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9mm Ballistics & Terminal Performance Guide.

Comprehensive Overview of 9mm Ballistics And Terminal Performance.

9mm Ammo: Ballistics and Terminal Performance

Understanding the ballistics and terminal performance of 9mm ammo is essential for individuals who use firearms for personal protection, sport shooting, or law enforcement.

9mm Ballistics & Terminal Performance Guide

By knowing the trajectory, accuracy, stopping power, and terminal performance of different ammunition options, individuals can make informed decisions and choose the best cartridge for their specific needs.

This article will give an in-depth look at 9mm ballistics. We'll cover the caliber's capabilities and offer velocity, energy, and bullet drop data for the most popular 9mm calibers.

If you are new to 9mm ammo, check our previous post to learn about the basics of 9mm, its history & how it is different from 45 ACP & 10mm.

Let's discuss 9mm ammo ballistics and terminal performance.

Importance of understanding ballistics and terminal performance

Understanding ballistics and terminal performance are crucial for individuals who use firearms for personal protection, sport shooting, or law enforcement.

Ballistics refers to studying a projectile's motion and behavior as it travels through the air and into a target. The information gathered from ballistics testing can help individuals make informed decisions regarding the trajectory, accuracy, and stopping power of different ammunition options.

Terminal performance refers to the ammunition's ability to transfer energy to a target and cause damage. Understanding the terminal performance of different ammunition options is essential to assess a particular cartridge's effectiveness in different scenarios.

By understanding ballistics and terminal performance, individuals can make informed decisions and choose the best ammunition for their needs.

9mm Ballistics & Terminal Performance

The ballistics of 9mm ammunition can vary depending on the specific load and manufacturer, but here is some general information about 9mm ammo ballistics:

  • Muzzle velocity: The average muzzle velocity of a 9mm cartridge is around 1,200 feet per second (fps). Some loads can have speeds up to 1,400 fps or higher, while others may be slower.
  • Energy: The energy of a 9mm cartridge is typically measured in foot pounds (ft-lb). A standard 9mm cartridge has a power of around 350-400 ft-lb.
  • Penetration: The 9mm cartridge is designed to penetrate to a depth of around 12-14 inches in ballistic gelatin, a commonly used material to simulate human tissue. Some 9mm loads are designed for maximum expansion and shallow penetration, while others are designed for deeper penetration and less growth.
  • Recoil: The recoil of a 9mm cartridge is generally considered to be moderate and manageable, making it a good choice for those who may have difficulty handling heavier recoil.
  • Bullet weight: Typical bullet weights for 9mm ammunition range from 115 to 147 grains. There are huge difference between bullet grains.

9mm Ammo Ballistics Chart

Important Note: Ballistics can vary from the manufacturer and different types of loads. You need to check the ballistics & terminal performance to choose the best caliber.

To know the complete information about 9mm ballistics check here: http://www.ballistics101.com/9mm.php

9mm Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) Mid-Range TRAJECTORY (in.) Barrel Length (in.)
Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 50 yds. 100 yds.  
88 Grain 1500 1190 1010 440 275 200 0.6 3.1 4"
90 Grain 1360 1112 978 370 247 191 n/a n/a 4"
92 Grain 1325 1117 991 359 225 201 -3.2 n/a 4"
95 Grain 1300 1140 1010 350 275 215 0.8 3.4 4"
100 Grain 1180 1080 n/a 305 255 n/a 0.9 n/a 4"
115 Grain 1155 1045 970 340 280 240 0.9 3.9 4"
123 Grain 1110 1030 970 340 290 260 1 4 4"
124 Grain 1150 1040 965 364 298 256 -4.5 n/a 4"
125 Grain 1110 1030 970 340 290 260 1 4 4"
135 Grain 1010 960 918 306 276 253 n/a n/a 4"
140 Grain 935 890 850 270 245 225 1.3 5.5 4"
147 Grain 990 940 900 320 290 265 1.1 4.9 4"
90 Grain +P 1475 n/a n/a 437 n/a n/a n/a n/a 4"
115 Grain +P 1250 1113 1019 399 316 265 0.8 3.5 4"
124 Grain +P 1180 1089 1021 384 327 287 0.8 3.8 4"

9mm Ballistics By Brands

9mm Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) Mid-Range TRAJECTORY (in.) Barrel Length (in.)
Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 50 yds. 100 yds.  
Fiocchi 115 Gr. FMJ 1200 1089 1009 368 303 260 -3.8 n/a 4"
Federal Am. Eagle 124 Gr. FMJ 1150 1049 977 364 303 263 -0.9 -8.8 4"
Hornady American Gunner 115 Gr. XTP 1155 1038 958 341 275 235 -1.8 -11.7 4"
Winchester Ranger 127 Gr. JHP +P+ 1250 1120 1030 441 354 299 -1.6 -10 4"
Hornady 100 Gr. FTX Critical Defense Lite 1125 1003 922 281 224 189 -1.9 -12.5 4"
Federal Syntech 138 Gr. SJHP 1050 985 934 338 298 267 -1.2 -10.5 4"
Barnes 115 Gr. TAC-XP +P 1125 1039 975 323 276 243 -1.9 -11.8 4"
Fiocchi 158 Gr. FMJ Subsonic 850 814 780 253 232 213 -2.5 -6.2 4"
Sellier & Bellot 150 Gr. FMJ Subsonic 1001 955 920 333 303 281 -1.6 -12.1 4"
Blazer Brass 115 Gr. FMJ 1145 1047 977 335 280 244 -1.8 -11.6 4"
Blazer Brass 124 Gr. FMJ 1090 1014 955 327 283 252 -2 -12.4 4"
Federal Am. Eagle 147 Gr. FMJ 1000 953 914 326 297 273 -1.4 -11.5 4"
Federal Am. Eagle 115 Gr. FMJ 1180 1048 961 356 280 236 -0.9 -8.7 4"
Magtech 124 Gr. FMJ 1109 1024 961 339 289 254 -1.9 -12.1 4"
Winchester 124 Gr. FMJ NATO 1200 1095 1018 397 330 286 -1.7 -10.6 4"
PMC 115 Gr. FMJ 1150 1057 988 338 285 249 0 -7.3 4"

Wrapping It Up:

To choose the right 9mm ammo it's important to know about its ballistics & terminal performance.

It's important to note that these are general ballistics and specific performance can vary based on the particular load and firearm used. Additionally, bullet weight and velocity can affect other ballistics such as bullet drop and terminal performance. Which can influence the effectiveness of 9mm ammunition for specific applications such as self-defense or target shooting.

Author:
Lisa Earnest

Lisa Earnest

Feb, 16, 2023

Lisa Earnest has been a part of the Bulk Cheap Ammo team since 2018 and serves as the editor of Bulk Cheap Ammo content.

With a flair for language and an unwavering dedication to shooting sports, Lisa's diverse expertise combines to create an unforgettable experience for our audience.

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