Best 9mm Ammo For Self Defense, Target Shooting & Range (2024 Guide)

Our Top Five 9mm Ammo Picks

• Best For Self Defense: Hornady's Critical Defense Lite 100-grain FTX.
• Best For Competition/Target Shooting : Winchester Target & Practice, 115 grain, FMJ
• Best 9mm Training Ammo: Federal American Eagle 147 gr
• Best Subsonic 9mm Caliber: Federal American Eagle FMJ, 147 Grain Subsonic
• Best 9mm Ammo Overall: Fiocchi Range Dynamics 115gr FMJ

Best 9mm Ammo For Self Defense

• Federal HST 9mm Ammo, 147 gr
• SIG SAUER Elite V-Crown 9mm Luger 124 Grain JHP
• Speer Gold Dot 115 GR, 9mm Ammo
• Winchester 9mm Luger, 147 Grain JHP
• Remington Golden Saber 9mm 147gr, JHP

Target Shooting

• CCI Blazer Brass 9mm Luger, 115 gr, FMJ
• AAC 9mm Ammo (115gr & 124gr)
• PMC Bronze 9mm 115 gr

Range

• Magtech Sport 9mm Luger, 115 Grain FMJ
• Federal American Eagle 9mm Ammo, 115 gr, FMJ

Before going in depth of the topic you can check our other articles where we cover the 9mm Ballistics & Terminal Performance Guide, difference between 9mm vs. 10mm, 9mm vs 45 ACP.

These topics will also be helpful to choosing the best 9mm ammo for self defense & targeting shooting.

What Makes 9mm Ammunition Effective For Self Defense, Target Shooting & Range?

• Balanced performance: 9mm cartridge offers a balanced combination of stopping power and recoil control. It is suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Manageable recoil: The 9mm has a moderate amount of recoil which makes it easier to control and allows for quicker follow-up shots. This is useful for self-defense and target shooting situations where accuracy and rapid response are essential.
• Availability and Affordability: The 9mm ammo is more widely available than other calibers and it tends to cost less. It is a good choice for practice sessions at the range.
• Versatility The nine-millimeter round is compatible with many firearms types including compact pistols and full-sized handguns. It can also be used in carbines. This versatility allows the user to select firearms for different scenarios.
• Effective terminal ballistics: The 9mm is able to deliver more effective terminal ballistics. It is important to ensure that the round can stop a threat in a safe manner.
• Adoption by Law Enforcement: Many agencies around the world use 9mm ammo in their duty guns. This wide adoption shows a high level of confidence in the caliber in real-world situations.
• Standardization 9mm is now a standard caliber, which promotes interoperability. It also makes maintenance easier. Standardization benefits both civilians and law enforcement.
• Magazine Capacities: Due to its compact size, 9mm ammunition allows for higher capacity magazines compared to other calibers. This is especially useful in self-defense scenarios where more rounds are needed.
• Firearms Options: A wide range of 9mm handguns are available, each with different features, sizes, and weights. It is possible to choose a handgun that best suits your needs, whether it's for self-defense and target shooting.
• Global popularity: The global popularity of 9mm ammo ensures that new and improved loads are developed continuously, which contributes to the overall performance and effectiveness of the caliber.

This combination of factors makes 9mm ammunition an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile option for self defense, range shooting and target shooting.

Hornady's Critical Defense Lite 100-grain FTX

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Flex Tip Extreme
• Muzzle Velocity: 1125 FPS
• Muzzle Energy : 281 FT LBS
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

I personally like this Hornady Critical Defense, Lite 9mm, because it delivers exceptional stopping power in high-stress defensive applications. It provides exceptional stopping power for high-stress defense applications. I like the FTX (r) Flex tip(r), which delivers consistent expansion to ensure superior reliability. Brass casings provide smoother performance and improved visibility in low light environments. Clean-burning propellants and low flash propellants reduce muzzle flash to improve low-light performance without compromising reliability.

Federal HST 9mm Ammo, 147 gr

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
• Muzzle Velocity: 1000 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy : 326 ft-lbs
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

Federal Premium HST is the best self-defense cartridge for your concealed carry weapon. I used these bullets to the range to get used to the feel and accuracy of this ammo. The 147 grain hits super hard and the hollow point expands great! In all Gel tests they open as described and meet or exceed all FBI tests.

It provides consistent expansion, optimum penetration and superior terminal performance. This 9mm ammunition is loaded with special jacketed hollow point bullets that expand reliably even through clothing and other obstruction.

SIG SAUER Elite V-Crown 9mm Luger 124 Grain JHP

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
• Muzzle Velocity: 1165 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy : 374 ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 124 Gr
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

I used this ammo for home defense and everyday carry. It's awesome & does a lot more damage than a regular 9mm round. I consider Sig Sauer to be among the best for quality, reliability and effective stopping power. Works well in the S&W shield and Glock 17.

