Handgun Ballistics

The .22 LR is a small, inexpensive rimfire cartridge. It is widely used for recreation, competition, and pest control, making it probably the most popular cartridge in the world. Many revolvers, pistols, carbines, and rifles have been chambered for .22 Long Rifle.

The .25 ACP is one of several cartridges originally designed for autoloading Colt pistols. Before improved materials and manufacturing made compact handguns chambered in more potent calibers a possibility, it was also one of the few cartridges suitable for such “pocket guns.” Col. J. D. Cooper famously wrote that shooting someone with a .25 would probably make him very angry, if he noticed.

The .32 ACP is one of several cartridges originally designed for autoloading Colt pistols. Before improved materials and manufacturing made compact handguns chambered in more potent calibers a possibility, it was also one of the few cartridges suitable for such “pocket guns.” Though intended for defensive use, the .32 ACP is not known for its effectiveness.

So called because it is longer than the .38 Special cartridge from which it was developed, the .357 Magnum has earned a reputation as a “man stopper.” However, its muzzle blast and strong recoil can make shooting it less than pleasant, especially from light-weight revolvers. Even those who swear by the .357 Magnum often prefer to practice with gentler .38 Specials.

Developed in cooperation with Federal Cartridge Company and named for the Swiss Industrial Group, the .357 SIG is a bottlenecked cartridge intended to bring “magnum” performance to semi-automatic pistols. Though it has yet to catch on widely, several major manufacturers chamber handguns for this cartridge.

The .38 Special began its history as a black-powder revolver cartridge but has most often been loaded with smokeless powder. It was the most common chambering in American law-enforcement sidearms for many decades. Though often considered somewhat underpowered by today’s standards, the .38 Special remains a popular cartridge for recreational shooting and for self-defense.

The .380 ACP is one of several cartridges originally designed for autoloading Colt pistols. Before improved materials and manufacturing made compact handguns chambered in more potent calibers a possibility, it was also one of the few cartridges suitable for such “pocket guns.” Though intended for defensive use, the .380 ACP is not known for its effectiveness.

Developed to meet FBI specifications, the .40 S&W is a shortened version of the 10×25mm cartridge. It is continuing to gain popularity in law-enforcement circles, but some shooters still dismiss it as a compromise cartridge.

Thanks in no small part to its association with the long-lived U.S. m1911 pistols, the .45 ACP is probably the most American of handgun cartridges. Its “stopping power” is often exaggerated, but it is still extremely popular with defensive and competitive shooters alike. Over the years, a wide variety of firearms (including pistols, revolvers, carbines, and submachine guns) has been chambered for the .45 ACP.

When compact, inexpensive Makarov pistols reached the U.S. surplus market, they quickly became popular among handgun enthusiasts and concealed-carry licensees. The 9×18mm cartridge developed for this pistol falls between .380 ACP and .38 Special in performance.

Also known as the 9mm Luger, the 9×19mm is currently the standard NATO pistol cartridge. Its combination of controllability, power, and affordability make it popular both for target shooting and self-defense.