The debate over which pistol caliber is best for self-defense has been raging for decades (and by “caliber,” we really mean “cartridge”). Gun owners are typically passionate about their choices, and the argument often turns ugly. I don’t have much of a dog in the fight, since I choose to carry a 9mm or 45 ACP depending on the situation.
This article probably won’t put a stop to the “best cartridge for self-defense” bickering. However, by sharing the stats and data for the most popular defensive calibers currently in production, I can help you make an informed decision about what will work best for you.
This article will also offer some sound science to help you determine how to choose the best caliber for self-defense.
Choosing the Best Caliber for Self-Defense
The self-defense cartridge you should prefer is a personal decision. There is no perfect one-size-fits-all best self-defense caliber. What works well for one shooter might be an absolute nightmare for another.
To gain advantages in one area (like striking energy), you’re going to need to make concessions in others (like recoil). Finding the right cartridge for your defensive needs is all about finding a balance between what you can shoot, what you can comfortably carry, and what has enough power to make short order of a threat.
Here is a list of the most popular options modern shooters use for defensive carry. Each has its pros and cons.
Based on the data and our personal experiences, we’re convinced that the 9mm Luger is the best all-around handgun cartridge for self-defense.
However, smaller shooters often find 9mm pistols difficult to fire – and even harder to conceal. I chose the 9mm because it works well for the vast majority of shooters in most defensive applications.
| Best For | Cartridge |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | 9mm |
| Best For Recoil Sensitive Shooters | .380 ACP |
| Honorable Mention | .38 Special |
| Best Primary Revolver | .357 Mag |
| Honorable Mention | .40 S&W |
| Best for Bear Country | 10mm Auto |
| Honorable Mention | .44 Magnum |
| Best Stopping Power/Capacity Balance | 45 ACP |
9mm Luger - Our Top Pick
The 9mm Luger (also called “9x19mm Parabellum,” or simply “9mm”) was once considered a subpar option for personal defense. Times have changed. Today, the 9mm is the most popular cartridge for both law enforcement and civilian concealed carry, and it earned that popularity fair and square.
Recoil
Compared to larger defense rounds, the 9mm produces relatively mild recoil. Because the 9mm’s recoil is easier to tame, shooters can make faster, more accurate follow-up shots. Since your life depends on good shot placement during a defensive shooting scenario, this is a major selling point for 9mm. A 115-grain bullet traveling 1,150 fps from the barrel of a 1.5-pound 9mm pistol produces 5.2 foot-pounds of recoil energy.
Power and Penetration
Modern advancements in ammo technology have brought the terminal performance of the 9mm up to par with much larger cartridges. Today’s 9mm bullet shoots faster, hits harder, and expands wider than the ones we were firing just a decade ago.
When it comes to personal protection, some 9mm loads work better than others. For best results, choose expanding hollow points for your self-defense handgun.
Capacity
Although actual capacity varies by model, 9mm offers greater capacity than many other popular concealed carry calibers. Because 9mm rounds are narrower than .40 S&W or .45 ACP, they don’t take up as much space in a magazine, which allows for greater capacity.
Cost and Availability
9mm Luger ammo is pretty affordable compared to other popular pistol cartridges. Because practice loads are relatively cheap, you can hone your skills without hurting your bank account too much. Since weapon proficiency is a necessary component of defensive shooting, this is another major perk for the 9mm.
The 9mm is one of the most popular cartridges on the market today. There is no shortage of 9mm pistols or ammo to choose from. Every major American handgun manufacturer offers multiple models spanning everything from autoloaders to revolvers, subcompact to full-size. There are also hundreds of defense-specific loads for shooters to choose from.
| Why I Choose It | When You Shouldn’t Use It |
|---|---|
| Perfect balance of stopping power and capacity | Lots of stopping power is needed (e.g. in bear country) |
| Reasonably priced ammo and firearms | |
| Lots of firearm options | |
| Ammo readily available |
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