A key concern for anyone carrying a firearm for self-defense is the choice of ammunition. Choosing carry ammunition isn’t just about lethality or availability but finding reliable, precise, effective options for your needs.
When you’re considering ammo, many factors come into play—caliber, bullet weight, bullet type, and your personal environment. Is there a “best” choice for everyone? Probably not. However, with careful selection, you can ensure you’re prepared for any situation you might face. This article explores how to choose the right ammunition and factors to consider for daily carry.
Is There a Best Ammunition for Carry?
One type of ammunition won’t work for every situation; the reality is more complex. The best ammunition is often a subjective matter, influenced by personal preferences, training, and intended use. What works best for one individual may not be optimal for another. Even so, there are some common guidelines that apply to most users, ensuring a reliable balance between performance and versatility.
CCW carriers must consider consistency, accuracy, and suitability, not just lethality, when choosing ammunition. There are some rounds that have been thoroughly tested by law enforcement and military bodies, and leveraging these tests can be a great starting point for making your decision. For instance, using ammunition that law enforcement agencies favor might even offer some legal advantages, should you ever have to use it for self-defense. In contrast, flashy or niche brands marketed with sensational names like “Zombie Killer” might raise more eyebrows in court than you’d like.
Caliber Considerations: Balancing Power and Practicality
When it comes to calibers, most people fall into one of three camps: 9x19mm, .45 ACP, or .40 S&W. Each has its proponents, and each comes with its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks.
The 9x19mm, or simply 9mm, is by far the most popular choice for concealed carry and law enforcement alike. It strikes an ideal balance between stopping power, capacity, and manageable recoil. Its widespread use means it’s easier to find, typically cheaper, and offers a higher magazine capacity than larger calibers like .45 ACP. The 9mm is also commonly used in law enforcement, which adds a layer of familiarity and confidence for many.
For those who prefer heavier rounds, .45 ACP is another popular option. This caliber offers significant stopping power, but with that comes greater recoil and typically fewer rounds in a magazine. If you grew up shooting .45s or trained extensively with them, the familiarity and muscle memory could make it a strong contender for your carry choice.
Meanwhile, .40 S&W offers a compromise between the power of the .45 ACP and the capacity of the 9mm. Although it has been slightly overshadowed by the resurgence of the 9mm in recent years, .40 S&W still has a dedicated following, particularly among those who value its harder-hitting nature without the bulk of the .45.
Ultimately, the best caliber for you is the one you are most comfortable and confident with. Confidence in your ability to handle your firearm can make all the difference in a high-pressure situation.
Bullet Weight: Finding the Perfect Balance for Precision
Choosing the right bullet weight is equally as important as selecting the right caliber. Every handgun performs slightly differently with different bullet weights, and it’s essential to know which weight your firearm shoots best.
Bullet weight is measured in grains (gr), and different weights can dramatically alter how your firearm performs. Some handguns perform better with lighter bullets, while others favor heavier options. The goal is to find the bullet weight that gives you the best precision, meaning consistency in how close your shots are to each other.
This is where it’s crucial to understand the distinction between accuracy and precision. Accuracy refers to how close your shots are to the target, while precision measures how consistently your shots group together. A precise shooter with precise ammunition will consistently hit the same spot, even if it’s not perfectly on target.
Because handguns often “prefer” certain grain weights, it’s vital to test different weights with your firearm and see what works best. Consistent, predictable performance is far more important than chasing maximum power.
Bullet Type: Choosing Between Hollow Points and FMJ
Bullet type is where things get interesting. The choice between hollow points and full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds can heavily influence your effectiveness in a self-defense situation.
Hollow points are often considered the best option for most defensive encounters. Their ability to expand on impact leads to greater terminal performance—meaning they’re more likely to stop a threat in its tracks. Because hollow points expand upon striking soft tissue, they are far less likely to over-penetrate, making them safer for use in crowded environments. This is particularly important in self-defense situations where you need to minimize the risk of harming innocent bystanders.
However, hollow points have their drawbacks. They don’t perform as well when shooting through vehicles, walls, or other hard surfaces. This makes them less ideal in scenarios where you might need to shoot through barriers, like in a car or around objects that could obstruct your view of the target.
FMJ rounds, on the other hand, are built for penetration. They are great for punching through barriers, and in some cases, armor, but they tend to over-penetrate soft targets, which could increase the risk of unintended harm. This makes FMJ a bit of a double-edged sword—great in certain situations, but riskier in others.
This is why many experienced carriers opt to have both types of rounds on hand. You can carry hollow points in your primary magazine for most encounters, and keep a spare magazine loaded with FMJ for situations where more penetration is necessary.
What I Carry and Why: A Personal Perspective
My personal carry setup is designed with versatility and preparedness in mind. I carry a full-sized Sig Sauer P320 on my appendix, loaded with 17 rounds of 124-grain Federal 9mm hollow points. These are Federal’s Personal Defense Punch rounds, chosen for their proven terminal performance in soft tissue encounters.
Alongside this, I carry a spare magazine with 21 rounds of 124-grain Federal 9mm NATO FMJ rounds. This setup gives me flexibility—allowing me to use hollow points for most situations and FMJs for scenarios that require deeper penetration or shooting through barriers.
One key factor in my decision is that both rounds use the same grain weight. While there will always be some ballistic differences between hollow points and FMJs, keeping the grain weight consistent helps minimize shifts in point of aim and accuracy. This approach allows me to maintain a level of predictability in how my firearm behaves, regardless of the ammunition I’m using.
The Importance of Training With Your Carry Ammunition
The most important aspect of choosing your carry ammunition is training. Regardless of how much research you do or how great the rounds are, you must familiarize yourself with how your ammo performs in various situations.
Regularly practicing with your carry ammunition is non-negotiable. It may be more expensive, but if you carry your firearm daily, you need to know how it behaves in different conditions—whether you’re shooting at different ranges, through different materials, or in varying environmental conditions.
If you carry multiple types of ammo, make sure you know how your firearm’s zero shifts between them. Even small variations in grain weight or bullet type can cause differences in point of aim. This is not something you want to discover for the first time in a high-pressure situation.
At the end of the day, you’re responsible for every round that leaves your barrel. Training eliminates surprises and helps ensure that, should the need ever arise, you’re ready and able to act with precision and confidence.
FAQs Best Ammunition for Carry
Is there a best caliber for concealed carry?
There is no universally “best” caliber, but 9mm is widely regarded as an optimal choice due to its balance of capacity, recoil, and stopping power.
Why do law enforcement officers favor hollow points?
Hollow points are favored for their superior terminal performance in soft tissue and lower likelihood of over-penetration, making them safer for use in public spaces.
Should I carry different types of ammunition?
Carrying multiple types of ammunition can increase your versatility, allowing you to adapt to different situations, such as needing to penetrate barriers.
Is bullet weight important?
Yes, bullet weight affects how your firearm performs. Test different grain weights to find which your handgun shoots most consistently and accurately.
How often should I train with my carry ammunition?
It’s essential to train with your carry ammo regularly. Familiarity with how your ammunition performs in different environments can make all the difference in a high-stress situation.
Can I use law enforcement ammunition for personal defense?
Using law enforcement-grade ammunition can be beneficial, as it’s been rigorously tested for performance and may carry legal advantages in some self-defense cases.
Conclusion Best Ammunition for Carry
The Carry Ammunition Question is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make as a concealed carrier. From selecting the right caliber and bullet weight to choosing between hollow points and FMJs, your choices can significantly impact your effectiveness and safety. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, a thoughtful approach to ammunition selection, coupled with diligent training, will ensure you’re prepared for whatever situation may arise.