.45 ACP vs. 9mm Cartridge Debate

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 4/20/2017 | JB Snow

[w1n1]

Does it really matter?
We all love a good argument, especially when it comes to guns. But I’m always amazed when people speak in absolutes about the merits of the .45 ACP versus the 9mm.

What's funny is that even with ballistic data that we can access to use to debate our arguments. It’s still not enough to see the value objectively.

Reading data can be mind boggling or just too hard to visualize. Viewing pictures of the caliber aftermath may be the way to go.

Back in 2014, the FBI Academy from Quantico, VA released a report on why they were trending toward the 9mm over other options, including the .45 ACP and the .40 S&W. In case you missed it, here's what that summary included:

• Most of what is "common knowledge" with ammunition and its effects on the human target are rooted in myth and folklore
• Projectiles are what ultimately wound our adversaries and the projectile needs to be the basis for the discussion on what “caliber” is best
• Handgun stopping power is simply a myth
• LEO's miss between 70 – 80 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident
• The majority of FBI shooters are both FASTER in shot strings fired and more ACCURATE with shooting a 9mm Luger vs shooting a .40 S&W (similar sized weapons)

Interesting stuff, but it doesn't motivate one to toss their .40s and .45s into the garbage can. For the FBI it can be other behind the scenes reasons as to why they're more inclined to go with the 9mm in this report, read the rest of the 9mm vs 45acp debate here. Which cartridge would you go with and why?

[Pox]

.45 is my personal preference.

[BenLurkin]

Isn’t it just a question of whether you want to be able to lug around more rounds versus whether you want what you shoot to die reliably?

[exnavy]

I am still shooting .45 colt, with no reason to look elsewhere.

[clamper1797]

Just have one (or more) of each ...

[lacrew]

Whenever I advocate for the 9mm, people accuse me of sitting down when I go to the bathroom...

But IMHO, dead is dead, and both calibers will kill you.

[miliantnutcase]

Stopping power is not a myth. Just read any SOCOM/SEAL, or Green Beret interview from Afghanistan. The Berettas continually shot right through the crazed Taliban/Qaeda fighter while 1911 rounds usually dropped them in their tracks at close range.

[Mr. Mojo]

The majority of FBI shooters are both FASTER in shot strings fired and more ACCURATE with shooting a 9mm Luger vs shooting a .40 S&W (similar sized weapons)

For me, accuracy is more dependent on how comfortable a weapon is in my hand than on caliber. For instance, I can shoot a 9mm and .45 equally well in a 1911, but equally poorly in guns that don't fit my hand as well.

[NorthMountain]

Which cartridge would you go with

The one I can comfortably carry under the present circumstances.

and why?

Because a 9mm in my hand beats a .45 back home in the armory.

[mountn man]

•LEO’s miss between 70 – 80 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident
•The majority of FBI shooters are both FASTER in shot strings fired and more ACCURATE with shooting a 9mm Luger vs shooting a .40 S&W (similar sized weapons)

For personal defense, seldom will someone be rapid firing at multiple targets.

Cops, by nature of the job, put themselves in situations where a gun must be drawn, or have multi targets.

[PanzerKardinal]

The plural of evidence is NOT more anecdotes.

[OftheOhio]

So they’re bragging about spray and pray. If you intend to wound instead of kill, by all means select the 9mm. I’ve often wondered about the wonder nine.

[central_va]

I just watched an ID murder on Discovery. In a nutshell a neighbor shoots his next neighbors(plural) in cold blood with 9mm at close range in broad daylight in front of witnesses. The woman kept walking towards him after taking at least 4 9mm rounds. The husband comes running and the shooter turns his attention to him and he gets about 6 9mm rounds an still keeps coming. The woman finally drops after absorbing about 8 rounds in total. The husband falls to his knees next to her and hugs her with about 7 rounds in him. He gradually falls down. This was a re-enactment from eye witness accounts.

The 9mm round is a joke.

[Seruzawa]

Projectile is more important than cartridge size. 9mm expanding rounds are more effective than .45 ball ammo. We could argue forever. Put Hydrashock in anything and feel confident.

[nevergore]

Both are effective cartridges with proper placement.....

I am very fashionable.....

My winter wear is a compact high capacity .45

My summer wear is a VERY compact, flat and lightweight 9mm.....

The best pistol is the one you can have with you....

[Seruzawa]

Projectile is more important than cartridge size. 9mm expanding rounds are more effective than .45 ball ammo. We could argue forever. Put Hydrashock in anything and feel confident.

[Seruzawa]

Oops. Sorry for double post.

[baltimorepoet]

I’m happy with all of mine. Have a Glock 17 (9mm), Glock 22 (40) and a Glock 30 (45).

In case you think I’m Glock obsessed, I do have a Ruger Charger (to go with the Ruger 10/22). And plan on getting a S&W 357 revolver and a Beretta 92FS (they will be the last 2 pistols).

I got the G17 & G22 for magazine compatibility with my 2 of the 3 Keltec Sub 2000 folding carbines. (The third Keltec Sub 2000 will be paired with a 92FS)

[Delta 21]

If 6 rounds of .357Mag aint enough, Im where I should not be.

[baltimorepoet]

Sounds like what US soldiers said in the Philippines fighting against the guerillas (Moros?) in the early 20th century.