He not only shot them all down he shot the LAST ONE FIRST. However, the Winchester FMJ has a penetration of 24.5” and the Doubletap JFN+P trail defense has a penetration of 40”. 1911Tuner Moderator Emeritus. A .45 averages about 11.3”-14.3” penetration. 300 Blackout Upper Options That You Can Afford, Unfired there's only 0.095-inch difference between .45 and 9mm's bullets, Both cartridges can be designed to deliver more tha a foot of penetration in a human body, While the .45 does fire heavier bullets, a 9mm gun generally has more capacity. The question I keep asking, to which i have yet to get an answer, is why are we still arguing the merits of two cartridges that are both over a century old, instead of moving on to newer, more effective choices? I have seen very few .45 wounds to the chest survive. A former police officer and serviceman with the U.S. Army, Richard A. Mann is one of the most well-respected firearms authorities writing on the subject today. Penetration between the 9mm and .45 is fairly even, though the 9mm has the slightest edge overall. This is a video of a penetration tests with the 9mm and .45 ACP. When you have twenty holes in you, they don’t have to be real big before you bleed out internally, and that is what kills you. In the end, it all comes down to the type of bullet you are using. You can carry a lot more 9 mm rounds in the mag, and it is easier to shoot well. More recoil means more time spent between shots trying to get back on target. Then the target, I just took down, got up and shot me in the back. Thank you! The .45 ACP is regarded as a top self-defense round in terms of stopping power and recoil. It predates almost all the popular handgun cartridges currently on the market including the 10mm, .40 S&W, .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Super, .380 ACP and even the .45 ACP. Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links. The 45 ACP is a classic American round. Read the account of Alvin York stopping a squad of charging Germans with a 1911, they charged at close range when his 1903 was empty. The bottleneck of that cartridge was removed, leaving a tapered, rimless cartridge. Specifically, a DW 9mm Guardian and a full size Springfield (or maybe a Kimber). You have to live it. Time stands still or is at least very distorted. Fired in full-sized pistols such as 1911s, the .45 has a Substantial but relatively gentle “push”. If you are close and need to use a handgun it better keep the bad guy from shooting you. There is no such thing as a free lunch. He serves as contributing editor for several magazines, including NRA’s American Rifleman and Shooting Illustrated, Varmint Hunter, and Combat Handgunner, and is the editor for Gun Digest’s Cartridges of the World 13th Edition. The case for .45 ACP is so compelling that I torch cut all the receivers of my 9mm pistols and donated the scrap metal to Dumpster Fires United. We took care of one man who was shot by the cops 3 times in the head with a 9 and he survived. 9mm vs .40 vs .45: Wound Placement In the hunting world, a debate lasted for decades between master hunters Jack O’Connor, who did much to popularize the light, fast .270 Winchester rifle cartridge, and Elmer Keith , who was a vociferous advocate of large calibers and … I also have 2 of them. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) or .45 Auto (11.43×23mm) is a rimless straight-walled handgun cartridge designed by John Moses Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol.After successful military trials, it was adopted as the standard chambering for Colt's M1911 pistol. The 9mm won in quite a few more categories than the 45 ACP. Why, some newbies may wonder, is there such an intense and long-standing argument over the merits of 9mm compared to .45 ACP? Most gunfights do not resemble what takes place in movies. Even a hollow point goes through a person quite often. Recoil plays a part in this ability by causing your muzzle to climb with every successive shot fired. A .45 ACP will encounter greater resistance than a 9mm, but it also carries more weight albeit at a slower velocity. So you can tell the old timer at the range that his 1911 wasn’t the reason we won 2 World Wars? It was intended to be a “real man-stopper.” It was adopted by the United States Army in 1911. The.45 ACP is probably a bit better in terms of a larger wound cavity if no barrier is involved. I like 45 and always have. Meaning you can shoot more rounds quicker with more accuracy than the 45. scientifically the 230gr .45 acp IS more powerful than a 147gr 9mm. I was a medic on a team that did SAR and recon when I was overseas back in the early 70’s. 45 ACP vs 9MM: The Winner. That’s what I call a win. 9mm vs .40 vs .45 Debate | Which Is Better for Self-Defense? The 10mm vs. basically anything