When it comes to protecting your home, your family, your friends, or yourself, gear matters — but ammunition matters more. The right self-defense ammo can mean the difference between getting the job done or almost. And you never want to be almost hitting the target. You want the target.

In this guide, we break down the best defense ammo for pistols, rifles, and shotguns based on real-world performance, law enforcement data, civilian, and our customer feedback.

Best 9mm Handgun Ammo for Self-Defense

Choosing the right handgun ammo is all about reliable expansion (which is how the bullet spreads in the target and stays there), penetration (which is the density of surfaces it can pierce), and consistent feeding (making sure the ammo doesn’t jam your gun). You want a round that hits harder than a rocket, stays on target, and doesn’t over-penetrate.

Photo above illustrates “Expansion” (now imagine that getting stuck)

Photo above illustrates penetration of various calibers

See Below for Bereli’s Offering of Premium Defensive Ammo:

Federal HST

Why it’s great: Massive expansion, consistent penetration, and FBI-tested.
Used by: Law enforcement agencies nationwide

Speer Gold Dot

Why it’s great: Bonded core jacket prevents separation; proven in duty use.

Hornady Critical Defense / Critical Duty

Critical Defense: Designed for civilian use
Critical Duty: Meets FBI protocol standards
Why it’s great: Polymer-filled hollow point resists clogging through fabric

Remington Golden Saber Bonded

Other Best Handgun Ammo For Defense

Best Rifle Ammo for Defense

With great power comes great responsibility here. Defensive rifle ammo isn’t just about power — it’s about controlled penetration. You don’t want over-penetration that endangers others in your surroundings.

Speer Gold Dot Rifle

Bonded soft point; great barrier penetration without over-travel

Federal Fusion MSR

Designed for modern sporting rifles; consistent terminal performance

Best Shotgun Ammo for Defense

Shotguns are devastating up close and great for narrow spaces because of the spread — but ammo selection is key. You want to stop the threat and you want that to stop at the walls.

Federal

Winchester

#4 Buckshot

Smaller pellets than 00 buck; more pellets per shot

Better for home defense due to reduced penetration

Note: Avoid slugs unless you're defending a large property or wilderness - something with room to run — they over-penetrate in indoor settings.

Food for thought: Defense Ammo Strategy

Choosing the best defensive ammo isn’t about maximum power — it’s about controlled force, and playing to your environment while maintaning consistent performance, and risk management.

Takeways:

The Right Ammo Depends On:

• Your environment (apartment/house vs. rural property)
• Your firearm platform
• Your comfort with recoil & shot placement
• Over-penetration risk in your home
• Training, Training, Training, Training (Cannot say this enough)

Common Questions:

Can I use range ammo for self-defense?

Well, there is a reason it labeled as range ammo. There is a reason it is cheaper. Range ammo was not designed to be defensive ammo.

1. No Expansion (gave you what that means earlier). To add, it also means there is a greater chance the bullet hits the target and just passes through.
2. Too much penetration
3. Range ammo will be labeled as such and will most likely be referred to as Full Metal Jacket AKA FMJ.

Does shotgun buckshot over-penetrate in a home?

#4 Buckshot is recommended for home because it balances stopping power and penetration. 00 buck runs the risk of penetrating walls.

Does self-defense ammo expire?

In normal, non-humid conditions defense ammo can last anywhere form 10-25 years. Be sure to inspect every couple of years if your storage is normal.

How often should I replace my carry or home defense ammo?

Every 6-12 months. Especially the rounds that are apart of your everyday carry AKA EDC. Again, the moisture is what can tarnish or dampen your ammo. When you sweat you release moisture; remember that.

What’s the difference between ball ammo and defensive ammo?

Ball ammo AKA FMJ AKA Full Metal Jacket is rounded and designed for target shooting. It does not expand and it over penetrates.

Defensive Ammo, like JHP AKA Jacketed Hollow Point and/or Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point

Think about it simply:
Ball ammo is round - which means a cleaner penetration.

Defensive ammo/hollow tips or anything thats not rounded is not as smooth - like a football without a tip. Once it hits, its stuck.

And always remember:
Stay safe, Stay trained, Stay educated, Stay Trained. Yes, we mentioned it twice because it is that important.