What Caliber is 9mm?
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy wanted to give a brief overview of the 9mm Luger cartridge and discuss the generic use of “9mm” when referring to the caliber. The cartridge has become one of the most ubiquitous rounds in history and has achieved global acclaim. Now let’s get into it.
Different Types of 9mm
Since 9mm is a metric measurement, there are a few other handgun loads which are referred to as 9mm loadings. Aside from the 9mm Luger, the most common 9mm loadings will be the .380 ACP and the 9mm Makarov.
Metrically, .380 ACP is going to be 9x17mm while 9mm Makarov is 9x18mm. We actually have a blog already posted comparing the 9mm Makarov to the 9mm Luger cartridge if you would like to read about the two cartridges in more detail.
The big takeaway here is that there are multiple calibers with 9mm diameters and one must pay attention to ensure they are purchasing the correct ammunition for their firearms. In today’s market though, whenever you hear someone generically say “9mm”, they are more likely than not referring to the 9mm Luger cartridge.
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The 9mm Luger Cartridge
When it comes to the 9mm Luger, the cartridge is easily the most common 9mm round in common use. The caliber goes by many names, often being referred to as 9mm NATO, 9mm Parabellum, 9x19mm, or just generically “9mm”. The cartridge’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century and is the brainchild of Georg Luger.
Originally found in firearms such as the Borchardt C-93 and the P-08 Luger pistol, the round has become a common chambering for handguns in civilian and military use from the 20th century onward. Firearms such as pistols and submachine guns in 9mm Luger have commonly been used by military and law enforcement personnel across the globe, leading to the round establishing a reputation for being a reliable service cartridge.
Common 9mm Luger Uses
Concealed Carry
The round has become a staple in the realm of personal defense as it has become a popular concealed carry round. One can find a litany of rounds optimized for concealed carry, often with companion loads being offered from the same company so one could effectively practice with a round similar to the one they carry. With effective performance and generous magazine capacities, 9mm Luger chambered pistols will continue to be a staple in the world of personal defense.
Competition
9mm Luger has also become a popular round for competition shooters, particularly in multi-gun competitions and in shooting disciplines such as USPSA and IPSC. A variety of loadings are commercially available which are optimized for this usage.
Plinking and Target Shooting
When it comes to handgun calibers well-suited to plinking and target shooting, the 9mm Luger is an excellent choice. The round is one of the most affordable handgun cartridges on the market, making it easy for shooters to stock up on the round to keep their magazines loaded and their guns shooting.
Availability of 9mm Luger Chambered Firearms
Due to the fact that the cartridge is so popular, many firearms are available in a 9mm Luger chambering. A variety of handguns that utilize the round have been introduced for over a century. Examples can be found in single action, double action, and striker fired form.
Furthermore, handguns are often available in multiple sizes, catering to both hand sizes of shooter and specific roles such as concealed carry. Besides handguns, one can find rifles and carbines, often referred to as pistol caliber carbines (PCCs). These firearms can be found from a variety of manufacturers and offer shooters a way to shoot the affordable 9mm Luger cartridge in something larger than a handgun.
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Variety of Ammunition
As far as 9mm Luger goes, one can find a variety of loads available to fit multiple uses. Typically, one can find 115, 124, and 147 grain projectiles in most 9mm Luger loadings. When it comes to plinking and general target shooting, one can make use of a variety of full metal jacket loadings in common grain weights. As far as defensive uses go, one can find traditional hollow points and more specialized options such as Federal’s HSTs and Hornady’s Critical Defense and Duty lines.
Specialized loads for specific uses also are available for in 9mm Luger. A specific example would be subsonic ammunition, often loaded with a 147 or 150 grain projectile, which is intended for use with a suppressor. There are even loads which are optimized for use in things such as PCCs, often loaded to specifically take advantage of the longer barrels often present on these types of firearms. Regardless of your use case, you can easily find a 9mm Luger load that will suit your practical needs.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you will be well-served by a pistol in 9mm Luger. You will have access to a wide variety of ammunition suited to a myriad of roles. The round is extremely common and popular for a reason and many shooters trust their lives to the cartridge.
Whether you are shooting .380 ACP, 9mm Makarov, or 9mm Luger, we here at True Shot have you covered when it comes to stocking up on ammunition. As always, we want everyone to be the best shooter they can be and are glad to help with ammunition and information where we can. Happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
