What bullet is bigger than 9mm?

What Bullet is Bigger Than 9mm?

The 9mm cartridge is a popular choice for self-defense and target shooting, but what bullet size is bigger than 9mm? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to this question, looking at the largest calibers available and what you can expect from them.

Direct Answer

The largest bullets available today are those fired from elephant rifles, such as the .620 inch .577 Enfield cartridge. However, we’ll also be discussing other notable large-caliber bullets, including the .50 caliber, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .40 S&W, and more.

Which Calibers Are Bigger Than 9mm?

Before we dive into the details, let’s consider what makes a caliber "bigger" than 9mm. The answer lies in the diameter of the bullet and the cartridge itself. 9mm has a diameter of .355 inches. To put it simply, a caliber that is larger than 9mm has a bullet that is thicker or wider.

Here’s a comparison of some popular bullet diameters:

Caliber Bullet Diameter (in)
9mm 0.355
.40 S&W 0.405
.45 ACP 0.450
.50 caliber 0.510

As you can see, the .40 S&W is just slightly larger than the 9mm, but the .45 ACP and .50 caliber are noticeably bigger. .44 Magnum is almost twice the diameter of 9mm!

Which Calibers Are Comparable to 9mm?

Let’s also explore some calibers that are similar in size to the 9mm. These bullets are just as versatile and widely available as 9mm.

Caliber Bullet Diameter (in)
9mm 0.355
.38 Special 0.358
.357 Magnum 0.357
10mm 0.372
.38 Super 0.378

Here, you’ll find the .38 Special and .38 Super in a similar range to 9mm. The .357 Magnum is ever so slightly smaller, while .40 S&W and 10mm are a bit larger. The main difference between these calibers and the 9mm lies in the loading density and stopping power of each.

The Fastest and Deadliest Bullets

The speed and lethality of a bullet come into play when we consider calibers. Faster bullets travel further and penetrate more deeply, while slower, heavier bullets can cause massive tissue damage.

Caliber Velocity (m/s) Bullet Weight (gr) Stopping Power
9mm 600-700 115-150 6-8 inch expansion
.40 S&W 600-700 170-200 7-9 inch expansion
.45 ACP 500-600 230-260 8-12 inch expansion
.50 caliber 2000-2500 500-650 10-15 inch expansion

In the table above, we see the differences in speed, bullet weight, and stopping power for each caliber. .50 caliber, with its immense speed and penetration, is considered one of the most effective combat rounds.

In Conclusion

The .620 inch .577 Enfield is the largest available bullet today, used for taking down elephants and other large game. We also discussed other notable large-caliber bullets, such as the .50 caliber, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .40 S&W, and more.

Remember that larger calibers generally mean larger, heavier bullets, which can provide more stopping power, but also make the guns harder to handle. When it comes to choosing the right caliber, consider the use case, the range, and personal comfort.

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