By Cartridge
Calibers
Pick a cartridge to see what the community asks and recommends — guns, ammo, and tradeoffs.
9mmThe most popular defensive pistol cartridge — carry guns, ammo, and 9mm questions from the community..45 ACPThe classic big-bore pistol round — 1911s, defensive loads, and .45 ACP discussion..380 ACPPocket pistols and deep-concealment carry — .380 ACP guns and tradeoffs.5.56 / .223The AR-15's cartridge — 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington for defense, range, and varmint..308 WinchesterA do-everything rifle round for hunting and precision — .308 / 7.62 NATO questions..300 BlackoutSuppressor-friendly and short-barrel optimized — .300 BLK builds and ammo..350 LegendA soft-shooting, hard-hitting straight-wall round — great for new hunters.12 GaugeThe standard defensive and field shotgun bore — buckshot, slugs, and 12ga setups..22 LRThe everyman's plinking and training round — .22 LR rifles, pistols, and cans.6.5 CreedmoorA flat-shooting precision and hunting favorite — 6.5 Creedmoor questions and gear..40 S&WThe law-enforcement standard for decades — .40 S&W guns, recoil, and the 9mm debate.10mm AutoThe big-bore semi-auto for woods defense and hunting — 10mm power and platforms..357 MagnumThe benchmark revolver round — .357 Magnum for defense, woods, and the range..38 SpecialThe soft-shooting snub-nose and revolver classic — .38 Special carry and practice.20 GaugeLighter recoil than 12ga with real defensive and field performance — 20 gauge guns and loads.
