. JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1068<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">18.625<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.516<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">315<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-ronds-of-147-grain-hst-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">9mm Federal Premium LE HST 147gr. HP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">933<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.606<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">285<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-212 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We used a Glock 48 with a 4.17\u201d barrel to test the 9mm rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of the three rounds tested, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-ronds-of-147-grain-hst-jhp.php\">Federal Premium LE HST 147gr. JHP<\/a> performed the best, penetrating between 12 and 18 inches while expanding greater than 1.5 times the round\u2019s original diameter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.45 ACP Ballistic Test<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5998 size-full\" title=\".45 acp ballistic test\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest.jpg\" alt=\"six .45 acp rounds in ballistic gel with a 4-layer fabric covering\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-1024x517.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-768x387.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-1536x775.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-200x101.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-750x378.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acpballistictest-1140x575.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-213\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-213\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Muzzle Velocity<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-45-acp-ammunition-50-rounds-of-230-grain-hst-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">.45 ACP Federal Premium LE 230gr. HST JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">849<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.875<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.819<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">369<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-custom-45-acp-ammunition-20-rounds-of-200-grain-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">.45 ACP Hornady Custom 200gr. XTP JHP<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">845<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">16.375<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.468<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">318<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Black Hills 135gr. HoneyBadger<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1132<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15.375<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.452<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">385<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-213 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We used a Dan Wesson Commander Classic with a 4.25\u201d barrel to test the .45 ACP rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-45-acp-ammunition-50-rounds-of-230-grain-hst-jhp.php\">Federal Premium LE 230gr. HST JHP<\/a> performed best out of the three rounds tested. With an average penetration of 12.875\u201d and an expansion of .8185\u201d, it met both markers we look for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other two rounds both struggled with adequate expansion, which is probably why they penetrated well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm vs. .45 ACP Recoil<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6002 size-full\" title=\"shooting a 1911\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1.jpg\" alt=\"the author shooting a 1911 pistol\" width=\"2000\" height=\"939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-1024x481.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-768x361.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-1536x721.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-750x352.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting1911-1-1140x535.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One point of advantage of the 9mm is that it has less recoil than the .45 ACP. Of course, a number of factors determine felt recoil, including gun size and weight, but generally speaking, the .45 ACP will have harsher recoil than 9mm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighter recoil can make for easier follow up shots, giving the 9mm round an advantage as a defensive caliber.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>9mm vs. .45 ACP Ammo Cost<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5999 size-full\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-size: 17px;\" title=\".45 acp rounds\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds.jpg\" alt=\"three .45 acp rounds in front of a 1911 trigger\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1064\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-1024x545.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-768x409.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-1536x817.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-200x106.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-750x399.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/45acprounds-1140x606.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to ammo costs, the 9mm has the advantage over the .45 ACP. Range rounds for 9mm can sometimes be found for half the price of .45 ACP range rounds.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm vs. .45 ACP Gun Options &amp; Capacities<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6013\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6013\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6013 size-full\" title=\"glock and 1911\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols.jpg\" alt=\"a 9mm glock 48 pistol next to a .45 ACP dan wesson commander classic pistol\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-1536x824.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-200x107.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-750x402.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmvs45pistols-1140x612.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6013\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 9mm Glock 48 pistol (left) has a standard capacity of 10+1. The .45 ACP Dan Wesson Commander Classic has a standard capacity of 8+1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, let\u2019s get an idea of the general gun options and magazine capacities you\u2019ll find with the 9mm vs. .45 ACP.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, the 9mm is going to have larger magazine capacities than the .45 ACP because the rounds are smaller. Because we know that shot placement matters, having extra rounds can be a huge advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a wide variety of 9mm pistols available. The most popular 9mm pistols for everyday carry are compact and subcompact, striker-fired 9mms with capacities ranging from 6 to 20 rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classic .45 ACP pistol that most shooters are familiar with is the classic 1911. This single stack, single action, steel-frame handgun has seen two world wars and is still popular today. The classic 1911 has a 5\u201d barrel and a standard capacity of 7 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, there are other .45 ACP pistols than the 1911. For example, the Glock 30 and Glock 36 are subcompact pistols chambered in .45 ACP with standard magazine capacities of 10-rounds and 6-rounds, respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5994 size-full\" title=\"9mm vs. .45 acp ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds.jpg\" alt=\"three rounds of 9mm next to three rounds of .45 acp\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mm45acprounds-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As we&#8217;ve covered, the 9mm cartridge has similar ballistic performance to the .45 ACP, allows you to carry more rounds, has light recoil, and is cheaper than the .45 ACP. It certainly seems like the better option between to the two rounds. That being said, if you&#8217;re training with your carry gun and using quality ammo, there&#8217;s nothing wrong with .45 ACP being your caliber of choice.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you choose the 9mm or .45 ACP, be sure you head to the range regularly for practice and load up with the best ammo you can!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=9mmvs45acp9mm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5816 size-full\" title=\"shop 9mm ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo.jpg\" alt=\"a box of winchester 9mm ammo and three rounds with text that says click here to shop top 9mm ammo\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1024x529.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-768x397.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1536x793.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-200x103.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-750x387.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1140x589.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/45-acp-ammo.php?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=9mmvs45acp45acp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5743 size-full\" title=\"shop .45 acp ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp.jpg\" alt=\"a box and three rounds of 45 acp ammo with text that says shop .45 acp ammo here\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-1024x561.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-768x421.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-1536x842.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-200x110.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-750x411.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop45acp-1140x625.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction--text b-share-calltoaction-text\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction-text__header\">\n<h2>Share this article with your friends!<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"b-social-icons clearfix\">\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon facebook\">&nbsp;Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/home?status=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon twitter\">&nbsp;Twitter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon linkedin\">&nbsp;LinkedIn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon pinterest\">&nbsp;Pinterest<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 9mm vs. .45 ACP debate is a contentious one among shooters. These two pistol calibers, created within four years&hellip;<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-item-meta\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/clock.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" alt=\"\"><time class=\"published\" datetime=\"2024-02-09T22:19:06+00:00\">Feb. 09, 2024<\/time><\/span><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/comment.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\">No comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/9mm-vs-45-acp\/\"><span>Read more <\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/chevron-right.svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5996,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-range-training","category-self-defense"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5912"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5912\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6815,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5912\/revisions\/6815"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}