Revamp handgun calibers cheatsheet layout and metadata
· 9 months ago
167169bb50a2cec61d154dc2f285f6adad1469b6
Parent:
44a3ab1d7
Significantly refactors handgun-calibers.html for improved readability, SEO, and social sharing. Updates metadata, canonical links, Open Graph and Twitter tags, and restructures HTML for better organization and maintainability. Adds new handgun-calibers.png image and updates multiple image assets for visual consistency.
1 file changed +1070 −473
- handgun-calibers.html +1070 −473
Diff
--- a/handgun-calibers.html +++ b/handgun-calibers.html @@ -1,35 +1,29 @@ <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> -<head> - <meta charset="UTF-8"> - <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> - - <!-- SEO & Metadata --> - <title>Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion</title> - <meta name="description" content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use."> - <meta name="keywords" content="handgun calibers, ammunition, 9mm, 45 acp, 40 s&w, 10mm auto, 357 magnum, history, ballistics, self defense, concealed carry, cheatsheet, expert opinion"> - <link rel="canonical" href="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers-refined.html"> - <link rel="icon" href="data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22 viewBox=%220 0 100 100%22><text y=%22.9em%22 font-size=%2290%22>🎯</text></svg>"> - - <!-- Open Graph / Facebook --> - <meta property="og:type" content="website"> - <meta property="og:url" content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers-refined.html"> - <meta property="og:title" content="Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion"> - <meta property="og:description" content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use."> - <meta property="og:image" content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/images/handgun-calibers.png"> - <meta property="og:image:alt" content="A visual comparison of different handgun ammunition calibers."> - - <!-- Twitter --> - <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> - <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers-refined.html"> - <meta name="twitter:title" content="Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion"> - <meta name="twitter:description" content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use."> - <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/images/handgun-calibers.png"> - <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@heroiclife"> - - <!-- JSON-LD Structured Data --> - <script type="application/ld+json"> - { + <head> + <meta charset="utf-8"/> + <meta content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" name="viewport"/> + <!-- SEO & Metadata --> + <title> + Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion + </title> + <meta content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use." name="description"/> + <meta content="handgun calibers, ammunition, 9mm, 45 acp, 40 s&w, 10mm auto, 357 magnum, history, ballistics, self defense, concealed carry, cheatsheet, expert opinion" name="keywords"/> + <link href="data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22 viewBox=%220 0 100 100%22><text y=%22.9em%22 font-size=%2290%22>🎯</text></svg>" rel="icon"/> + <!-- Open Graph / Facebook --> + <meta content="website" property="og:type"/> + <meta content="Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion" property="og:title"/> + <meta content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use." property="og:description"/> + <meta content="A visual comparison of different handgun ammunition calibers." property="og:image:alt"/> + <!-- Twitter --> + <meta content="summary_large_image" name="twitter:card"/> + <meta content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers-refined.html" name="twitter:url"/> + <meta content="Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion" name="twitter:title"/> + <meta content="An in-depth, interactive cheatsheet comparing handgun calibers like 9mm, .45 ACP, & .357 Magnum. Explore historical context, ballistic data, and opinionated takes on their modern use." name="twitter:description"/> + <meta content="@heroiclife" name="twitter:creator"/> + <!-- JSON-LD Structured Data --> + <script type="application/ld+json"> + { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "TechArticle", "headline": "Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet: History, Ballistics & Opinion", @@ -46,14 +40,12 @@ "dateModified": "2024-03-28", "keywords": ["handgun", "ammunition", "caliber", "9mm", ".45 ACP", ".40 S&W", "ballistics", "self-defense", "history"] } - </script> - - <!-- Bootstrap CSS --> - <link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet" integrity="sha384-QWTKZyjpPEjISv5WaRU9OFeRpok6YctnYmDr5pNlyT2bRjXh0JMhjY6hW+ALEwIH" crossorigin="anonymous"> - <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/font/bootstrap-icons.min.css"> - - <style> - :root { + </script> + <!-- Bootstrap CSS --> + <link crossorigin="anonymous" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha384-QWTKZyjpPEjISv5WaRU9OFeRpok6YctnYmDr5pNlyT2bRjXh0JMhjY6hW+ALEwIH" rel="stylesheet"/> + <link href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/font/bootstrap-icons.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/> + <style> + :root { --bg-color: #0d1117; --card-bg-color: #161b22; --border-color: #30363d; @@ -156,441 +148,1046 @@ .table, .table td, .table th { color: #000 !important; border-color: #ccc !important; } .term { color: #000; font-weight: bold; } } - </style> -</head> -<body> - - <header class="page-header"> - <div class="container"> - <h1><i class="bi bi-crosshair"></i> Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet</h1> - <p class="lead"> - A comprehensive, interactive guide to popular handgun ammunition. Compare calibers by their ballistic characteristics, historical context, and modern applications for self-defense, sport shooting, and concealed carry. - </p> - <p class="text-muted small mt-2">Last Updated: 2024-03-28</p> + </style> + <meta content="images/handgun-calibers.png" property="og:image"/> + <meta content="images/handgun-calibers.png" name="twitter:image"/> + <meta content="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers.html" property="og:url"/> + <link href="https://cheatsheets.davidveksler.com/handgun-calibers.html" rel="canonical"/> + </head> + <body> + <header class="page-header"> + <div class="container"> + <h1> + <i class="bi bi-crosshair"> + </i> + Modern Handgun Calibers Cheatsheet + </h1> + <p class="lead"> + A comprehensive, interactive guide to popular handgun ammunition. Compare calibers by their ballistic characteristics, historical context, and modern applications for self-defense, sport shooting, and concealed carry. + </p> + <p class="text-muted small mt-2"> + Last Updated: 2024-03-28 + </p> + </div> + </header> + <main class="container" id="main-container"> + <!