9mm Ammo

9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum, and 9x19 Parabellum all refer to the same cartridge. 9mm NATO refers to a specific load but is dimensionally identical to the others. 9mm NATO is usually a little hotter than 9mm Luger, often around 1,200/fps vs. 1,150/fps and will typically have a heavier bullet (124-gr. vs. 115-gr.).

For the vast majority of Americans that carry, yes. The number of different carry pistols, the variety of loads, and the accessory aftermarket for 9mm Luger are all major reasons why people choose this cartridge. 

This cartridge is definitely powerful enough for home defense. Consider choosing a load with a bullet that expands rapidly on impact to avoid over penetration.

Yes. Whether or not this is ethical depends on what you’re hunting, as always. Hunting loads are available for small game. 

Generally, 124-gr. loads will have more recoil than 115-gr. loads. Whether the difference is enough to feel depends on the shooter and the gun. 9mm NATO ammo 124-gr. @ 1,200/fps will feel snappier than 115-gr. @ 1,125/fps to most people. 

An economical option: steel cased ammo is not [easily] reloadable, burns dirtier, and as such may earn you some imperious glances from others at the range.  Steel cases expand differently than brass, leading to arguments of more chamber wear on your firearm.  Steel cases also have a reputation for not cooperating with some extractors.  

For plinking or training, however, many find steel cases to be worthwhile.  Especially as any failures provide training on how to fix an issue in real-time. Wolf/Tula are the primary makers of steel cased ammo, though Hornady and Remington also have a steel case line.

These are the same size as the 9mm Luger, but NATO is a heavier bullet (124gr) and is loaded to approximately 5%+ more pressure.  A small difference that can lead to damage and injury in older or lower quality firearms.  You should consult your manufacture’s specs, but most modern “duty sized” pistols (with barrels of 4”+) can handle at least infrequent use of NATO.

9mm+P has approximately 10% more pressure and should only be used in firearms explicitly rated for it. This goes double for anything rated at +P+.  These last two are not terribly common and are best reserved for specific scenarios like national disasters or when the Martians land.

Some manufacturers collect once or twice fired brass cases and reload them with fresh powder, primer, and bullets to resale at a slight discount.  The cost difference inspired individuals to reload ammo, trading once fired brass for cheaper rounds in return – but individuals do not often carry liability insurance the big name manufacturers have in case something goes wrong.  

If you are considering reloading, or partnering with someone who does, PMC is a good new ammo to start with as it has a reputation for sturdy cases for reusing.  

Non jacketed or lead bullets are less common in today’s environment, but do show up from time to time, especially with reloaders or companies such as Ultramax.  They can be cheaper and offer enhanced accuracy and defense benefits (when JHP is prohibited) in either soft lead or hard cast in pistols with traditional rifling (the spiral liney thingies inside your barrel), but modern pistols with polygonal rifling (Glocks for example), can eventually choke on lead bullets. 

With increased recoil management found in modern pistol designs, the 9x19mm’s versatility is suitable for plinking, reloading, competition, law enforcement, and personal defense—all dependent on the type of bullet used, all within a single cartridge for shooters of all skill levels.  No need for different firearms of various calibers; the FBI tried that and found the 9x19mm answers it all. To find the cheapest 9mm ammo, consider using this 9mm Ammo Finder.

To find the cheapest 9mm ammo, consider using this 9mm Ammo Finder from our friends at BulkCheapAmmo.