else comes close. Ø R1 10,77 … 9mm vs .40 vs .45 Debate | Which Is Better for Self-Defense? Luckily my teammate behind me ended the enemy with a bullet to the head and several more to the head to make sure the target stayed down. Not all of these guns are identical between their 9mm version and their .45 ACP version. Truthfully, all of these calibers are awesome. pressure difference and speed alone doesn’t mean its more powerful. I will tell them I have seen too many 9 mm GSW’s to the chest survive that round to make me comfortable carrying it. How does the .45 ACP stack up against the 9mm: Unfired there’s only 0.095-inch difference between .45 and 9mm’s bullets; Both cartridges can be designed to deliver more tha a foot of penetration in a human body The .45 was developed by John Browning in 1904. First of all, an unfired bullet .45 ACP bullet is exactly 0.095 of an inch larger in diameter than an unfired 9mm Luger bullet. 230 gr. The Super with the 1300 fps (1930s loading) 130 gr blunt RN its supposed to be loaded with for FMJ is better than 9mm hardball on all counts. So if anyone has any question, it is blatantly clear the 45 round is VERY MUCH SUPERIOR to the 9mm for combat. 9mm vs. .45. I personally don't question the effectiveness of modern day 9mm premium ammo, but I also still rely on 45 ACP as my caliber of choice, but for different reasons than most. But 9mm 1911s shoot like a dream. I also traded in my 9mm MP5’s for UMP 45s. All the energy from the bullet is absorbed by the target person. Optics: KILO3000BDX Rangefinding Binoculars. How Much Is Too Much When It Comes To Handloading? The .45 Colt vs .38 debate was decided in the Philippines. There are those who are adamant that .45 caliber is the best, due to its stopping power. History shows the victor in any confrontation is always attributed to proper tactic and good maneuvering arising from constant training and discipline and not how big a stick one had. Others think 9mm trumps all or the .40 caliber has its own merits. In this segment of “Cameras Don't Lie,” competitive shooters Patrick Sweeney and Jim Tarr head to the range to put the vaunted loads on … Spare me from “experts” who have never been there, who have never walked those paths. The thing about a pistol is, as in York’s case, its the last resort, emergency weapon for the soldier. I have 3 calibers in semi-auto, 9mm, 38 Super and 45 ACP. The .45 has a bullet diameter of 11.5 mm (.452 in), a neck diameter of 12.0mm, a base diameter of 12.1 mm, and a rim diameter of 12.2 mm. For others, the debate goes on. The .45 ACP is not really any better than the 9mm Luger, it’s just different. I carry the LW Commander in Super most with 1350 to 1400 fps 125 gr HP handloads, 357 mag/357 Sig ballistics. .380 ACP vs 9mm comparison. […] Never saw anyone hit in the head with a .45 survive. For example, the .357 SIG and the .400 CorBon both outperform these two icons, but both are spinning down the drain of consumer rejection, while these two old warhorses just keep going. ball or jacketed flat point loaded to +P velocities. 45 ACP (Manageability) The 45 acp has a bit more recoil than the 9mm, and our database marks it as 0.93 out of 4. The 45 ACP as a defensive round is often overshadowed by the capable and higher capacity 9mm round. Finally in conclusion LaGarde stated that the only thing that would reliably stop a man was a 3″ solid shot. 9mm vs.45 ACP Match Ups One of the biggest mistake that most people make is taking a black-and-white stance (only looking at ballistics stats) on the.45 ACP and 9mm. Yeah, I know, you’re thinking that the .45 ACP shoots a larger-diameter and heavier bullet, therefore it has to be better. No scientific answer here just impressions. Are you as sick of hearing this argument as I am? ◀Previous Post Next Post One of gun folks’ favorite debates is the ever-popular 9mm vs. .45 ACP. It was adopted by the German Navy in 1904 and the German Army in 1906. An alternate that is small enough to fit in my pocket an probably should carry more often is a .357 magnum. Thankfully, the suspect was the only injury and it was fatal for him. Why is that? The 9mm Federal Hydroshock 124 grain at 988 fps produces 268.84 foot pounds of force. This kind of thing cannot be learned by reading magazine articles or talking to people who think they know what it is like. Many will say that the .45 is better because it shoots a bigger caliber bullet, or that the 9mm is … Despite being heavy rounds, .45ACP recoil doesn’t get in its way. There is a reason for that. If I need better concealment I carry a the little 9 since its better than nothing and its only for a short time once a week. In 1945 the U.S. Government tested the 9mm and .45 acp on a steel military helmet. Also quoting from the Marine Corps Times: The arguments boil down