-- Filter Controls --> + <div id="filter-controls"> + <div class="input-group"> + <span class="input-group-text"> + <i class="bi bi-search"> + </i> + </span> + <input class="form-control" id="caliber-search" placeholder="Search for a caliber (e.g., '9mm', '.45', 'magnum')..." type="text"/> + </div> + </div> + <!-- Training & Small Game Section --> + <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> + <h2 class="section-title"> + <i class="bi bi-bullseye"> + </i> + Training & Small Game + </h2> + <p class="category-description"> + Ideal for beginners, training, and recreational shooting with minimal recoil and low cost. + </p> + <div class="row"> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".22 Long Rifle .22LR rimfire"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + Known for its + <span class="term" title="The backward momentum of a gun when it is discharged."> + minimal recoil + </span> + and low cost, the .22 LR is an ideal cartridge for training, recreational plinking, and introducing new shooters to firearms. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-22lr" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-22lr" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-22lr"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Introduced in 1887 by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, the .22 LR is one of the oldest and most successful cartridges ever designed. Its longevity is a testament to its low cost, minimal noise, and approachable recoil, making it the default for first-time shooting experiences for over a century. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The .22 LR is pure fun. It's the undisputed king of cheap practice and a fantastic tool for teaching fundamentals. While some advocate for it in self-defense, citing low recoil for rapid, accurate shots, its unreliable priming and feeble + <span class="term" title="The performance of a bullet upon striking its target."> + terminal ballistics + </span> + make it a desperate last resort. Use it for training and plinking, not for protection. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .223 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 30-40 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 1,080-1,640 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 100-200 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Beginner Training + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Small Game Hunting + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Recreational "Plinking" + </li> + </ul> + </div> </div> - </header> - - <main class="container" id="main-container"> - <!-- Filter Controls --> - <div id="filter-controls"> - <div class="input-group"> - <span class="input-group-text"><i class="bi bi-search"></i></span> - <input type="text" id="caliber-search" class="form-control" placeholder="Search for a caliber (e.g., '9mm', '.45', 'magnum')..."> - </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </section> + <!-- Concealed Carry Section --> + <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> + <h2 class="section-title"> + <i class="bi bi-shield-check"> + </i> + Concealed Carry + </h2> + <p class="category-description"> + Compact, lightweight options optimized for discreet carry with manageable recoil. + </p> + <div class="row"> + <!-- .380 ACP --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".380 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .380 ACP + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + A popular choice for small, lightweight + <span class="term" title="Carrying a concealed weapon on one's person in a public place."> + concealed carry + </span> + pistols due to its compact size and manageable recoil. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-380acp" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-380acp" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-380acp"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Designed by John Moses Browning in 1908, the .380 ACP (or 9mm Short) was intended for simple, blowback-operated pocket pistols. It quickly became the "gentleman's" self-defense round in Europe and the US, epitomizing the small, discreet firearms of the early 20th century. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The .380 is the king of the "mouse gun" and the baseline for viable self-defense. Modern hollow-points have made it far more effective, but physics is a harsh mistress; it's still an anemic performer compared to service calibers. In tiny pocket pistols, its "manageable recoil" becomes a surprisingly snappy affair. It's vastly better than nothing, but if you can comfortably carry and shoot a micro-9mm, you probably should. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .355 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 85-100 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 900-1,050 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 170-220 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Deep Concealment / Pocket Carry + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Backup Handguns + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Recoil-Sensitive Shooters + </li> + </ul> + </div> </div> - - <!-- Training & Small Game Section --> - <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> - <h2 class="section-title"><i class="bi bi-bullseye"></i>Training & Small Game</h2> - <p class="category-description">Ideal for beginners, training, and recreational shooting with minimal recoil and low cost.