Posted on 04/15/2014 7:51:49 AM PDT by Scoutmaster
10mm makes the list, but only just barely because it is an interesting historical curiosity in the development of modern handgun ammo. Its history is a complex one full of misinformation, bad science, and government incompetence. To this day, it has a small, but dedicated and often insanely loyal following who still cling to the dying fire of the 10mm.
#9 – .38 S&W
Why is .38 S&W on this list? Not because of its popularity in America, but because under the name .38/200 it served for over 30 years in the holsters of the British and Commonwealth military forces, and soldiered on for years after that as the police revolver of those same nations. It was eventually phased out in Commonwealth use for the 9mm cartridge fired from the BHP. The .38/200 was chambered in a number of revolvers during WW2, with the most notable being the Webley Mk IV and the Enfield No. 2.
#8 – .380 ACP
The .380 makes the list for one simple reason. It is arguably responsible for more indirect fatalities than any other round; as a .380 was used to assassinate Franz Ferdinand and kick off World War 1. It’s an interesting design, and one of the family of “ACP” cartridges invented by the great John Moses Browning, but if it weren’t for that little historical note, wouldn’t have made our list.
#7 – .45 Colt
There are few more evocative phrases in the firearms community than “Colt 45″. Depending on the era, you could be referring either to a 1911, or to the original .45 caliber service pistol, the Colt Single Action Army. The .45 Colt cartridge fired out of the SAA was adopted in 1873 and served for almost 20 years. 140 years later, it’s still a viable choice for handgun hunting, self-defense, and competition shooting. One of the world’s all-time great cartridges, and one of the most versatile.
#6 – .38 Special
I don’t really have to justify the .38 Special making this list, but perhaps I’d have to justify why it’s not in the top 5. While it’s dropped down to number six in favor of other cartridges, one could easily make the argument over brown liquor that it, and not the cartridge selected is the greatest handgun cartridge of all time. Certainly, there is no more ubiquitous revolver cartridge than the .38 Special, and over the 115 years of its existence it has certainly put a lot of food on tables and bodies in the dirt. Like others on the list, despite its age, it is still a viable choice for self-defense even to this day.
#5 – .455 Webley
The cartridge of an Empire. Served from 1891 until World War II, and was used in the legendary and iconic Webley revolvers. It’s been around forever, and at least for me is mentally linked to some of the most interesting periods in history, which are frequently glossed over by American firearms enthusiasts. When I think of the .455 Webley, I think of box formations of British infantrymen fighting off hordes of spear-chucking tribals, with officers standing in the midst of the formations calmly firing their Webleys at targets of opportunity.
#4 – .44 Magnum
“Do you feel lucky?” “Go ahead, make my day.” The .44 Magnum is quite simply, legendary. Its use by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies catapulted it from obscure hunting cartridge to American icon, and it’s remained such ever since. Sure, there are handgun cartridges that are better for hunting, and cartridges better for self-defense, but the .44 Magnum is simply one of the greatest cartridges ever.
#3 – .45 ACP
The .45 ACP coming in at #3 will either make people nod their heads in agreement, or howl in indignation that it’s only #3. The .45 ACP was a return to our large caliber roots in the military, replacing a slew of less effective .38 cartridges that the military deemed insufficiently powerful. From its adoption in 1911 until being phased out in favor of the 9mm, the .45 ACP traveled the world and killed interesting people. It’s as American as apple pie and punching hippies.
#2 – .357 Magnum
These days, most guns chambered in .357 Magnum will likely see only a handful of true magnum loads. Most will be shot with .38 Special +P their entire lives, and never see the wear and tear of true magnum force. But the .357 Magnum is perhaps the most versatile cartridge in existence today. Loaded up with 200 grain hardcast bullets and it will kill most things that walk in North America, and yet loaded with 158 grain JHP it’s an effective and controllable self-defense round. Only its relatively short service life keeps it out of the number one spot.
#1 – 9mm Parabellum
You know it had to be the 9mm. It’s 111 years old, and it’s still the caliber of choice for the armies of the first world and discerning law enforcement agencies. Quite simply, for self-defense and law enforcement, the 9mm Luger is the only cartridge you’ll ever need. With modern hollowpoint bullets its terminal performance is the same as other calibers. Despite the complaints, 9mm ball ammo has put a lot of bodies in the dirt over the last 110 years as well. The 9mm Luger is the greatest handgun cartridge of all time.
Ruger MKII + .22LR
S&W J-frame + .38 Spl.
Makarov + 9mm
Colt M1911A + .45 ACP
Colt SAA + .45 Colt
Browning Baby Auto + .25
Etc. (Just sayin'; it takes a well-liked combination to make the bullet worth having -- like the Webley and Walter Mitty, for instance)
What was the price per round? I did mention CHEAP and plentiful.
:^)
So do I. Fits me well.
My SW Mod 66 in 2.5” with cylinder recesses is beyond accurate for me too albeit not so concealable. My dad gave it too me 40 years ago.
I like to reminisce because I lost all my firearms in a boating accident.
Indeed. I’m so glad I bought, oh - let’s just say a little bit, before it disappeared.
.10 for Norma USA Tac .22lr.
Makarov Pistol is incompatible with 9mm Para, it uses proprietary cartridge of intermediate between 380ACP and 9mm power.
Before the accident, my favorite cartridge was .45ACP. And for those who gave advice when I was choosing between a Sig chambered in .357 Sig or .40 S&W, I chose the latter. That too, was before the accident.
Next week's The Tuesday List ranks state foods.
Exactly what my wife owns. And she shoots better than me.
***as a .380 was used to assassinate Franz Ferdinand and kick off World War 1.***
I believe the firearm used was an FN 1910 .32 cal. Another source said it was an FN 1900 .32. I used to have one just like it years ago.
Thanks.
Ya. What is up with that.
Maybe because it is dirt cheap?
I have to check! Thanks.
Maybe supply is freeing up.
“xcept Ruger is coming out with the GP 100 in this caliber...it will be a 5 shot revolver and I cant wait to try one...”
I hadn’t heard that, but it is great news. I’d hate to fire full power 44 mags thru it, but a 240 grain bullet going at 1000 fps shouldn’t be too bad.
Exactly.
What I love most about it is that I am fairly accurate with it.
Yup. Very easy to shoot.
Not certain if it is the balance, trigger pull, etc. but it is a easy gun to shoot accurately.
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