380 ACP, 9mm, 10mm, or the new 30 Super Carry — which one is the best self-defense cartridge? It’s a topic that’s often debated and likely always will be. There are a number of reasons for that, but the top two currently are:
• Improving bullet technology
• New cartridge availability (e.g. 30 Super Carry).
Defensive Ammunition: Lots to Choose From
Because there are so many cartridges available, we’ll compare them in a series.
First up: 90gr 380 ACP, 115gr 9mm, 100gr 30 Super Carry, and 175gr 10mm FlexLock.
Best Self Defense Cartridge (of our first 4 options) is…
The 10mm. From a factual standpoint, the 10mm produces the greatest velocity and largest wound cavities of all these cartridges. There’s no arguing that. Those aren’t the only parameters by which you should be measuring defensive loads, though. Bigger isn’t necessarily better; if bigger was always better, we’d all be toting 44 Magnums.
| Defensive Load | Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP 90 grain FTX | Hornady Critical Defense 9mm 115 grain FTX | Hornady Critical Duty 10mm 175 grain FlexLock | Federal Premium HST 30 Super Carry 100 grain JHP |
| Muzzle energy | 200 foot-pounds | 332 foot-pounds | 523 foot-pounds | 347 foot-pounds |
| Muzzle velocity | 1000 feet per second | 1135 feet per second | 1160 feet per second | 1250 feet per second |
| Sectional density | 0.102 inches | 0.130 inches | 0.156 inches | Unknown |
| Penetration depth (ballistic gel with heavy fabric) | 13.20 inches (average of 5 shots) | 13.31 inches (average of 5 shots) | 19.8 inches (average of 5 shots) | 15.5 inches (manufacturer tested) |
Ballistically, the 9mm has the longest proven history as a defensive round. 380 ACP does have a lot going for it, including proof that it works, but when it comes right down to it, logic dictates that the 9mm has an edge over the smaller cartridge. Where does that leave 30 Super Carry? At this time it’s difficult to say, but it would appear to fall somewhere between 380 ACP and 9mm with the potential of knocking 9mm off its pedestal with the passage of enough time.
Many people will tell you having any gun in any caliber ammunition is better than having no gun at all, and there’s some truth to that. Bella Twin killed a bear using 22lr in 1953, and there are more than a few coroners who’ll testify to the efficacy of the 380 ACP. But those cases tend to be the exception to the rule.
Cartridge selection is important.
The most important thing about your caliber selection is…
Here’s what it comes down to: trust your life to the best cartridge you can effectively use under stress at your skill level. If you’re only comfortable with something diminutive like a 22 LR, work on your shooting skills so you can level up to a bigger caliber. Above all else, train. It won’t matter what caliber gun you have if you aren’t skilled enough to use it effectively at the moment it matters most.
Read more about defensive handgun ammunition.
I always prefered the .38 Super in the original loadings with a 130 grain ball round at approximately 1400 f.p.s. designed in 1927 to penetrate car bodies the .45s, and .38s all bounced off of. The .38 Super went through it like it was paper, and will penetrate a class 2 vest even today. The 125gr. hollow point equals the .357Magnum fired from a Colt Python using a 4 inch barrel in stopping power when fired from a Colt 1911.
Interesting. I have never had a 45 auto or a 45LC bounce off a car or truck. I suppose it does happen. If you really want to go through a vehicle load up your 12 gauge shell with dimes. It will go through and come out the other side like something you never seen before. Like a giant screw driver. It also takes what ever is in its path and takes them out the other side in pieces. I seen this take place when I was a teenager in small town in Mo. It was a gasping sight.
45 auto is the best all around knock down power.
44 mag is my choice when it comes to really wanting to put away the attacker(s). One shot will stop them in dead In their tracks. Of course a 44 mag is powerful and not everyone can shot/handle one with lots of accuracy. Practice is the key and since it weights a bit one much have a little strength.
If it is a rifle the 223/5.56 is my favorite.
If it’s a shotgun they all are ok, I like the 410g,12g, and the 10gauge.
Those are my likings.
Permie…your solicitation doesn’t belong in this venue.