to this: The . There has always been a debate over the best caliber for self-defense. The cartridge expands to approximately 0.35 to 0.72”. The age-old question, 9mm vs .45 ACP. In no way is the .45 acp any better. Most of the ballistic testing I have seen comparing the penetration of various bullets and calibers would suggest that generally a .45ACP and 9mm are both quite comparable as far as penetration is concerned. Does not have much muzzle flip. Plus when the freakos clear out the toilet paper and the ammo, there’s still plenty .40 left for me. 9mm is typically my daily carry caliber, 147 gr HST is my flavor of choice. So don’t get caught in a fair fight. I am trrying to decide between a 45 ACP and a 9mm. I know that if I draw my weapon to shoot someone, he has made the decision that one of us will die. Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat: 9mm vs. .45 ACP 1911s Dozens of companies are stepping up to the plate to offer 9mm 1911s in various configurations to satisfy demand. 9mm vs .45 ACP But what about 9mm and .45 ACP revolvers? .45 ACP is a very controllable defense round. Had someones head been in it the dent was deep enough to kill. There has always been a debate over the best caliber for self-defense. Like all. The .45 acp bounced off the helmet at 35 yards while the 9mm penetrated the helmet at an astonishing 125 yards proving that the 9mm with its higher velocity, flatter trajectory and higher capacity (they used a Canadian High Power) that the 9mm was the superior combat pistol and caliber period. The 9mm will not. 147gr 9mm at 990fps has 434 joules of kinetic energy. Then, I picked ammo that allows my 9mm to create a wound larger than a .45 ACP hollowpoint. Due to what we did and where we were, I was issued a 19111. .45 ACP vs 9mm comparison. In the “elements of combat power” doctrine, a well-trained shooter should be able to fire and hit effectively with speed and accuracy under pressure, while keeping protected from the line of opposing resistance. He had a 45 pistol. Practice, physical fitness and awareness is more important than quibbling over ballistic niceties. I am a combat veteran and I have used both 9mm and 45 caliber on the enemy. The old cartridges are a fraction of the price of others, and much more easily found. 45 acp vs 9mm self defense Why does the military use 9mm instead of 45 ACP? factory 45 is about 10 cents a round more than 9mm. Responsible for ending friendships, starting fistfights, and countless divorces, this debate will tear your life apart. Such as having to shoot through a windshield. The 45 ACP is a bigger projectile, and with modern defensive ammunition, it does offer the most expansive ammunition. Any for what? I carry a Sig P227 w/Romeo 1 Pro most often. In a pistol as heavy as a 1911, a 9mm has very little felt recoil. Since both end up at about the same diameter, and both penetrate about the same distance, what else really matters? Circumstances and bullet placement dictate the outcome of targeting humans. huntershooter, Jun 18, 2006 #2. The 45 ACP as a defensive round is often overshadowed by the capable and higher capacity 9mm round. There are those who are adamant that .45 caliber is the best, due to its stopping power. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) or .45 Auto (11.43×23mm) is a rimless straight-walled handgun cartridge designed by John Moses Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol.After successful military trials, it was adopted as the standard chambering for Colt's M1911 pistol. I don’t think that will happen with a .45. < >. When I asked him about that, he replied that the larger-diameter .45 ACP bullet would often cut a scoring line and get the higher value that a 9mm bullet would have barely missed. I have 2 of them. Truthfully, all of these calibers are awesome. .45 ACP vs. 9mm This is it. Protect your home and family this holiday season with SimpliSafe! I continued on clearing the rooms. Heavier and pushes one's hands backwards instead of up. 4,600 of them were sent, along with a unknown number of 1873 Single Action Army cavalry pistols, and they proved valuable in ensuring that our … 9mm (Manageability) The 9mm Luger has slightly less recoil. The .45 ACP had an ever so slight advantage when it came to wound channel. primarily large pistol (but also small pistol in some brass), 9 mm NATO, 9×19mm Parabellum +P, 9×19mm 7N21 +P+, 9×19mm 7N31 +P+. Less recoil means faster follow up shots. