

Most 9mm ammo for self defense expands rapidly and is designed for limited penetration. The key to making the 9mm an effective animal defense cartridge is a bullet that will penetrate. Nickel cases and sealed primers are weather-resistantĪlthough the 10mm Auto is generally a better option for carry in grizzly country, the 9mm can be a viable option for backcountry carry if that’s all you’ve got.Penetration is what counts in a defensive situation with big animals. Best 9mm Ammo for Backcountry Defense: Federal Premium Solid Core +P 147-grain Syntech Flat-Noseįederal Premium’s +P Solid Core load has a deep-penetrating cast 147-grain bullet with a synthetic jacket to reduce fouling. The best 9mm ammo for self-defense will usually cost about $1.75 per round. The best 9mm ammo for self-defense is usually much more expensive, but when your life may be at stake, it’s worth spending the extra money. You can find them for around $20 per box of 50 rounds, and cheaper per-round if you buy in bulk. The most affordable 9mm rounds are usually 115-grain FMJ target and plinking loads. Just like any other load, 9mm ammo varies in price. If you’re wanting to shoot primarily through a suppressor and have the quietest report possible, heavier 9mm subsonic ammo will usually be your best choice. Still, it’s wise to match the grain weight of your carry or defensive 9mm ammo. If you’re wanting ammo to practice with, more affordable target or plinking ammo will be your best choice. Cheap FMJ or other 9mm target ammo is inferior. If you’re buying 9mm ammo for self-defense, you want quality bullets designed for optimal penetration and effective terminal performance. The most important thing to consider when you’re buying 9mm ammo is what you’ll be using it for.


Things to Consider Before Buying 9mm Ammo Application and Use Federal Premium 124-grain Syntech Training Match.Remington 147-grain Golden Saber Bonded JHP.Speer Personal Protection +P 124-grain Gold Dot JHP.Winchester USA Ready Defense +P 124-grain JHP.Underwood Extreme Defender 90-grain +P+.Best 9mm Ammo for Suppressors: Nosler ASP 147-grain JHP.Best 9mm Ammo for Micro Compacts: Hornady American Gunner 115-grain XTP.Best 9mm Ammo for Self-Defense: Federal Premium 124-grain HST.Best 9mm Ammo for the Backcountry: Federal Premium Solid Core +P 147-grain Syntech Flat-Nose.The following list includes my own preferred ammo for a wide variety of applications. For example, you’ll find that 9mm ammo for self-defense is much different (and more expensive) than 9mm ammo for practice. There are many metrics by which ammo can be compared, and picking the very best is always going to be a matter of how you intend to use it. The 9mm now has comparable terminal performance to some more powerful cartridges. Even better, modern 9mm bullets have elevated these loads to the best 9mm ammo in history. It has a long and varied history, but it’s safe to say that even while enduring the current ammo shortage, shooters have a wide variety of 9mm ammo for self-defense and 9mm ammo for practice to choose from. The 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge was invented over 120 years ago, and it’s still the most popular handgun cartridge in the world today.
