Top 10 MOST Popular Handgun Calibers In America!

Published on April 28, 2025
Duration: 6:20

This video details the top 10 most popular handgun calibers in America, providing historical context, ballistic data, and common applications for each. It covers calibers from the ubiquitous 9mm and .45 ACP to specialized rounds like the .44 Magnum, highlighting their invention dates, bullet diameters, velocities, energy outputs, and market popularity.

Quick Summary

The 9mm caliber stands as the most popular centerfire autoloading cartridge in America. Invented in 1901, it fires a .355-inch diameter bullet at approximately 1100 ft/s, delivering around 400 ft-lbs of energy, making it a versatile choice for various applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Top 10 Handgun Calibers
  2. 00:10Number 1: 9mm
  3. 00:34Number 2: .40 Smith & Wesson
  4. 01:13Number 3: .45 ACP
  5. 01:37Number 4: 10mm Auto
  6. 02:07Number 5: .22 LR
  7. 02:38Number 6: .22 WMR (22 Magnum)
  8. 03:06Number 7: .38 Special
  9. 03:32Number 8: .357 Magnum
  10. 04:07Number 9: .380 Auto
  11. 04:32Number 10: .44 Magnum
  12. 05:13Conclusion: Top 10 Handgun Rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular handgun caliber in America?

The 9mm caliber is the most popular centerfire autoloading cartridge in America. Invented in 1901, it features a .355-inch diameter bullet, travels at approximately 1100 ft/s, and delivers around 400 ft-lbs of energy.

What are the key differences between .40 S&W and 10mm Auto?

.40 Smith & Wesson and 10mm Auto share a similar .40-inch bullet diameter, but the 10mm Auto is a more powerful round. It travels at a higher velocity of 1300 ft/s, generating over 700 ft-lbs of energy, compared to the .40 S&W's 1100 ft/s and 400 ft-lbs.

Why is the .44 Magnum popular for backcountry use?

The .44 Magnum is highly regarded for backcountry defense due to its immense power. It fires a large .43-inch diameter bullet at over 1300 ft/s, producing a massive 1200 ft-lbs of energy, making it effective against large predators.

What is the most popular rimfire handgun caliber?

The .22 LR is by far the most popular rimfire cartridge of all time. Invented in 1884, it uses a .223-inch bullet, travels at 1200 ft/s, and produces 140 ft-lbs of energy, making it a common choice for practice and small game.

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