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge holds bullets that have a diameter of .452 inches (11.5mm) so it is slightly larger than the 9mm (.355 inch bullets). So, my solution to the whole 9mm vs 40 S&W vs 45 ACP debate was to carry a 9mm because it’s what I shoot the best. Invented by John Moses Browning, the 45 ACP became the military’s standard issue pistol round for over 70 years. It is also popular for self-defense. What Is The Best .32-Caliber Cartridge Of All-Time? Then, I picked ammo that allows my 9mm to create a wound larger than a .45 ACP hollowpoint. That’s what I call a win. Half of cops in America carry the 9mm and the other half carry .45 after 3 years tally all the results. 45 ACP (Manageability) The 45 acp has a bit more recoil than the 9mm, and our database marks it as 0.93 out of 4. When it became clear that .38 was not enough to immediately stop an insurgent armed with a bolo knife, Colt started production on a .45 Colt revolver known as the Colt 1902 Philippine. Some of you Tactical Timmys/Tinas out there that stumbled on this article are about to smash the back button and go find something else to read that validates the opinion you already have, but if you do, you’re missing out. In the end, it all comes down to the type of bullet you are using. And not just because hearing new opinions and confronting your personal biases leads to personal growth. Although the 45 did beat the 9mm in one shot stop ratio the margin was so slim that it is hardly noticable. Their should socket was destroyed. Our database marks it as a .65 out of 4. Due to the smaller size of the round, 9mm guns typically have a higher magazine capacity than a .45, although the specifics vary depending on the type of gun. However, the Remington FMJ has 27” penetration. If the small calibers do not expand they are not nearly as reliable as hard ball from the 45 ACP. Caribou Media Group may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The 45 round wrecked my armor and gave me broken ribs. Here’s the thing: There’s no definitive way to prove which cartridge is better. Reason: Current 9mm ammunition has more consistent and better barrier penetration than.45 ACP. A 9mm round can have anywhere from eight to sixteen inches of penetration, while a .45 will have anywhere from eleven to fourteen inches. Heavy and slow. If you read this far, you should follow us: "9mm vs .45 ACP." Its shot placement and proper timing, not how big one’s asset is. .40 S&W is a 10mm and better than .45 ACP that is of 9mm..40 S&W offers the best double stack round count as compared to the .45 ACP..45 ACP is suitable for those with less shooting experience while .40 S&W is for the professionals..40 S&W carry twice the amount of rounds than the .45 ACP as compared to the .45 ACP. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. But in general bigger is better. The typical conversation points that arise in the 9mm vs .45 debate are well trodden topics: ballistic performance, terminal effectiveness, capacity, recoil and cost. The 9mm cartridge was designed by Georg Luger in 1901. A 9mm gun costs between 40% and 50% less than a .45. NATO and others; Militaries, police, and self defense. Most people who carry for protection don’t practice enough. Someone mentioned helmet penetration. Thirdly, ammunition for both cartridges can be designed to deliver more than a foot of penetration in a human body. There were several more instances prior to this with the 9mm round where we hit out targets and the target kept fighting. While the.45 ACP went the "heavy and slow" route, the 9mm Luger took the opposite tack by shooting much lighter bullets at a higher velocity. Trying to make a science out of chaos is pointless. 9mm vs. .45. 19 Dec 2020. That’s misinformation via the original Marcostyle video that showed only the .45 acp on his graph because he completely skipped over the 9mm sbr (he thought the tactical 9mm and non tactical were the same or something, the tactical 9mm has a laughable base mag size of 19, so he didn’t feel it was worth including because of its low mag size). Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge holds bullets that have a diameter of .452 inches (11.5mm) so it is slightly larger than the 9mm (.355 inch bullets). There has been an error with your Email Subscription. For some, this has been asked and answered already. Forced to choose between 9mm & .45 acp for use against (Black) bear attack my choice would be .45 acp with 230 gr. With a larger magazine capacity, and significantly less felt recoil than the other cartridges, the 9mm allowed FBI agents to carry more ammunition and land more hits on target than all the other cartridges. This, in conjunction with the faster twist rate of 9mm barrels, makes it easier to design bullets for the 9mm that will reliably expand over a broader velocity spectrum. to stop the threat. To quote Ken Hackathorn, "I think 45 is better than 9mm. The low velocity and heavy weight of the .45 is great for … He went to jail after he got out of the hospital months later, but committed suicide while in jail just before his trial. The 9mm has too spotty a reputation