</p> - <div class="row"> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".22 Long Rifle .22LR rimfire"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">Known for its <span class="term" title="The backward momentum of a gun when it is discharged.">minimal recoil</span> and low cost, the .22 LR is an ideal cartridge for training, recreational plinking, and introducing new shooters to firearms.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-22lr" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-22lr"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-22lr"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Introduced in 1887 by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, the .22 LR is one of the oldest and most successful cartridges ever designed. Its longevity is a testament to its low cost, minimal noise, and approachable recoil, making it the default for first-time shooting experiences for over a century.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The .22 LR is pure fun. It's the undisputed king of cheap practice and a fantastic tool for teaching fundamentals. While some advocate for it in self-defense, citing low recoil for rapid, accurate shots, its unreliable priming and feeble <span class="term" title="The performance of a bullet upon striking its target.">terminal ballistics</span> make it a desperate last resort. Use it for training and plinking, not for protection.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.223 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>30-40 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>1,080-1,640 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>100-200 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Beginner Training</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Small Game Hunting</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Recreational "Plinking"</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </section> - - <!-- Concealed Carry Section --> - <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> - <h2 class="section-title"><i class="bi bi-shield-check"></i>Concealed Carry</h2> - <p class="category-description">Compact, lightweight options optimized for discreet carry with manageable recoil.</p> - <div class="row"> - - <!-- .380 ACP --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".380 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.380 ACP</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">A popular choice for small, lightweight <span class="term" title="Carrying a concealed weapon on one's person in a public place.">concealed carry</span> pistols due to its compact size and manageable recoil.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-380acp" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-380acp"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-380acp"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Designed by John Moses Browning in 1908, the .380 ACP (or 9mm Short) was intended for simple, blowback-operated pocket pistols. It quickly became the "gentleman's" self-defense round in Europe and the US, epitomizing the small, discreet firearms of the early 20th century.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The .380 is the king of the "mouse gun" and the baseline for viable self-defense. Modern hollow-points have made it far more effective, but physics is a harsh mistress; it's still an anemic performer compared to service calibers. In tiny pocket pistols, its "manageable recoil" becomes a surprisingly snappy affair. It's vastly better than nothing, but if you can comfortably carry and shoot a micro-9mm, you probably should.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.355 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>85-100 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>900-1,050 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>170-220 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Deep Concealment / Pocket Carry</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Backup Handguns</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Recoil-Sensitive Shooters</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </section> - - <!-- Service & Defense Section --> - <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> - <h2 class="section-title"><i class="bi bi-shield-fill"></i>Service & Defense</h2> - <p class="category-description">Standard law enforcement and military calibers offering balanced performance for duty and defense.</p> - <div class="row"> - - <!-- 9mm Luger --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="9mm Luger 9x19mm Parabellum"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>9mm Luger</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">The world's most popular handgun caliber, offering a superb balance of <span class="term" title="Capacity of a firearm's magazine.">magazine capacity</span>, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-9mm" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-9mm"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-9mm"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Designed by Georg Luger in 1901 and adopted by the German Navy and Army, the 9x19mm Parabellum ("prepare for war") became the world's military standard. Its adoption by NATO after WWII cemented its global dominance, leading to unparalleled variety in firearms and ammunition.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>This is the default answer. The caliber wars of the last 40 years are largely over, and 9mm won. With modern hollow-point technology, it provides excellent stopping power while being cheap to practice with, easy to shoot, and offering high capacity. It's the vanilla ice cream of cartridges: not exotic, but universally liked and it gets the job done every time. Unless you have a very specific reason not to, you should probably choose 9mm.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.355 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>115-147 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>900-1,500 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>335-400 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Self-Defense / Home Defense</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Law Enforcement / Military</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Competition Shooting</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - - <!