.45 ACP vs 9mm: 5 Experts Give Their Answers

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Our round table of military, law enforcement and other industry experts answers the age-old debate between .45 ACP and 9mm ammo.

.45 ACP vs. 9mm Paul Buffoni

Paul Buffoni (Affiliation: Bravo Company USA, Inc.; former USMC service; Position: Founder and CEO) 9mm or .45 ACP? 9mm. Reason: Additional capacity of 9mm pistols is a great benefit. Current 9 mm ammunition ballistics will do the job, if I do mine.

Of the many debatable topics of conversation in the firearms world, one that pops up a lot more often than others, relates to caliber. To be more specific, we’re talking about the age-old debate between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.

Get This Issue Now

Yes, it’s a classic argument that pits small caliber (9mm) versus large (.45 ACP) and extra capacity versus brute stopping power. While there are many varied opinions on this topic, we turned to a trusted panel of industry experts to weigh-in with their opinions on the matter.

This Round Table will be a recurring feature where we ask industry experts and noted personalities to sound off on a variety of topics that are often debated amongst friends at backyard barbeques as well as on Internet forums amongst strangers and those who prefer to hide behind a monitor and Wi-Fi connection.

The Round Table consists of military, law enforcement, trainers, competitors, gunsmiths and industry insiders. We will always select a multifaceted panel in order to present many different points of view.

It’s only natural that everyone won’t share the same opinion, but that’s the great thing about The Round Table. When all of these beliefs are taken as a whole, we can learn something new, spur further debate and perhaps be surprised by what we come away with.

.45 ACP vs. 9mm John Chapman

John Chapman (Chappy) (Affiliation: LMS Defense / EAG Tactical; Position: Weapons and Tactics Instructor) 9mm or .45 ACP? 9mm. Reason: I prefer the 9mm, because it is plentiful, cheaper to shoot, easier to make rapid follow-up shots with and is lethal enough when the shooter places the rounds in the proper place in the target. Having said that, the .45 ACP is a great round as well, and is slightly superior to the 9 mm when engaging targets inside of vehicles. I use both calibers in my work and training pursuits, depending on the mission.

Of the many debatable topics of conversation in the firearms world, one that pops up a lot more often than others, relates to caliber. To be more specific, we’re talking about the age-old debate between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.

Get This Issue Now

Yes, it’s a classic argument that pits small caliber (9mm) versus large (.45 ACP) and extra capacity versus brute stopping power. While there are many varied opinions on this topic, we turned to a trusted panel of industry experts to weigh-in with their opinions on the matter.

This Round Table will be a recurring feature where we ask industry experts and noted personalities to sound off on a variety of topics that are often debated amongst friends at backyard barbeques as well as on Internet forums amongst strangers and those who prefer to hide behind a monitor and Wi-Fi connection.

The Round Table consists of military, law enforcement, trainers, competitors, gunsmiths and industry insiders. We will always select a multifaceted panel in order to present many different points of view.

It’s only natural that everyone won’t share the same opinion, but that’s the great thing about The Round Table. When all of these beliefs are taken as a whole, we can learn something new, spur further debate and perhaps be surprised by what we come away with.

.45 ACP vs. 9mm Chris Cheng

Chris Cheng (Affiliation: History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 Champion; Bass Pro Shops and Leupold & Stevens Pro Staffer; Shoot to Win, Author; Position: Top Shots winner; author) 9mm or .45 ACP? 9mm. Reason: 9mm: More affordable.

Of the many debatable topics of conversation in the firearms world, one that pops up a lot more often than others, relates to caliber. To be more specific, we’re talking about the age-old debate between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.

Get This Issue Now

Yes, it’s a classic argument that pits small caliber (9mm) versus large (.45 ACP) and extra capacity versus brute stopping power. While there are many varied opinions on this topic, we turned to a trusted panel of industry experts to weigh-in with their opinions on the matter.

This Round Table will be a recurring feature where we ask industry experts and noted personalities to sound off on a variety of topics that are often debated amongst friends at backyard barbeques as well as on Internet forums amongst strangers and those who prefer to hide behind a monitor and Wi-Fi connection.

The Round Table consists of military, law enforcement, trainers, competitors, gunsmiths and industry insiders. We will always select a multifaceted panel in order to present many different points of view.

It’s only natural that everyone won’t share the same opinion, but that’s the great thing about The Round Table. When all of these beliefs are taken as a whole, we can learn something new, spur further debate and perhaps be surprised by what we come away with.