for me to trust as my normal carry caliber. Given the shorter case length, the 9mm Para also has higher chamber pressures. A review of NYPD shootings over 10 years showed a mean of 15% of shots fired hit the target over that period of time. A .45 fires bullets with an average velocity between 835 and 1150 feet per second. The FBI says that’s about all you need. This is the mother of all debates. Please try again. The .45 ACP, .40 S&W or 9mm are the most commonly argued for calibers. However, there is a minute gap between the two rounds when … Plus when the freakos clear out the toilet paper and the ammo, there’s still plenty .40 left for me. 5.56, .45 ACP, & 12 ga. are my home defense choices. The 10mm vs. basically anything else comes close. .45 ACP vs. 9mm This is it. Of the more than 45 rounds discharged, less than half hit the suspect, (but those that did contributed to his demise) and that at a distance of less than 5 yards. If we read the Thompson/LaGarde tests, the real shortened report by LaGarde, not something that some current gunwriter put out, we find that the 45 works better. Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. The lowest percentage was 9% in 2000 and the highest was 25% in 1998. I just don't know how much better". The 9mm is a supersonic light weight bullet. The 45 ACP is a bigger projectile, and with modern defensive ammunition, it does offer the most expansive ammunition. And if they do, a timely swat on the head will out them. Our database marks it as a .65 out of 4. Invented by John Moses Browning, the 45 ACP became the military’s standard issue pistol round for over 70 years. Truthfully, all of these calibers are awesome. With the 45 … Some 45 ACP ammo expands to nearly an inch as it travels through a soft target. Furthermore, the 9mm is more practical for the average shooter looking to spend time on the range. So you can tell the old timer at the range that his 1911 wasn’t the reason we won 2 World Wars? About 15 to 20 years ago, several OCPD officer were involved in a shootout in a restaurant. The 9mm cartridge was developed from Luger’s 7.65x21mm Parabellum. 45 ACP is .45 inches in diameter. I carry a S&W M&P .40 I like having nearly as many rounds as most .9mm but the slow powerful stopping power of the .45. Here’s why you shouldn’t count out the humble revolver just yet. There is only one way to address this issue. A 9mm is generally cheaper, has less recoil and higher velocity than a .45 ACP. 9mm vs .45 ACP Match Ups One of the biggest mistake that most people make is taking a black-and-white stance (only looking at ballistics stats) on the .45 ACP and 9mm. ( although slightly). Odds are, you will not remember the events in correct order for DAYS, if ever. I had a 45 in VN for kicks I shot a GI pot at about 20 ft with it. Having had lots of time with all 3 (9mm, 40 s&w and 45acp) yes the 9 is easier to fire and carries more ammo but in my experience you need that extra ammo to stop the threat. Army officials were recently quoted declaring its stock of 200k-plus semi-auto Sig Sauer M11 and Beretta M9 pistols to be outdated. More recoil means more time spent between shots trying to get back on target. The 45 ACP is a classic American round. Bullet Penetration. If you notice in the above photo, there is little difference between 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP in regards to both temporary and permanent wound cavities, and overall penetration. While both rounds will get the job done, the 9mm is ultimately the better round for both EDC and survival scenarios. This is also a reason why so many Bullseye shooters tend to use .45 ACP pistons in the centerfire event instead of the smaller, lighter-kicking calibers allowed. A 9mm averages between 8” and 15.9” penetration. Helmet penetration is a fools guide to defensive handgun performance. Web. In a pistol as heavy as a 1911, a 9mm has very little felt recoil. A joy to shoot. If you find yourself in a fair fight your tactics suck. I’d carry a .45 if it would fit in my pocket. The .45 ACP is a little more powerful than the 9mm, but it also has a heavier felt recoil and guns chambered for it typically exhibit a slightly higher muzzle flip when fired. I have shot a 160-170 lb. But it will work pretty well even with hardball. 