-- .40 S&W --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".40 S&W Smith & Wesson"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.40 S&W</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">Designed as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering more energy than 9mm but with a sharper, more pronounced <span class="term" title="Also known as 'kick', the recoil impulse perceived by the shooter.">felt recoil</span>.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-40sw" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-40sw"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-40sw"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>The .40 S&W was born from the aftermath of the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout. The FBI sought a cartridge with better penetration and stopping power than their 9mm rounds. This led to the powerful 10mm Auto, which proved too punishing for many agents. The .40 S&W was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1990 as a shortened, lower-pressure 10mm that could fit in 9mm-sized frames.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The .40 is the middle child nobody wants to play with anymore. Its recoil is notoriously "snappy" and unpleasant for many, without offering a significant real-world advantage over modern +P 9mm ammunition. It was the answer to a 1980s problem that 21st-century bullet technology solved for the 9mm. With the FBI and countless police departments switching back to 9mm, the .40 is a solution in search of a problem, relegated to police trade-in racks.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.400 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>155-180 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>850-1,330 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>350-500 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Law Enforcement (Legacy)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Competition (USPSA Limited)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Bargain Hunting (Police Trade-ins)</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - - <!-- .45 ACP --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".45 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.45 ACP</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">A classic American cartridge famed for its <span class="term" title="The ability of a projectile to incapacitate a target.">stopping power</span>. It fires a heavy, large-diameter bullet at subsonic speeds, creating a strong but 'pushy' recoil.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-45acp" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-45acp"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-45acp"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Another John Moses Browning masterpiece, the .45 ACP was developed in 1904 for his iconic M1911 pistol. The U.S. Army, seeking a more effective round after experiences in the Moro Rebellion, demanded a .45 caliber cartridge. The resulting M1911 and .45 ACP pairing served as the standard-issue sidearm for over 70 years, cementing its legendary status.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>"Two World Wars!" The .45 ACP is the quintessential big-bore American round. It's less about raw energy and more about frontal area. The recoil is a slow, satisfying push, not a sharp snap. While modern 9mm rounds have closed the performance gap, the .45 still has a devoted following. Its main drawback is capacity. In a world of 17-round 9mm magazines, an 8-round 1911 feels quaint. It's for those who believe size matters and who value tradition.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.452 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>185-230 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>800-1,200 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>350-450 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Self-Defense / Home Defense</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Suppressor Host (naturally subsonic)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Enthusiast / 1911 Aficionados</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </section> - - <!-- High Performance Section --> - <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> - <h2 class="section-title"><i class="bi bi-lightning-fill"></i>High Performance</h2> - <p class="category-description">Specialized, high-velocity calibers for hunting, competition, and maximum terminal performance.</p> - <div class="row"> - - <!-- 10mm Auto --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="10mm Auto"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>10mm Auto</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">The pinnacle of power in a common semi-automatic platform, delivering near-magnum performance with a flat trajectory and <span class="term" title="The energy a projectile has at the moment it leaves the firearm's muzzle.">high muzzle energy</span>.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-10mm" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-10mm"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-10mm"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Developed in 1983, the 10mm Auto was the brainchild of firearms expert Jeff Cooper, who wanted a semi-auto cartridge that hit harder and shot flatter than the .45 ACP. It gained notoriety when the FBI briefly adopted it, only to find its recoil too severe. This led to the creation of the .40 S&W, but the full-power 10mm retained a cult following.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The "Best Millimeter." 10mm is a powerhouse for those who find magnum revolvers impractical. It's the top choice for backcountry defense against bears and for handgun hunting. Be warned: much of the cheap 10mm ammo is downloaded to .40 S&W power levels. To get the full experience, you need to buy from specialty manufacturers like Underwood or Buffalo Bore. It's an expert's cartridge that offers undeniable performance for those who can handle it.