9mm vs .40 vs .45 vs 10mm: Which Caliber is Right for You?

General
1

I’m looking for some advice on choosing between these popular handgun calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 10mm. Each seems to have its loyal followers, and I’m curious about their real-world applications.

Key Factors to Consider:

  • Recoil Management: I’ve heard that the 9mm has the least recoil, making it easier to handle, especially for beginners. Meanwhile, does the 10mm’s increased recoil make it less suitable for quick follow-up shots?
  • Ballistics: I’ve seen various YouTube videos comparing the penetration and expansion in ballistic gel. It seems like the .45 ACP excels in stopping power, but how does it stack up against the 10mm in terms of effectiveness?
  • Use Case: I’m mostly interested in self-defense and maybe some range shooting. Would one caliber be better suited for that, or does it depend more on personal preference?
  • Availability and Cost: Are there significant differences in ammo cost or availability for these calibers?

If anyone has experience with these calibers, I’d love to hear your thoughts, recommendations, or any resources you found helpful. Thanks in advance for your guidance!

3 Likes
2

I’m really interested in the ballistic characteristics of these calibers for self-defense. The 9mm has less recoil, which makes it easier to handle, right?

3

Absolutely! The 9mm typically has a velocity around 1,200 fps and delivers decent energy, making it a solid choice for self-defense without excessive kick.

4

What about the .40 caliber? I’ve heard it’s a good middle ground between 9mm and .45, but does it really provide better stopping power?

5

Yes! The .40 typically has a velocity of about 1,100 fps and can deliver higher energy than the 9mm. It’s great for law enforcement but can have more recoil.

6

I’m curious about the .45. Is it really the best choice for stopping power, or does it come with drawbacks?

7

The .45 ACP is known for its stopping power, operating at a lower velocity (about 900 fps), but its larger diameter projectile provides significant penetration. However, the recoil can be hefty!

8

And the 10mm? It’s gaining popularity lately; what’s its deal?

9

The 10mm packs a punch with velocities around 1,200-1,400 fps. It offers excellent energy and penetration, making it great for outdoor adventures but might be overkill for self-defense in urban settings.

10

I wonder about penetration capabilities in self-defense situations. Does caliber really make that much difference?

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11

Yes, it does! Each caliber’s bullet design impacts penetration depth. For instance, .45 may create larger wound channels but may not over-penetrate as much as 9mm.

12

So, for competitive shooting, would you lean towards a 9mm then? Less recoil seems beneficial there.

13

Exactly! The 9mm’s manageable recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots, which is crucial in competition settings.

14

Are there any drawbacks to the 10mm that might make it less appealing for everyday carry?

15

Yes, it’s quite bulky and heavy, plus the recoil can be a handful for inexperienced shooters, which makes it less practical for everyday carry.

16

This discussion is great! It really gets you thinking about what you might need for specific situations.

17

When considering recoil, the 9mm tends to be the softest, which makes it great for new shooters. The .40 has a noticeable kick, while the .45 packs quite a punch. The 10mm is powerful too, but its recoil can be intimidating for some.

18

That’s true! I’ve found that the 9mm allows me to shoot accurately without overwhelming recoil. It helped me build confidence as a beginner.

19

I’d echo what martingraves said! The .40 is a fair middle ground for those whowant a bit more stopping power without excessive recoil. It’s perfect if you’re transitioning from 9mm.

4 Likes
20

The .45 is my favorite! However, I understand it can be a lot for new shooters. Still, the recoil feels more like a push than a snap, which is unique compared to the 9mm.

6 Likes