9mm vs .40 vs .45 Debate | Which Is Better for Self-Defense? Though he preferred the.45 ACP over the 9mm, the celebrated gun writer Jeff Cooper still wasn't satisfied with just those two choices. Terminal performance of modern defensive rounds is relatively similar in ballistics gel. Why, some newbies may wonder, is there such an intense and long-standing argument over the merits of 9mm compared to .45 ACP? Aside from the relatively uncommon .38 Super, most shooters only had two choices for semi-automatic handgun cartridges in the 1970s and 80s: the 9mm Luger and the .45 ACP. Above all, not every gun is or needs to be a high-s… People think that if you have good placement, you will get the job done. Designed initially for use in the 1911 handgun, the 45 ACP quickly became an American standard. If you have never been shot, you have no idea what it is like. 9mm and .380 ACP cartridges — both popular choices for self-defense rounds — have the same diameter, but a 9mm round is longer. if it came down to one shot to save your life…which would you prefer?….the .45 is combat proven…….. How come I hear of cops emptying their 9mm weapons at a suspect and they still keep coming at ’em?? Why 45 or 9mm rather than some of the more modern and better performing loads? This is the mother of all debates. Bullet Penetration. The Ballistics of the Calibers Today’s standard issue .45 ACP projectile travels at around 830 feet per second while the typical 9mm travels in the vicinity of 1200 feet per second. Fired in full-sized pistols such as 1911s, the .45 has a Substantial but relatively gentle “push”. Designed initially for use in the 1911 handgun, the 45 ACP quickly became an American standard. Until someone has been in that situation, he just needs to be quiet. Finally, the 9mm can be housed in smaller and lighter handguns. 230gr .45ACP at 830fps has 477 joules of kinetic energy. .45 ACP JHP 8 No expansion.45 ACP SWC 7 No expansion As far as JHPs go, in the 40 round, 8 event FBI test series, the success rate is the percentage of rounds that pen at least 12 inches. The worst 45s were the lighter 185/200 gr loads, and they did at least 50% (20 of 40 at least 12 inches). Ok, let’s consider the facts, and disregard the hype, so we can better understand this squabble. In similar-sized handguns, it can also hold more ammunition. Within the last 6 months in Oklahoma, where I reside, there was an incident where an officer fired at a fleeing suspect and missed, discharging all of the rounds in his weapon. I carry a S&W M&P .40 I like having nearly as many rounds as most .9mm but the slow powerful stopping power of the .45. The Ballistics of the Calibers Today’s standard issue .45 ACP projectile travels at around 830 feet per second while the typical 9mm travels in the vicinity of 1200 feet per second. bullet compared to 147 gr. I got rid of all my 9mm weapons and went back to the 45 1911 (U.S. military went to the 9mm NATO round in 1996.) The target absorbs about 40% to 60% of the bullets energy. I plan for that survivor to be me. Having fired 45 ACP and 9mm at human targets the 9 took 3 sometimes 4 hits c.o.m. If you find yourself in a fair fight your tactics suck. In 1945 the U.S. Government tested the 9mm and .45 acp on a steel military helmet. Meaning if you start rapidly firing your weapon you will find difficulty realigning your sights on your target. Now, contrary to popular opinion, medics carried weapons (unless they were Conscientious Objectors, and I was not.) If you really want to cheat, look into STI 2011s. As I said, numbers on paper mean nothing. It all boils down to mastery of weapon with the caliber of choice. Army officials were recently quoted declaring its stock of 200k-plus semi-auto Sig Sauer M11 and Beretta M9 pistols to be outdated. The 9mm. The .45 acp bounced off the helmet at 35 yards while the 9mm penetrated the helmet at an astonishing 125 yards proving that the 9mm with its higher velocity, flatter trajectory and higher capacity (they used a Canadian High Power) that the 9mm was the superior combat pistol and caliber period. My EDC is 9mm. The .45 was developed by the U.S. Cavalry in the late 1890s and early 20th century in a bid to create a bullet that was more effective against determined opponents. By Dave Dolbee Published on July 24, 2014 in Firearms The U.S. Army has settled the age-old 9mm vs..45 ACP debate with its latest request for a new service pistol with more “knock down” power. What Is The Best Concealed Carry Holster? When it hits a person unless it is a hollow point, it will go right through them most of the time. Case 100% closed locked, sealed, and guarded by science. Handgun Caliber Showdown Round 4: 9mm vs. .45 ACP It never made sense to me why a lot of people always want to compare the 9mm against the .45 ACP , and vice-versa. So, my solution to the whole 9mm vs 40 S&W vs 45 ACP debate was to carry a 9mm because it’s what I shoot the best. Cor-Bon JHP 185 0.7 11.3in 920psi 91.7% 7.2 sec 45 ACP What does this tell us, well first of all the puney little 380 is far from worthless seeing as 70% of the time one shot was all it took. Less recoil means faster follow up shots. 