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.400 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>135-220 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>1,100-1,600 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>500-750+ ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Handgun Hunting</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Backcountry / Predator Defense</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Showing Off at the Range</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - - <!-- 5.7x28mm --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="5.7x28mm FN Herstal"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>5.7x28mm</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">A unique, high-velocity bottlenecked cartridge known for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and high <span class="term" title="The ability of a projectile to pass through barriers.">penetration</span> capabilities with specific loads.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-57" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-57"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-57"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s alongside their P90 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), the 5.7x28mm was designed to be a replacement for the 9mm. Its goal was to defeat modern Soviet body armor at a distance, a task for which standard pistol rounds were proving inadequate. It's a small, bottlenecked cartridge that looks like a miniature rifle round.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>This is a weird one. Its "armor-piercing" mystique comes from military/LE-only ammunition that isn't sold to the public. For civilians, it's a very fast, very flat-shooting, very expensive, and very loud varmint round in a handgun. It's a blast to shoot due to the low recoil and high capacity, but its terminal performance on human-sized targets is a subject of endless, heated debate. It's a niche, futuristic cartridge that is undeniably cool but questionably practical for most.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.224 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>27-40 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>1,700-2,350 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>195-394 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Personal Defense Weapon (PDW)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Varmint Hunting</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Niche Target Shooting</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </section> - - <!-- Revolver Calibers Section --> - <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> - <h2 class="section-title"><i class="bi bi-arrow-repeat"></i>Revolver Calibers</h2> - <p class="category-description">Classic revolver cartridges prized for reliability, accuracy, and versatility in traditional wheelguns.</p> - <div class="row"> - - <!-- .38 Special --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".38 Special revolver"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.38 Special</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">A venerable revolver cartridge prized for its inherent accuracy and mild recoil. It remains a popular choice for small-frame revolvers and new shooters.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-38sp" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-38sp"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-38sp"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898, the .38 Special was an evolution of the anemic .38 Long Colt, which had proven inadequate in military service. The .38 Special quickly became the standard-issue service cartridge for nearly every police department in the United States for the better part of 70 years, defining the era of the classic police revolver.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The quintessential "detective revolver" round. It's accurate, easy to shoot, and with modern +P hollow-point loads, it's a perfectly adequate self-defender. However, it is thoroughly outclassed in every performance metric by semi-automatic service calibers. Its appeal lies in the simplicity and reliability of the revolvers that fire it. It's a choice for the traditionalist who values elegance and ease of use over capacity and raw power.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.357 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>110-158 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>755-950 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>200-300 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Concealed Carry (Revolvers)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Beginner Training</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Nostalgia</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - - <!-- .357 Magnum --> - <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> - <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".357 Magnum revolver"> - <div class="card-header caliber-title"><i class="bi bi-record-circle"></i>.357 Magnum</div> - <div class="card-body"> - <p class="summary">A powerful and versatile revolver cartridge developed from the .38 Special, offering a major leap in velocity and <span class="term" title="The performance of a bullet upon striking its target.">terminal ballistics</span>.</p> - <button class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#details-357mag" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="details-357mag"> - Details <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"></i> - </button> - <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-357mag"> - <h6><i class="bi bi-clock-history"></i> Historical Context</h6> - <p>Developed in the 1930s by a group including the legendary Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson, the .357 Magnum was the answer to a demand for a more powerful handgun round. By lengthening the .38 Special case, they created a cartridge that delivered vastly higher velocity and energy, kicking off the "magnum" era and setting the standard for powerful handgun performance for decades.