Having the right ammo can make all the difference when it comes to concealed carry and personal safety. How well your gun works, how much recoil you feel, and how comfortable and sure you are when you shoot can all be affected by the type of ammo you use. First, let’s talk about the different kinds of self-defense bullets. The two main types of bullets are full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point (JHP).
Type of Bullets
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Full Metal Jacket rounds are probably the most common type of ammunition. These rounds are characterized by a soft lead bullet encased in a shell of harder metal, hence the term ‘full metal jacket’.
When to Use FMJ:
FMJ rounds are generally less expensive than HP rounds, making them an excellent choice for regular target practice and shooting drills. They provide a reliable feed into the chamber and minimal wear on your firearm. However, FMJ rounds are not typically recommended for self-defense purposes. This is because they tend to over-penetrate, meaning they may pass through a target without transferring all their energy into it, which could potentially cause harm to an unintended target.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
A Jacketed Hollow Point bullet is essentially a hollow point bullet with a covering or “jacket” of harder metal, usually copper or a copper alloy, covering the lead core. This jacket can cover the entirety of the bullet, or it can leave the lead core at the tip of the bullet exposed. The primary purpose of this jacket is to improve feeding in a semi-automatic firearm and prevent lead from fouling the barrel.
When to JHP Rounds
Jacketed Hollow Point rounds are typically recommended for self-defense and concealed carry. The expanding bullet is designed to stop when it hits a target, reducing the risk of over-penetration and unintended harm. Moreover, greater energy transfer can potentially stop a threat more effectively.
Buying Reliable Ammunition for Your Gun
Choosing reliable brands of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Hollow Point (HP) ammunition is vital for your safety, the performance of your firearm, and its longevity. Both types of ammunition serve different purposes: FMJ is perfect for practice due to its affordability, while HP is preferred for self-defense due to its stopping power. Different firearms may also perform better with certain brands or types of ammunition, so testing various options to find what works best with your specific firearm is recommended.
