Since everything always turns into a caliber war.

I
don't have A favorite, I like variety. I found the 41 Magnum a very easy cartridge to reload...
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I could not agree with you more. Especially about the .41 mag. being very easy to hand load. Just the right size to manipulate with your fingers. 9MM to small...pinchy fingers.
 
I expected this one to go down in flames and I'm surprised.
Allow me to end this debate with a well-known saying:

The best caliber is the one between your ears :confused:
 
So Many To Choices

I find the 44SPL to be the most fun to handload.
For fun shooting times the 22LR provides hours of pleasure at a modest cost.
9x19 124gr at around 1200fps a good balance of power and recoil, in my carry gun.
I do have a favorite but it does not go in handguns, 12 gauge 2&3/4. It works for hunting most everything I'd eat, self defense, and the games.
:cool:
 
9mm fan... reasons already mentioned. But on my first hand gun I settled for a 380 ACP because I liked how easy small guns could be concealed.
 
I like 9mm. 1: with modern HP ammo it has good stopping power, 2: it is one of the cheaper rounds to shoot, allowing more practice 3: the round allows for higher capacity, lower recoil, faster and more accurate follow up shots, all of which lead to more plesant and productive training time
 
What young.gunner said ... 9mm all the way.

It's cheap, abundant, cheap, has the highest capacities, is cheap, is plenty capable, is cheap, can be loaded with a wide variety of bullet weights and styles to cover your needs (115gr RN for target shooting, 124gr FP for defense, ect), it's cheap, it reloads easily, and it has high velocities. Did I mention it's abundant and CHEAP. :D

Although I do envy the .40sw's power and size ... I just don't need it.
 
I currently own six 9MM’s, five .45 ACP’s and own no .40 Cal. semi-auto pistols. I have extensively shot all three calibers. I prefer the 9MM as my “Go to” EDC pistol for the following reasons.

Milder recoil 9MM
Quicker follow up shots 9MM
More accurate rapid fire shot placement 9MM
Larger capacity magazines 9MM
Total weight of loaded pistol 9MM
Benefit of modern cartridge design 9MM
Smallest overall package 9MM
Compact design small, light, slim and concealable 9MM
Less muzzle flash at night 9MM
Cheaper ammo, both to buy or reload 9MM
Lower pistol prices both new & used 9MM
More product selection 9MM
NATO round 9MM
Most widely used US service round 9MM

This list is only how I rate the three calibers and what works best for me – your mileage may & can vary. Any of the three calibers will do the job for civilian SD. If they don't - you need a rifle.

We humans come in different heights, body strength, hand size, muscle tone, noise/recoil sensitivity and many other strengths and weaknesses. SD caliber selection is not a “One Size Fits All” situation. It is a very personal choice. I can’t and won’t select for you and I won’t let you select for me.

And we can't neglect the "Law of holes"

Bigger holes work better than smaller holes - .45 auto wins this one - BUT-
Many holes work better than fewer holes.
Quicker holes work better than slower holes.
Accurate holes work better than inaccurate holes.
Head holes work really well.

Shoot until it stops! Dan
 
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9mm (for reasons already stated) & .22lr.

I also like the 40 S&W and 45 acp. If $ wasn't an issue then my preference could possible change.
 
45 ACP mainly due to the platform it is delivered from (1911).

If 2011s were legal in CA I would be okay with a 9mm or a 40 as well.
 
.357 is my settled-on favorite, with a close second being .22. The first has versatility and the second has the economy. If I get my dream job in Florida, that's all I'll ever need.
 
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