The 9×19mm Parabellum, also referred to as 9mm Luger, is a firearms cartridge designed by Georg Luger. The cartridge was introduced in 1902 by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), a German weapons manufacturer, for their Luger semi-automatic handgun. The 9mm is most often utilized in pistols but is also used in revolvers, carbines, and submachine guns.
The name of the 9x19mm Parabellum comes from DWM’s motto, “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” translates from Latin to “If you want peace, prepare for war.” The original name of the weapon it was designed for was called the Pistole Parabellum, but it eventually adopted Luger’s name.
Currently, the 9mm Luger is the most popularly and widely used handgun cartridge in the world. Reportedly over 60% of U.S. police forces carry a 9mm. Its documented effectiveness and affordability contribute to its popularity.
In 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a report specifying the possible combat effectiveness of the 9mm ammo when compared to competing calibers such as the .40 S&W cartridge and .45 ACP. The former was specifically designed for the FBI. The 9mm demonstrated lower recoil, higher capacity, less wear, and affordable cost as the main reasons for its popularity with the general public as well as law enforcement agencies.
The 9mm is used mainly for self-defense, range training and plinking.
Best 9mm Self-Defense Ammo
Speer Ammunition: Gold Dot 9mm 115 Grain JHP
The top spot for best 9mm self-defense ammo goes to Speer Gold Dot 9mm 115 grain JHP. Speer has been synonymous with law enforcement safety for many years with Gold Dot leading the way. This cartridge has proven to be dependable and consistent with the superior quality that customers have come to expect. This 9mm ammo is loaded with bonded core bullets which are specifically designed for personal and home defense. Bonding the core to the jacket means that the chance of core-jacket separations is eliminated as well as maintaining superior weight retention. In addition to the excellent quality of this round, it is also very affordable.
Specifications:
- 1200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 115 Grain
- TMJ Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 368 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
Magtech Ammunition: Guardian Gold 9mm 124 Grain JHP
Magtech offers a 124 grain jacketed hollow point with ample penetration, velocity and expansion for personal and home defense.
Specifications:
- 1096 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 124 Grain
- JHP Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 331 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
Magtech Ammunition: Guardian 9mm +P 115 Grain JHP
Thanks to its tremendous stopping power, deep penetration, awesome mushrooming and dead-on accuracy, Guardian Gold is fast-becoming a favorite among those seeking reliable, affordable personal protection.
Specifications:
- 1096 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 124 Grain
- JHP Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 331 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
Hornady Ammunition: Critical Defense 9mm FTX 115 Grain JHP
Critical Defense was specifically designed to be the best self-defense ammo for short barreled weapons. The FTX® bullet offers reliable expansion reliably and resists clogging.
Specifications:
- 1135 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 115 Grain
- JHP Bullet
- Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 329 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
Best 9mm Range Training Ammo
When buying 9mm for the range, buying in bulk to reduce the price is the way to go. In addition to affordability, these rounds offer precision and accuracy. Remember not be to swayed by power and large numbers as they are not necessary for this application.
Federal Ammunition: American Eagle 9mm 115 Grain FMJ
Federal Ammunition started like many other iconic businesses. Charles Horn purchased the closed Minnesota manufacturing company in 1922 after it had been closed for two years. It was originally a manufacturer of ammunition and bicycles. Horn’s expertise in sales and dedication to the business made it what it is today. Federal no longer sells bicycles, but their ammo manufacturing is strong. The company still uses the single plant in Anoka, Minnesota to manufacture dozens of calibers.
In March 2018, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a five-year contract to Federal to produce 180 million rounds of .40 caliber Tactical HST Duty Ammunition for several of its departments including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Specifications:
- 1180 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 115 Grain
- FMJ Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 356 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
PMC Ammunition: 9mm 115 Grain FMJ
Precision Made Cartridges comes through again with an accurate and affordable 9mm ammo perfect for range training.
Specifications:
- 1150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 115 Grain
- FMJ Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
Sellier & Bellot Ammunition: 9mm 115 Grain FMJ
Recently acquired by the same company that produces Magtech ammo, Sellier & Bellot continue to 9mm ammo using high quality components. Their FMJ cartridges are a top choice among hunters, law enforcement agencies, and competitive shooters.
Specifications:
- 1280 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- 115 Grain
- FMJ Bullet
- Brass Casing
- Boxer Primer
- 418 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
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