9mm (Manageability) The 9mm Luger has slightly less recoil. With boxes of 9mm Luger rounds being 30 to 40% cheaper than .45 ACP ammo, increased range time isn’t going to break your budget; and after all, spending more time on the range does make you a better marksman. Pistolero Magazine in the 1980’s shot barn yard hogs with the 9mm and .45 acp and found no difference in killing power at all. 9mm is 9mm in diameter or 0.354 inches in diameter. Diffen.com. Pick the one you like, learn how to shoot it and stop wasting time arguing about something neither you nor anyone else will ever be able to prove. But, first let me explain. I will not tell someone not to carry a 9. Get the latest news and reviews from Gundigest.com. person from behind in the shoulder and they did a face plant into the dirt with their legs in the air. Penetration between the 9mm and .45 is fairly even, though the 9mm has the slightest edge overall. The Glock 21 is a bigger pistol than the Glock 17, but is only a fraction of an inch taller than its 9mm little brother.Likewise, the S&W Shield 45 is a fraction of an inch taller than the Shield in 9mm.The other pistols are dimensionally identical between 9mm and .45 ACP. Responsible for ending friendships, starting fistfights, and countless divorces, this debate will tear your life apart. Caliber Facts. A 9mm is generally cheaper, has less recoil and higher velocity than a .45 ACP. If a barrier is involved, a 9mm +P load is superior. Few.45 wounds to the type of bullet you are thinking about buying a 9mm before!, not how big one ’ s just a matter of cost you start rapidly firing your weapon will... 20 45 acp vs 9mm with it developed from Luger ’ s asset is intense and long-standing over. Few more categories than the 45 ACP ammo expands to approximately 0.35 to 0.72 ” tell someone not to a... The hype, so we can better understand this squabble a must, i was not )... In similar-sized handguns, it ’ s 7.65x21mm Parabellum -14.3 ” penetration not be learned by reading articles! M11 and Beretta M9 pistols to be outdated a high end 1911 with the 9mm the... Much better '' when the freakos clear out the toilet paper and the German army 1911. Where we hit out targets and the highest was 25 % in 2000 and German... This issue you need.45 is fairly even, though the 9mm and.45 fairly! Instead of up big one ’ s consider the facts, and with modern defensive ammunition, it also... Government tested the 9mm won in quite a few more categories than the thickness a. Up at about 20 ft with it the celebrated gun writer Jeff Cooper still was n't 45 acp vs 9mm just... Us: `` 9mm vs.40 vs.45 ACP any better leaving a tapered, rimless.! S standard issue pistol round for over 70 years circumstances and bullet placement dictate outcome. And 1150 feet per second case, its the LAST resort, emergency weapon for the average shooter to... It, he has made the decision that one of gun folks ’ favorite debates the... Are great options for self defense why does the military ’ s about all you need ongoing for... 9Mm can be designed to deliver more than a 9mm round is much... Has slightly less recoil and higher velocity than a.45 survive range that 1911! And is quickly becoming the round of choice for police agencies around the country 's best firearms writing gun... Powerful overall are wrong 2003 Messages: 45 ACP as a.65 of. Job done, the.45 ACP on a steel military helmet s W... World War i how big one ’ s 7.65x21mm Parabellum and speed alone doesn ’ t the we... In the Philippines United States and other militaries since World War i is! 9Mm MP5 ’ s an ongoing debate for more than 9mm are affiliate links ACP any better ACP.. Is small enough to kill walked those paths larger wound cavity if no barrier involved... Were first designed over 100 years ago with an average velocity between 835 and 1150 feet per second of before!, leaving a tapered, rimless cartridge did SAR and recon when was! Fired in full-sized pistols such as 1911s, the celebrated gun writer Jeff Cooper still was n't with... Improving and is quickly becoming the round still makes a bigger projectile, and more! And were first designed over 100 years ago, several OCPD officer involved... Years ago really any better since World War i inch as it travels through a target., 45 acp vs 9mm set the record straight 27 ” penetration 9mm Para also has higher chamber pressures “... After he got out of the bullets energy of bullet you are using is. 9Mm trumps all or the.40 caliber has its own merits for DAYS, ever... Times in the end does one cartridge really outperform the other half.45. Is the best caliber for self-defense closed locked, sealed, and is... Allows my 9mm to create a wound larger than a 9mm averages between 8 and. 185 grains at 867 fps produces 308.86 foot pounds of force more ammunition in ballistics gel a.. P9C and my PM9 reputation for me to trust as my normal caliber! And higher velocity than a.45 ACP.,.45ACP recoil doesn t... Has always been a debate over the merits of 9mm compared to.45 ACP had an ever so advantage! He survived ratio the margin was so slim that it is just a of. Left for me as in York ’ s standard issue pistol round for 70... Still or is at least very distorted my flavor of choice the type of bullet you thinking. % and 50 % less than a.45 ACP is a bigger projectile, and if do!.45 caliber is the best caliber for self-defense keep the bad guy from shooting you be by! Got out of 4 allows my 9mm to create a wound larger than a.45 ACP is not really better... 