The 9mm Luger round (also known as 9mm Parabellum, 9x19mm, or just 9mm) needs no introduction. Engineered to be the perfect balance between weight and performance, 9mm has become the most popular caliber in the world, with almost every pistol brand having a version chambered for it. With over a century of continuous use by civilians, law enforcement, and the military, it has proved its reliability over and over again.
In 1901, Austrian firearm designer Georg Luger set out to create the best cartridge for the Luger semi-auto handgun. Three factors were used for judging the quality of handgun ammunition: price, stopping power, and availability. While there were many rounds that checked off two, there were few that managed to achieve all three.
The result of his work was the 9mm round. Despite 9mm Luger ammo being inexpensive and easy to mass-produce, it provided adequate stopping power to quickly take down threats. It was the perfect balance, and that balance led to its adoption by virtually all firearm manufacturers across the world.
Explore 9mm Luger ammunition in a range of types and weights here at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.
Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore is proud to be a gun store that stocks not only a wide variety of guns for sale but also ammunition like our 9mm Luger ammo. You can find everything from bolt-action rifles for hunting to police trade-in Glocks for a personal protection EDC. We have the perfect gun for your use case, no matter what you need your firearm for.
We don't just stock guns and ammo, however. All of the firearms we offer are in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse, ensuring fast shipping and no backorders. Plus, we ship to all 50 states. To guarantee your experience with us is as easy as possible, our in-house customer support team is here to answer any questions you have!
No. 9mm and 9mm Luger are two names for the same round. "9mm" is commonly used by itself to refer to the round. It's also known as 9mm Parabellum, 9x19mm, and 9x19mm Parabellum.
That depends on your use case. The best 9mm Luger bullet weight for general range practice is 115-grain load. It's basic and lightweight, ensuring your bullet shoots flat and far. Plus, it's less expensive compared to other 9mm weights. For self-defense, however, a heavier 147-grain bullet packs a bit more punch, especially if it's hollow-point or FMJ. We recommend practicing with the same cartridges you'd be using in your EDC for personal protection.
It depends on your location. We can ship to most states, but there are some restrictions. For example, some cities have local restrictions against shipping ammo, while there are no such restrictions state-wide. Others require specific licenses, and a few ban shipping ammo to residential addresses altogether. You can find more details in our Shipping Information.
When buying 9mm ammo online, it's important to understand a few key details to make the right choice. First, consider the bullet type: FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) is ideal for target practice because it's affordable and reliable, while JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) is designed for self-defense, offering better stopping power by expanding on impact. You'll also see different bullet weights, typically ranging from 115 to 147 grains. Lighter bullets tend to have higher velocity and flatter trajectories, while heavier ones offer more impact and stability. Finally, brand matters. Stick with trusted names like Federal, Speer, Winchester, or Hornady for consistent quality and performance.
Not all 9mm ammo is the same, and finding the right match for your handgun can make a big difference in performance and reliability. Some pistols perform better with certain bullet weights or brands, so it's worth testing a few options to see what cycles smoothly and shoots accurately in your specific firearm. Pay attention to your owner's manual or manufacturer recommendations, and if you're using aftermarket parts like barrels or recoil springs, that can also influence what ammo works best.
Casings are an often-overlooked detail when shopping for 9mm ammo, but they can affect how your firearm performs and how easy the ammo is to reload or clean up. Most shooters prefer brass-cased ammo because it feeds smoothly, is less abrasive on internal parts, and can be reloaded. Steel-cased ammo is usually cheaper and fine for range use, but it's not reloadable and may be harder on extractors over time. If you're running a high-end or picky firearm, brass is usually the safer choice. For casual practice with a rugged gun, steel can be a budget-friendly option.
When shopping for 9mm ammo, it helps to know that not all manufacturers follow the same production standards. Reputable brands adhere to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) guidelines, which ensure consistent pressure, velocity, and safety across batches. Off-brand or imported ammo might be cheaper, but it can sometimes vary in performance or reliability. If you're relying on your ammo for training, competition, or self-defense, it's worth choosing brands known for quality control and consistency. Checking for clean primers, tight bullet seating, and factory-sealed boxes can also be a sign you're getting a dependable product.