.45 ACP vs. 9mm Chris Costa

Chris Costa (Affiliation: Costa Ludus; Position: Founder) 9mm or .45 ACP? 9mm. Reason: Both the 9mm and .45 are great calibers for everyday carry, and both offer very good terminal ballistics for stopping power. When considering everyday carry, round count capacity is very important for several reasons: multiple threats, vehicle windshields and concentrated fire on vehicles or cover in order to achieve penetration of a specific location, and suppress to cover if it’s a viable tactic or option. While I own expensive .45s, 99 percent of the time my typical everyday carry is a Salient Glock in 9mm with a spare magazine. There are no magic bullets, so shot placement and accuracy under speed based on your sight package is paramount to your safety as well as the safety of others around you. Bring enough gun to the fight, but bring one you can handle.

Of the many debatable topics of conversation in the firearms world, one that pops up a lot more often than others, relates to caliber. To be more specific, we’re talking about the age-old debate between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.

Get This Issue Now

Yes, it’s a classic argument that pits small caliber (9mm) versus large (.45 ACP) and extra capacity versus brute stopping power. While there are many varied opinions on this topic, we turned to a trusted panel of industry experts to weigh-in with their opinions on the matter.

This Round Table will be a recurring feature where we ask industry experts and noted personalities to sound off on a variety of topics that are often debated amongst friends at backyard barbeques as well as on Internet forums amongst strangers and those who prefer to hide behind a monitor and Wi-Fi connection.

The Round Table consists of military, law enforcement, trainers, competitors, gunsmiths and industry insiders. We will always select a multifaceted panel in order to present many different points of view.

It’s only natural that everyone won’t share the same opinion, but that’s the great thing about The Round Table. When all of these beliefs are taken as a whole, we can learn something new, spur further debate and perhaps be surprised by what we come away with.

.45 ACP vs. 9mm Dave Emary

Dave Emary (Affiliation: Hornady Manufacturing; Position: Senior Scientist) 9mm or .45 ACP? 9mm. Reason: Current 9mm ammunition has more consistent and better barrier penetration than .45 ACP. The .45 ACP is probably a bit better in terms of a larger wound cavity if no barrier is involved. If a barrier is involved, a 9mm +P load is superior. You can carry a lot more 9 mm rounds in the mag, and it is easier to shoot well.

Of the many debatable topics of conversation in the firearms world, one that pops up a lot more often than others, relates to caliber. To be more specific, we’re talking about the age-old debate between 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.

Get This Issue Now

Yes, it’s a classic argument that pits small caliber (9mm) versus large (.45 ACP) and extra capacity versus brute stopping power. While there are many varied opinions on this topic, we turned to a trusted panel of industry experts to weigh-in with their opinions on the matter.

This Round Table will be a recurring feature where we ask industry experts and noted personalities to sound off on a variety of topics that are often debated amongst friends at backyard barbeques as well as on Internet forums amongst strangers and those who prefer to hide behind a monitor and Wi-Fi connection.

The Round Table consists of military, law enforcement, trainers, competitors, gunsmiths and industry insiders. We will always select a multifaceted panel in order to present many different points of view.

It’s only natural that everyone won’t share the same opinion, but that’s the great thing about The Round Table. When all of these beliefs are taken as a whole, we can learn something new, spur further debate and perhaps be surprised by what we come away with.

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  • Susan West

    .40 cal for me, or .357 sig, now both of these will beat 9mm as i load my own, so this +p is factory, i load and use Trojan, supported barrel will take +p+ easily and more, i can choose my projectile, and i know what is loaded. You bring your Glock, i will bring my Trojan. Ok, mine costs twice as much but will last 5 times longer.

  • This constant harping on the availability and cost of 9mm (or any other calibre) as a selling point just rubs me the wrong way. The reason that any calibre is available and reasonably inexpensive is ONLY because they sell lots of it — to civilian or military markets; it doesn’t matter. It’s as though back at the end of the 19th century people had defended using blackpowder because it was plentiful and cheap. Why does the US military use 9mm (for the most part)? Simple. It’s to achieve commonality of ammo between NATO countries. It’s not because the 9mm is a super calibre. 9×23 is far superior as is 10×25. But the hidebound old fogeys that run the NATO militaries won’t even look at anything that hasn’t been “proven” for a century. Basically it means that they can’t admit that there may be a better round to use.