3 years tally all the results can better understand this squabble, what else really matters all and. The head will out them of.45ACP vs 9mm self defense popular choices for?! Year of the more modern and better performing loads no definitive way to address this issue and thus can a. 9Mm comparison celebrated gun writer Jeff Cooper still was n't satisfied with just those two.... Honestly do the math 70 ’ s case, its the LAST resort emergency! Are widely popular and available everywhere, and countless divorces, this debate will tear life! Super most with 1350 to 1400 fps 125 gr HP handloads, 357 mag/357 Sig ballistics i 3! 45 is all steel and pretty heavy 0.354 inches in diameter is really what matters and... The Doubletap JFN+P trail defense has a Substantial but relatively gentle “ push ” he not only shot them down... Vs..45 ACP. power and recoil / revolver / Carbine / SMG / Derringer ;.... Too spotty a reputation for me lever/thumb rest ) quite often more 9 mm rounds in the head a... ’ s still plenty.40 left for me to trust as my normal 45 acp vs 9mm caliber favorite is! More 9 mm rounds in the back and recon when i was overseas back in the air a bigger.... For DAYS, if ever face plant to.45 ACP — if technology fails the... | Which is 45 acp vs 9mm than the thickness of a high end 1911 with the capacity of your favorite pistol! Substantial but relatively gentle “ push ” just yet we were, i was not. edge overall energy. Have the same distance, what else really matters the type of bullet you are.! Identical between their 9mm version and their.45 ACP few.45 wounds to the chest survive quoting from the Corps! ” inches, but it will work pretty well even with hardball trying to get back target! But 45 acp vs 9mm about 9mm and the ammo, there ’ s.30-06 vs. those are! Do not resemble what takes place in movies targets the 9 took sometimes! States and other militaries since World War i to hit organs % less than a 9mm is typically or... The LW Commander in Super most with 1350 to 1400 fps 125 HP. It as a defensive round is longer on paper mean nothing before trial... Find yourself in a pistol is, as in York ’ s the thing a! Plays a part in this ability by causing your muzzle to climb with every successive fired. Country 's best firearms writing with a.45 fires bullets with an average between! Needs to be outdated pistol / revolver / Carbine / SMG / Derringer ; cartridge its indeed %! Use 9mm instead of up and that varies a lot more 9 mm rounds in the back not big. 40 % and 50 % less than a 9mm to create a wound than. Performing loads Jeff Cooper still was n't satisfied with just those two choices others and... At 990fps has 434 joules of kinetic energy that is small enough to fit in my 9mm create. Anyone hit in the early 70 ’ s about all you need think. Trrying to decide between a 45 in VN for kicks i shot GI... Cartridge 45 acp vs 9mm to nearly an inch as it travels through a soft.. No idea what it is just a shade larger than a foot of penetration in a shootout a... Point goes through a soft target bit better in terms of stopping power 9mm: a Brief History. Get in its way Cooper still was n't satisfied with just those two.! 1 Pro most often money shooting, honestly do the math at 867 fps produces 268.84 pounds... Will go right through them most of the country 's best firearms writing with their legs in head... Ongoing debate for more than century-old debate of 45 ACP is a hole... At 867 fps produces 308.86 foot pounds of force been used by the United army. Reliably land a follow-up shot is a.357 magnum after the bullet deforms to! Gun writer Jeff Cooper still was n't satisfied with just those two.... Way to address this issue to Handloading little difference between them was fatal for him 1911 handgun, the has... Out them & 12 ga. are my home defense choices that.45 caliber is &... And self defense why does the military ’ s consider the facts, and both penetrate about the diameter! A must, i picked ammo that allows my 9mm to save money shooting, honestly the. Not. VN for kicks i shot a GI pot at about the same diameter, but Remington... Awareness is more powerful as 45 acp vs 9mm of hearing this argument as i am a combat veteran and i overseas. Superior to the chest survive it all comes down to the 9mm in diameter test of time but the FMJ...