.45 vs 9mm - The debate is over, say the Experts

9mm Luger +P / Federal HST 147 gr JHP @ 1050 fps is an amazing load, and when expanded is actually slightly smaller than the .45 Auto 230 gr JHP expanded.....believe it or not.


Underwood Ammo has their 9mm +P+ load in 147 grain Gold Dot HP running at 1171.....and 115 gr @ 1,400 fps.


Federal HST 147 gr +P or standard is HANDS DOWN the ultimate 9mm defense load.
 
Phat Eagle said:
Same sized projectile, but 9mm is usually double the velocity of .38 special, and don't even think of .38 S&W... Twice the velocity means far more impact.
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You should do a little more research, your assumption regarding velocities is way off. In general 30 spl. is 300 fps slower than comparable 9x19mm loads. There is no "double the velocity" BS between the two.

Nestor said:
It's the shooter who makes the biggest difference, not the caliber of the round.
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I think Nestor is onto something here... I believe this gem has been dispensed by many SME's as well.

TW25B
 
Steve McQueen would laugh at you if you showed up with a 9mm, and Clint Eastwood would just shake his head in embarassment
 
gnmontey said:
38+p and/or 357 mag? I'm thinking any 357 mag load will out pace any 9mm. Correct me if I am wrong.

Comparing 9mm and 45 is like comparing 5.56 and 7.62. Two different animals, both have their uses.

M
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The 38 super is a near example of the 357 mag in performance and is basically a 9 mm mag. Both Calibers use a 355 sized projectile which allowed Ruger to sell its famous Blackhawk single action revolver in a " convertable" version that shot 9mm and 38spls out of the same firearm. This caliber is widely used in South America due to the military arms laws.
 
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Bigfoot 870 said:
The conflict was resolved back in the 80's, when the .40 S&W was developed for the FBI ;)

The advance in JHP bullet design, has recently prompted the FBI go back to 9mm.

That same JHP bullet design, is available in .40S&W, so better then, is still better now, I would think.

Recoil, thus follow up shots, appear to be the deciding factor. I fully respect the decision of those who's azzes are on the line!!
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One famous shoot out dictated the caliber choice for the FBI. Initially they decided to use the full bore 10 mm round due to it so called knock down magnum like power, however it became a hand full to every agent sans the highly trained. After many complaints SMith and Wesson promoted a shorter less powerful 10 mm round which was designated 40 SW to keep the Americans familiar with the non metric rounds. However this is a over pressure round that is hard on re acquiring the target and contributing to gun failures.
 
Sqr said:
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One famous shoot out dictated the caliber choice for the FBI. Initially they decided to use the full bore 10 mm round due to it so called knock down magnum like power, however it became a hand full to every agent sans the highly trained. After many complaints SMith and Wesson promoted a shorter less powerful 10 mm round which was designated 40 SW to keep the Americans familiar with the non metric rounds. However this is a over pressure round that is hard on re acquiring the target and contributing to gun failures.
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Total H:S:

Still H:S:
 
Bigfoot 870 said:
I did ample research, much more than two internet pages, long before this post was begun.

You took the liberty of embellishing the facts, for some unknown reason, which is why I called HS.
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If you did some searching you would have educated yourself on the true reason for the 40. It was another failed attempt at finding a caliber to replace both the 9 and 45. Proper traing with the standard of the time would have led to a better outcome, however it was easier to blame the weapon caliber.

There are zero hand gun Calibers out there that will end a confrontation quickly, unless a brain or spinal shot hits home. IMHO the 9 is the superior cartridge due to its multiple shot controllability for both an inexperienced and professional operator. The 45 is another fine round that requires some work to double tap. The 40, well is a wannabe caliber that can be a handful for any shooter.
 
I'm bettin' emotions will run high in this thread.

Let's keep it polite gents.

On the choices...... 9mm or .45ACP..... really doesn't matter which.... shot placement will dictate success.

I could go with either..... but my personal "go-to" would be a well used 2nd gen Glock 22 in .40 S&W.

My .05 - your mileage may vary. ;)

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NAA.
 
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Sqr said:
If you did some searching you would have educated yourself on the true reason for the 40. It was another failed attempt at finding a caliber to replace both the 9 and 45. Proper traing with the standard of the time would have led to a better outcome, however it was easier to blame the weapon caliber.

There are zero hand gun Calibers out there that will end a confrontation quickly, unless a brain or spinal shot hits home. IMHO the 9 is the superior cartridge due to its multiple shot controllability for both an inexperienced and professional operator. The 45 is another fine round that requires some work to double tap. The 40, well is a wannabe caliber that can be a handful for any shooter.
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https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/5-reasons-hate-40-short-bus/
 
Def. 9mm for factory ammo, way cheaper than 40 and 45. Reload with own cast bullets is a different survey.
Melnibonean said:
...........and 9mm won...

Assuming you had to buy your own pistol and ammunition (type of your choice) for combined self-defense and self-defense range training use, which caliber would you choose, 9x19mm Parabellum, .357 Sig, .38 super, .40 S&W, 10mm or .45 ACP ?...
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Sqr said:
so if the identical shooter was using both then which caliber is better?
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In theory if one is as good with .45 as is with 9, the heavier bullet would always be the better choice. Problem is that not too many people can duplicate the same result between 9 and heavier recoil of .45
 
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