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Handgun Ammunition Guide
The Ultimate Handgun Ammunition Guide | The American Firearms Network
Master Your Ballistics: The Definitive Resource for Defensive, Tactical, and Range Ammo.
Whether you are a first-time gun owner or a seasoned tactical professional, selecting the right ammunition is the most critical decision you make after choosing your firearm. At The American Firearms Network (AFN), we provide the data, safety protocols, and ballistics insight you need to shoot with confidence.
What is Handgun Ammunition? Understanding the Anatomy
Many beginners use the term “bullet” to describe the entire unit. In professional ballistics, we refer to this as a Cartridge or a Round. A single cartridge consists of four vital components:
The Bullet: The projectile that leaves the barrel.
The Casing: Typically brass, steel, or aluminum; it holds the components together.
The Propellant (Powder): The chemical compound that creates the gas pressure to launch the bullet.
The Primer: The ignition source that sparks the powder when struck by the firing pin.
Handgun Caliber Comparison: Finding Your Fit
specific markings is the #1 rule of firearm safety.
Caliber
Primary Use Case
Key Characteristics
.22 LR
Plinking & Training
Ultra-low recoil, affordable, quiet.
.380 ACP
Deep Concealment
All-Purpose / Duty
The global standard; perfect balance of capacity and power.
.40 S&W
Law Enforcement
Higher snappiness, significant “knock-down” reputation.
.45 ACP
Law Enforcement
Slow, heavy, and proven “big hole” performance.
.357 Magnum
High velocity, traditionally used in revolvers.
Choosing the Right Bullet Type
At AFN, we categorize ammunition by its terminal performance. Using the
wrong bullet type for the wrong task can lead to dangerous over-penetration or insufficient stopping power.
1. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Best For: Range practice, competitive shooting, and drills.
The Tech: A soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell.
Why use it? It’s the most cost-effective way to build muscle memory.
2. Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Best For: Self-defense and concealed carry (EDC).
The Tech: Designed to expand (mushroom) upon impact.
Why use it? Expansion creates a larger wound channel and prevents the bullet from passing through the target into bystanders.
3. Frangible Ammunition
Best For: Indoor ranges and steel target shooting.
The Tech: Made of compressed metal powder that disintegrates on impact.
Why use it? Virtually eliminates the risk of ricochets in confined spaces.
Why Trust The American Firearms Network?
The American Firearms Network is dedicated to the education and empowerment of the American shooter. Our guides are built on verified ballistic gelatin tests, manufacturer transparency, and real-world feedback from industry experts.
American Firearms Network Suggested Readings
101 Drills for Handguns, Rifles, and Shotguns
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The Art of Modern Gunfighting
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Ayoob Files
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Combat Focused Shooting
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Combat Shooting
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Combative Shotgun
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Concealed Carry Class The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools and Tactics
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The Farnam Method of Defensive Handgunning
– John Farnam
Fighting Smarter
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Four Pillars of Fighting
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Guns and Self-Defense
– Robert and Sim Waters
Guns, Bullets and Gunfights
- Jim Cirillo
Handgun Combatives
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Killing Zone
– Gary Stubblefield
More Tactical Reality
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Real World Gunfight Training
– Mike Ochsner
Stay in the Fight
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Straight Talk on Armed Defense
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Your Defensive Handgun Training Program
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Tactical Reality
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Bullseyes Don’t Shoot Back
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Dangerous Men
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Kill or Get Killed
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Quick or Dead
– William Cassidy
No Second Place Winner
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Deadly Force – Understanding Your Right To Self Defense
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In Defense of Self and Others
– Patrick and Hall
The Law of Self Defense
– Andrew Branca
How to Survive an Active Killer
– Aaron Janetti
Shooter Down
– John Giduck
Why Kids Kill
- Peter Langman
Concealed Carry for Women
– Gila Hayes
Fight Back
– Loren Christensen
Seven Steps to Personal Safety
– Richard Issacs
Survive The Unthinkable
– Tim Larkin
The Anatomy of Violence
– Adrian Raine
Dangerous Personalities
– Joe Navarro
Defensive Living
– Dave Spaulding
Beyond the Picket Fence
– Marc MacYoung
Deadly Force
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Principals of Personal Defense
- Jeff Cooper
Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training
– Karl Rehn and John Daub