</p> - - <h6><i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"></i> The Verdict: An Opinionated Take</h6> - <p>The original hand cannon. The .357 Magnum is arguably the most versatile handgun cartridge ever made. It can be loaded down to mild .38 Special levels for practice or loaded up with full-power rounds that are suitable for self-defense, medium-game hunting, and scaring away bears (and everyone else at the indoor range). The muzzle flash and concussive blast are part of the experience. In a solid steel-frame revolver, it's the sound of authority.</p> - - <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> - <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> - <thead><tr><th colspan="2">Ballistic Metrics (from Pistol)</th></tr></thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td>Bullet Diameter</td><td>.357 inches</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Bullet Weight</td><td>125-180 grains</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Velocity</td><td>1,200-1,500 fps</td></tr> - <tr><td>Typical Muzzle Energy</td><td>400-700 ft-lbs</td></tr> - </tbody> - </table> - </div> - <div class="callout"> - <h6>Common Uses</h6> - <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> - <li class="list-group-item">Self-Defense / Home Defense</li> - <li class="list-group-item">Handgun Hunting (Medium Game)</li> - <li class="list-group-item">All-Purpose Outdoors Revolver</li> - </ul> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </div> - </section> - - </main> - - <footer class="text-center"> - <div class="container"> - <p>© 2024 David Veksler Cheatsheets. All rights reserved.</p> - <p class="small">Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always handle firearms responsibly and obey all local, state, and federal laws.</p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </section> + <!-- Service & Defense Section --> + <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> + <h2 class="section-title"> + <i class="bi bi-shield-fill"> + </i> + Service & Defense + </h2> + <p class="category-description"> + Standard law enforcement and military calibers offering balanced performance for duty and defense. + </p> + <div class="row"> + <!-- 9mm Luger --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="9mm Luger 9x19mm Parabellum"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + 9mm Luger + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + The world's most popular handgun caliber, offering a superb balance of + <span class="term" title="Capacity of a firearm's magazine."> + magazine capacity + </span> + , manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-9mm" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-9mm" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-9mm"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Designed by Georg Luger in 1901 and adopted by the German Navy and Army, the 9x19mm Parabellum ("prepare for war") became the world's military standard. Its adoption by NATO after WWII cemented its global dominance, leading to unparalleled variety in firearms and ammunition. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + This is the default answer. The caliber wars of the last 40 years are largely over, and 9mm won. With modern hollow-point technology, it provides excellent stopping power while being cheap to practice with, easy to shoot, and offering high capacity. It's the vanilla ice cream of cartridges: not exotic, but universally liked and it gets the job done every time. Unless you have a very specific reason not to, you should probably choose 9mm. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .355 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 115-147 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 900-1,500 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 335-400 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Self-Defense / Home Defense + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Law Enforcement / Military + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Competition Shooting + </li> + </ul> + </div> </div> - </footer> - - <!-- Bootstrap JS --> - <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/[email protected]/dist/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js" integrity="sha384-YvpcrYf0tY3lHB60NNkmXc5s9fDVZLESaAA55NDzOxhy9GkcIdslK1eN7N6jIeHz" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> - - <script> - document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { + </div> + </div> + </div> + <!-- .40 S&W --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".40 S&W Smith & Wesson"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .40 S&W + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + Designed as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering more energy than 9mm but with a sharper, more pronounced + <span class="term" title="Also known as 'kick', the recoil impulse perceived by the shooter."> + felt recoil + </span> + . + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-40sw" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-40sw" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-40sw"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + The .40 S&W was born from the aftermath of the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout. The FBI sought a cartridge with better penetration and stopping power than their 9mm rounds. This led to the powerful 10mm Auto, which proved too punishing for many agents. The .40 S&W was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1990 as a shortened, lower-pressure 10mm that could fit in 9mm-sized frames. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The .40 is the middle child nobody wants to play with anymore. Its recoil is notoriously "snappy" and unpleasant for many, without offering a significant real-world advantage over modern +P 9mm ammunition. It was the answer to a 1980s problem that 21st-century bullet technology solved for the 9mm. With the FBI and countless police departments switching back to 9mm, the .40 is a solution in search of a problem, relegated to police trade-in racks. