Switched calibers because of availability

[Ammo warrior]

I had to sell a gun I really liked because I just couldn't get ammo for it anywhere. So I grabbed something in 9mm instead since that's always around. Feels a bit like I caved, but it made sense. Anyone else ever switch calibers just to find ammo?

 

[Farr]

Yep, same here, sometimes you gotta go where the ammo flows, even if it hurts the heart a little.

 

[Billinthedesert]

Makes some sense in a defensive handgun, much as I find 9mm “meh.”
With rifles, I almost always hand load from the first round, and the wierder the better. Currently working out loads for a rolling block made in Sweden in 1873–and a new Howa in .22 ARC.

 

[HD-Ghost]

Since the crash of '08-09, I've lived by the mantra of "if you don't have enough to last you the rest of your life, you don't have enough". With the government going to the 9mm 40 yrs ago, .45 ACP became less plentiful and more expensive. Presently, 9mm can be had for $10 a box, whereas .45 is at $35. Simple math. Because of the upswing of the 9mm, many options have become available making the cartridge a bit better than the original 115 gr. ball. I've always maintained my collection around USGI cartridges because those are the most available and least expensive.

 

[Alan]

Since the crash of '08-09, I've lived by the mantra of "if you don't have enough to last you the rest of your life, you don't have enough". With the government going to the 9mm 40 yrs ago, .45 ACP became less plentiful and more expensive. Presently, 9mm can be had for $10 a box, whereas .45 is at $35. Simple math. Because of the upswing of the 9mm, many options have become available making the cartridge a bit better than the original 115 gr. ball. I've always maintained my collection around USGI cartridges because those are the most available and least expensive.

Availability drives caliber choices and modern 9mm loads have closed the performance gap.