Which type of bullet is more commonly associated with handguns?

Handguns are most commonly associated with center fire bullets due to their design and the mechanism by which they are fired. Center fire cartridges have their primer located in the center of the cartridge case and are used in a variety of handgun calibers, such as .45 ACP, 9mm, and .357 Magnum. This type of ammunition is favored for handguns because it allows for higher pressures, better accuracy, and more consistent performance compared to rimfire ammunition.

Rimfire bullets, while also used in some firearms, are primarily associated with .22 caliber firearms, which can include rifles and pistols but are not as prevalent in the larger calibers that most handguns utilize. Shotgun shells are specifically designed for shotguns and do not apply to handgun use. Magnum refers to a specific type of cartridge or caliber that typically exhibits greater power than standard loads; it can be either center fire or rimfire but is not specific to handguns alone. Understanding the characteristics of these different types of ammunition is essential for safe and effective firearm handling.