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .400 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 155-180 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 850-1,330 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 350-500 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Law Enforcement (Legacy) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Competition (USPSA Limited) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Bargain Hunting (Police Trade-ins) + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <!-- .45 ACP --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".45 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .45 ACP + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + A classic American cartridge famed for its + <span class="term" title="The ability of a projectile to incapacitate a target."> + stopping power + </span> + . It fires a heavy, large-diameter bullet at subsonic speeds, creating a strong but 'pushy' recoil. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-45acp" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-45acp" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-45acp"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Another John Moses Browning masterpiece, the .45 ACP was developed in 1904 for his iconic M1911 pistol. The U.S. Army, seeking a more effective round after experiences in the Moro Rebellion, demanded a .45 caliber cartridge. The resulting M1911 and .45 ACP pairing served as the standard-issue sidearm for over 70 years, cementing its legendary status. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + "Two World Wars!" The .45 ACP is the quintessential big-bore American round. It's less about raw energy and more about frontal area. The recoil is a slow, satisfying push, not a sharp snap. While modern 9mm rounds have closed the performance gap, the .45 still has a devoted following. Its main drawback is capacity. In a world of 17-round 9mm magazines, an 8-round 1911 feels quaint. It's for those who believe size matters and who value tradition. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .452 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 185-230 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 800-1,200 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 350-450 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Self-Defense / Home Defense + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Suppressor Host (naturally subsonic) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Enthusiast / 1911 Aficionados + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </section> + <!-- High Performance Section --> + <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> + <h2 class="section-title"> + <i class="bi bi-lightning-fill"> + </i> + High Performance + </h2> + <p class="category-description"> + Specialized, high-velocity calibers for hunting, competition, and maximum terminal performance. + </p> + <div class="row"> + <!-- 10mm Auto --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="10mm Auto"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + 10mm Auto + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + The pinnacle of power in a common semi-automatic platform, delivering near-magnum performance with a flat trajectory and + <span class="term" title="The energy a projectile has at the moment it leaves the firearm's muzzle."> + high muzzle energy + </span> + . + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-10mm" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-10mm" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-10mm"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Developed in 1983, the 10mm Auto was the brainchild of firearms expert Jeff Cooper, who wanted a semi-auto cartridge that hit harder and shot flatter than the .45 ACP. It gained notoriety when the FBI briefly adopted it, only to find its recoil too severe. This led to the creation of the .40 S&W, but the full-power 10mm retained a cult following. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The "Best Millimeter." 10mm is a powerhouse for those who find magnum revolvers impractical. It's the top choice for backcountry defense against bears and for handgun hunting. Be warned: much of the cheap 10mm ammo is downloaded to .40 S&W power levels. To get the full experience, you need to buy from specialty manufacturers like Underwood or Buffalo Bore. It's an expert's cartridge that offers undeniable performance for those who can handle it. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .400 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 135-220 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 1,100-1,600 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 500-750+ ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Handgun Hunting + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Backcountry / Predator Defense + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Showing Off at the Range + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <!-- 5.7x28mm --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name="5.7x28mm FN Herstal"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + 5.7x28mm + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + A unique, high-velocity bottlenecked cartridge known for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and high + <span class="term" title="The ability of a projectile to pass through barriers."> + penetration + </span> + capabilities with specific loads. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-57" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-57" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-57"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s alongside their P90 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), the 5.7x28mm was designed to be a replacement for the 9mm. Its goal was to defeat modern Soviet body armor at a distance, a task for which standard pistol rounds were proving inadequate. It's a small, bottlenecked cartridge that looks like a miniature rifle round. