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3 Important Things To Know When Purchasing 9mm Ammo

28 February 2022

Wade Moreno

If you have just purchased a pistol—whether for a shooting competition or for self-defense—the next step you'll need to take is purchasing some ammo. While this may seem straightforward, it is often anything but simple for a new gun owner. There are many things to consider, and it is best to know what you're looking for before you step into a shop or (provided your jurisdiction allows it) order ammo online. Take a look below at just three of the most important things you should keep in mind when you are purchasing 9mm ammo.

Bullet Weight

The weight of the bullet matters a great deal when you're buying ammo and can be slightly confusing since it is measured not in traditional units but in 'grains' (gr). Naturally, the heavier the bullet is, the harder it will hit, and so most people who have purchased a firearm for self-defense will want at least one case of heavier bullets. That said, heavier ammo also tends to be more expensive and produce more recoil, so it may not be practical to purchase several cases if you're just planning to practice at the local shooting range. As training ammunition, 115gr is a commonly used weight.

Bullet Variety

There are far more varieties of 9mm ammo than one might think, but it is important to ensure you know exactly what type you're buying. Some 9mmo ammo cases will carry the label LRN, for example, which stands for lead round nose. These lead bullets are not covered by a so-called 'jacket' of metal or other material and are unsuitable for some pistol types. FMJ, or full metal jacket ammo, on the other hand, is great for practice with virtually any pistol. 

Cartridge Type

It is valuable to keep in mind that a bullet is just one part of a cartridge, which also houses primer and powder. If you're careless when shopping for ammo, you may mistakenly select a cartridge that is incompatible with your firearm. For example, if you come across a box of ammo labeled 9mm Kurz, you may assume that it will work with your pistol just as 9mm Luger ammo does. Yet 9mm Kurz is a European designation that is equivalent to the cartridge known as the .380 ACP in the United States. These subtle but important differences are just one more thing you should take note of when you are purchasing 9mm ammo.

To learn more about purchasing ammo, contact a company like The Armory.

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