Speer Gold Dot 115 GR, 9mm Ammo

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Hollow Point
• Muzzle Velocity: 1210 fps
• Muzzle Energy : 374 ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 115 grain
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

We tested these bullets with Glock 19. Super accurate with low recoil. These bullets are loaded with bonded core bullets and designed for critical defense needs.

It's proven terminal ballistics and devastating knock down power make it an excellent choice for premium defense ammunition.

These cartridges utilize flash suppressant in their powder mixture in order to preserve night-vision and enable quicker follow-up shots. The 115 grain weight combined with a standard pressure charge offers light-recoil and a relatively flat trajectory.

Winchester 9mm Luger, 147 Grain JHP

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
• Muzzle Velocity: 990 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy : 320 ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 147 grain
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

This ammo works well for my S&W M&P Shield. These bullets are made for home defense and are crafted with a jacketed hollow-point design. Its Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullets and clean burning powders reduce leading and barrel fouling. The Winchester USA 9mm 147 Grain Handgun Ammo provides shooters with full-power, reliable-feeding.

Remington Golden Saber 9mm 147gr, JHP

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
• Muzzle Velocity: 990 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy : 320 ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 147 grain
• Use : Self Defense

Why Do We Choose This?

Golden sabers have been repeatedly proven as the best hollow point round for self defense. This round is very accurate and consistent in all my 9mm pistols.

These rounds utilize exclusive technology to produce match-grade accuracy and optimal terminal performance.

Winchester Target & Practice, 115 grain, FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity: 1190 Fps
• Muzzle Energy : 362 Ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Target & Practice

Why Do We Choose This?

We tested this product in Glock 19 & it worked flawlessly. This round has performed very well in both full size and subcompact handguns. This product is really ideal for target shooting because on impact this bullet does not expand.

Featuring high quality Winchester components, this ammunition delivers outstanding reliability.

Magtech Sport 9mm Luger, 115 Grain FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity: 1135 fps
• Muzzle Energy : 330 ft. lbs
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Target & Practice

Why Do We Choose This?

We run this caliber through my CZ's, & Springfield. It works with flawless reliability and accuracy. The "Sport" line of ammunition from Magtech was designed for shooters looking for accuracy, reliability and exceptional performance, round after round. Additionally this 9mm Luger is a great target and practice ammunition, so whether you've been shooting for years or just starting off new, this 9mm Luger is a perfect buy without any 2nd thought.

CCI Blazer Brass 9mm Luger, 115 gr, FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity:1145 FPS
• Muzzle Energy : 323 FT LBS
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Range

Why Do We Choose This?

My Taurus G3C loves this 9mm ammo. Outstanding price on excellent range/target ammo!

These bullets come with reliable CCI standard boxer-type primers and primer pockets.

If you need the best 9mm ammo for indoor range training sessions or sport shooting, this Blazer® Brass 9mm Luger 115 Grain FMJ will deliver the performance you need.

AAC 9mm Ammo 115gr FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity:1150 FPS
• Muzzle Energy : 323 FT LBS
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Range

Why Do We Choose This?

Awesome range ammo! Tested with Glock 19 & it performs well without a single issue. Designed for use in a variety of applications and manufactured through advanced research, design, and engineering process with state-of-the-art, quality machines, and materials.

PMC Bronze 9mm 115 gr

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity:1150 fps
• Muzzle Energy : 338 ft. lbs.
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Target Shooting & Range

Why Do We Choose This?

This target 9mm ammo load features a 115 grain full metal jacket that is lead core and non magnetic. These Full Metal Jacket rounds are developed with a lead core bullet, enclosed in a heavy copper topcoat, subsequently having little to no expansion and a more profound penetration of the bullet.

Federal American Eagle 9mm Ammo, 115 gr, FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity:1180 FPS
• Muzzle Energy : 356 FT LBS
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Range

Why Do We Choose This?

These bullets perform well in both 9mm and .45ACP. This American Eagle 9mm Luger ammunition is loaded with a 115 grain Full Metal Jacket bullet. Designed for the competition shooter, the Full Metal Jacket bullet creates an accurate and reliable round that loads quickly to get back on target. These loads offer ballistic qualities comparable to Federal's Premium Personal Defense loads. The American Eagle line is priced attractively and it is considered to be general purpose ammunition.

Fiocchi Range Dynamics 115gr FMJ

Specifications:

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Muzzle Velocity:1200 FPS
• Muzzle Energy : 368 ft-lbs
• Bullet Weight: 115 Grain
• Use : Range

Why Do We Choose This?

We used this ammo for an advanced training session and shot over 100 rounds. It performs well with very consistent shot placement.

To help maintain shooter performance, Fiocchi®'s Shooting Dynamics line of ammunition offers consistent ignition and reliable accuracy at an affordable price.

These cartridges feature full metal jacket bullets in several weights to help match your defensive carry ammo, allowing your training efforts to translate to real-world defense performance.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and guidance in selecting the best 9mm ammunition for self-defense and target shooting needs.

Remember to prioritize safety, practice regularly, and stay informed about the latest developments in ammunition technology to make well-informed choices for your shooting & self defense.