Handgun cartridges are the ammunition used in handguns, designed to fire bullets. Each cartridge consists of a casing, primer, powder, and bullet. The casing holds all the components together, while the primer ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin, propelling the bullet out of the barrel. There are various types of handgun cartridges, including popular calibers like .22 LR, .9mm, and .45 ACP. Each caliber has different characteristics, such as size, power, and recoil, making them suitable for various applications, from target shooting to self-defense. Understanding these differences helps users choose the right cartridge for their needs.