Report Highlights:
- The 9mm cartridge (.355 caliber) is used in more fatal and non-fatal shootings than any other caliber, according to recent studies.
- Handguns are involved in 46% of all homicides in the United States.
- Though used less frequently, larger caliber bullets result in more fatalities per shot.
- Medium caliber bullets are used in more crimes, but have lower death rates compared to larger calibers.
Methodology
Few databases trace calibers and crimes or deaths. The following article includes data pulled from various studies, sources, and reports published by reputable sources.
The terms “calibers” and “cartridges” are often used interchangeably. However, a cartridge describes the loaded round of ammunition, whereas the caliber describes the bullet’s diameter only (the 9mm cartridge is a .355mm caliber bullet).
Which Calibers are Most Used in Murders
It is widely believed that the 9mm is the most common caliber used in murders. However, the U.S. does not consistently keep records of firearm calibers used in homicides.
A 2018 study in Boston found that the 9mm (.355) was involved in 50 of 184 fatal shootings and 65 non-fatal shootings. In this study, medium cartridges (defined by the authors as .38, .380, and 9mm) were used in more shootings (113 non-fatal, 100 fatal) than larger cartridges (.357, .40, .44 Mag, .45 ACP, 10mm, and 7.62x39mm).
Lethality of the Caliber
The lethality of different calibers is a debated topic. Studies show that handguns are used in more homicides than any other firearm type. Larger handgun calibers, though used less frequently, tend to be more lethal.
For example, .357 caliber has an 88% higher fatality rate compared to non-fatal shootings;.45 caliber, a 67% higher fatality rate. The 10mm cartridge (.40 caliber) resulted in death in both recorded shootings. 3
Continue reading Gun Death Statistics by Caliber: A Review of Calibers and Crime in 2024 on Ammo.com
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