Types of 9mm Ammo: Are They All the Same?

When someone refers to ‘9mm,’ they are typically talking about the 9mm Luger cartridge. This is because the 9mm Luger is the most popular and widely used 9mm pistol cartridge worldwide. Due to its prevalence, the term ‘9mm’ has become a shorthand for this specific cartridge. However, this cartridge goes by the following names:

• 9mm Luger
• 9×19mm
• 9mm NATO
• 9mm Parabellum

Over the years, many variants of 9mm ammunition and pistols have been created. They have been used all over the world in pistol and revolver handguns. Some are extremely rare and considered collector’s items. However, several variants are widely available and most commonly used for self-defense and law enforcement. Take a look at the comparison chart for more specifications on these 9mm variations.

The primary differences between these cartridges and the standard 9mm Luger include variations in case length, bullet diameter, and the specific purposes for which they were developed.

For example, the 9mm Makarov and .380 ACP are designed for compact firearms and have different operational characteristics, such as lower recoil or specific legal compliance.

Others, like the 9x23mm Winchester and 9x25mm Dillon, offer higher velocity and energy performance for competitive shooting.

The 9mm Makarov (9x18mm) is slightly larger than the standard 9mm Luger, with a bullet diameter of 9.27 mm. However, it has a shorter case length than the 9mm Luger at 18.1 mm.

The 9mm Makarov is primarily used as Eastern European military and police sidearms. It is known for its reliability in colder climates and is still used in some countries as a standard-issue military and police cartridge.

The .380 ACP or 9mm Browning has the same diameter as the 9mm Luger and a shorter case length of 17.3 mm. The .380 ACP is commonly used in compact and subcompact pistols for concealed carry and personal defense due to its lower recoil compared to the 9mm Luger. While the .380 ACP is less powerful, many prefer it for its ease of handling in smaller firearms.

The 9x21mm has a slightly longer diameter than the 9mm Luger and a case length of 21.15 mm. This round was developed for use in countries where military calibers, like the 9mm Luger, are not allowed for civilian use.

It performs similarly to the 9mm Luger and is used in competitive shooting and by civilians for self-defense in these countries.

The 9x23mm Winchester is similar to the 9mm Luger but with a longer case length of 22.86 mm. The Winchester was made with competitive shooting in mind. This 9mm variant offers higher velocity and greater case capacity for more powerful loads. Many sport shooters prefer this variant for its performance in terms of accuracy and recoil.

The 9mm Federal has a similar diameter to the 9mm Luger and is designed for use in revolvers instead of semi-automatic pistols. The 9mm Federal was created for revolvers that chamber 9mm rounds. This variant allows revolver enthusiasts to utilize and reap the benefits of 9mm ammunition. However, this round is relatively uncommon.

The 9x25mm Dillon is based on the 10mm Auto case but necked to 9mm. This round was developed for competition shooting, particularly in the ‘Major’ power factors categories. It offers high velocity and energy, which makes it suitable for specific competitive shooting disciplines.

The 9mm NATO is a military specification cartridge that resembles the 9mm Luger but is loaded to higher pressures for increased velocity and stopping power. The NATO standard specifies a 124-grain FMJ bullet at a velocity of approximately 1,150 feet per second. This specification ensures consistency and reliability across NATO forces’ firearms.

The 9mm +P is an overpressure variant of the 9mm Luger, designed to achieve higher velocity and stopping power than the standard 9mm Luger round. The ‘+P’ designation indicates that the cartridge has a higher internal pressure (38,500 PSI) than the 9mm Luger (35,000 PSI) but is within the safe operating limits of firearms rated explicitly for +P ammunition.

The increased pressure boosts the bullet's velocity, enhancing its performance for self-defense and law enforcement applications. However, users should be cautious about using 9mm +P rounds in firearms certified by the manufacturer as capable of handling the additional stress caused by the higher pressures.

The .38 Special, created by Smith & Wesson, is a revolver cartridge used by law enforcement and civilians since 1898. It typically fires a medium-bore bullet at moderate velocities, making it reliable, effective, and precise with minimal recoil.

This cartridge has low noise and muzzle flash, making it suitable for concealed carry and self-defense. Over the years, it has been offered in various loadings, from lower-powered target rounds to more powerful +P cartridges.

If you're looking for a versatile round for self-defense, law enforcement, or military use, the 9mm Luger is widely preferred for its balance of power and manageability. It is also compatible with a wide range of firearms, from full-size duty pistols to compact and subcompact models. This round's versatility and widespread availability make it a popular choice among shooters of all skill levels and styles.

The .380 ACP (9x17mm) might be the better choice for concealed carry because of its lower recoil and compact nature. The .380 ACP is ideal for smaller firearms that are easy to conceal.

Laws and regulations for owning, using, and transporting each 9mm variant vary significantly based on the country and jurisdiction in which you live. Before purchasing a 9mm variant, be sure to read up on any relevant legal considerations, such as:

• Ownership and purchase regulations: Many countries, including the U.S., require background checks, licenses, or permits for gun and ammo purchases.
• Transportation and storage: Jurisdictions often have laws regarding how guns and ammo can be transported or contained, such as requiring the use of locked containers.
• Usage restrictions: There are usually restrictions on where firearms and ammo can be carried or used, like schools, government buildings, and in some countries, urban areas. Certain cartridges may also be restricted for hunting or specific sports shooting events.
• Ammunition-specific laws: Certain cartridges and ammo, like hollow points, expanding bullets, and 9x19mm Parabellum, may not be available to civilians in certain countries or jurisdictions.
• Import, export, and travel: Ammunition is subject to stringent import and export controls, which require licenses and adherence to international regulations. When traveling internationally with guns or ammo, the laws of the departing country and the destination, along with any transit nations, must be considered.
• Regional variations: In addition to nationwide laws and regulations, individual states, regions, and jurisdictions have laws, such as requiring logs and records of ammunition sales or imposing additional taxes and restrictions.

Ready to hit the range? Academy Sports + Outdoors has you covered with an impressive selection of 9mm ammunition and pistols tailored to meet the needs of shooters from all walks of life. Whether you're gearing up for competition, looking for the perfect carry pistol, or just adding to your collection, visit Academy today to find quality, reliability, and performance at your fingertips.