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + This is a weird one. Its "armor-piercing" mystique comes from military/LE-only ammunition that isn't sold to the public. For civilians, it's a very fast, very flat-shooting, very expensive, and very loud varmint round in a handgun. It's a blast to shoot due to the low recoil and high capacity, but its terminal performance on human-sized targets is a subject of endless, heated debate. It's a niche, futuristic cartridge that is undeniably cool but questionably practical for most. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .224 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 27-40 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 1,700-2,350 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 195-394 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Varmint Hunting + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Niche Target Shooting + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </section> + <!-- Revolver Calibers Section --> + <section class="caliber-category mb-5"> + <h2 class="section-title"> + <i class="bi bi-arrow-repeat"> + </i> + Revolver Calibers + </h2> + <p class="category-description"> + Classic revolver cartridges prized for reliability, accuracy, and versatility in traditional wheelguns. + </p> + <div class="row"> + <!-- .38 Special --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".38 Special revolver"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .38 Special + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + A venerable revolver cartridge prized for its inherent accuracy and mild recoil. It remains a popular choice for small-frame revolvers and new shooters. + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-38sp" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-38sp" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-38sp"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898, the .38 Special was an evolution of the anemic .38 Long Colt, which had proven inadequate in military service. The .38 Special quickly became the standard-issue service cartridge for nearly every police department in the United States for the better part of 70 years, defining the era of the classic police revolver. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The quintessential "detective revolver" round. It's accurate, easy to shoot, and with modern +P hollow-point loads, it's a perfectly adequate self-defender. However, it is thoroughly outclassed in every performance metric by semi-automatic service calibers. Its appeal lies in the simplicity and reliability of the revolvers that fire it. It's a choice for the traditionalist who values elegance and ease of use over capacity and raw power. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .357 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 110-158 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 755-950 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 200-300 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Concealed Carry (Revolvers) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Beginner Training + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Nostalgia + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <!-- .357 Magnum --> + <div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 caliber-card-wrapper"> + <div class="info-card" data-caliber-name=".357 Magnum revolver"> + <div class="card-header caliber-title"> + <i class="bi bi-record-circle"> + </i> + .357 Magnum + </div> + <div class="card-body"> + <p class="summary"> + A powerful and versatile revolver cartridge developed from the .38 Special, offering a major leap in velocity and + <span class="term" title="The performance of a bullet upon striking its target."> + terminal ballistics + </span> + . + </p> + <button aria-controls="details-357mag" aria-expanded="false" class="btn btn-primary details-toggle" data-bs-target="#details-357mag" data-bs-toggle="collapse" type="button"> + Details + <i class="bi bi-chevron-down"> + </i> + </button> + <div class="collapse collapse-content" id="details-357mag"> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-clock-history"> + </i> + Historical Context + </h6> + <p> + Developed in the 1930s by a group including the legendary Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson, the .357 Magnum was the answer to a demand for a more powerful handgun round. By lengthening the .38 Special case, they created a cartridge that delivered vastly higher velocity and energy, kicking off the "magnum" era and setting the standard for powerful handgun performance for decades. + </p> + <h6> + <i class="bi bi-chat-right-quote-fill"> + </i> + The Verdict: An Opinionated Take + </h6> + <p> + The original hand cannon. The .357 Magnum is arguably the most versatile handgun cartridge ever made. It can be loaded down to mild .38 Special levels for practice or loaded up with full-power rounds that are suitable for self-defense, medium-game hunting, and scaring away bears (and everyone else at the indoor range). The muzzle flash and concussive blast are part of the experience. In a solid steel-frame revolver, it's the sound of authority. + </p> + <div class="table-responsive mt-3"> + <table class="table table-striped table-bordered"> + <thead> + <tr> + <th colspan="2"> + Ballistic Metrics (from Pistol) + </th> + </tr> + </thead> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + Bullet Diameter + </td> + <td> + .357 inches + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Bullet Weight + </td> + <td> + 125-180 grains + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Velocity + </td> + <td> + 1,200-1,500 fps + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Typical Muzzle Energy + </td> + <td> + 400-700 ft-lbs + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <div class="callout"> + <h6> + Common Uses + </h6> + <ul class="list-group list-group-flush"> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Self-Defense / Home Defense + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + Handgun Hunting (Medium Game) + </li> + <li class="list-group-item"> + All-Purpose Outdoors Revolver + </li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </section> + </main> + <footer class="text-center"> + <div class="container"> + <p> + © 2024 David Veksler Cheatsheets. 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