Best Handgun Ammo To Use in 2022?

Published on April 13, 2021
Duration: 14:21

Selecting the right handgun ammunition is crucial for personal defense, going beyond just owning a firearm. Understanding the differences between Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for training and Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) for expansion is key. Specialized rounds like Hornady Critical Defense offer enhanced performance by preventing clogging. Reliability is paramount, requiring a firearm to function flawlessly with 200 rounds of chosen defensive ammo.

Quick Summary

For self-defense, Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) ammunition is recommended as it expands on impact to transfer maximum energy and minimize over-penetration. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is better suited for training. Reliability requires testing 200 rounds of your chosen defensive load without malfunction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Handgun Ammunition
  2. 01:07Anatomy of a Cartridge
  3. 02:14Common Self-Defense Calibers
  4. 03:41FMJ vs. Hollow-Point Ammo
  5. 06:31Frangible and Specialized Ammo
  6. 09:28Hornady Critical Defense Explained
  7. 11:22Reliability Testing: The 200-Round Rule

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FMJ and JHP handgun ammunition?

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are best for training and target practice due to lower cost but are poor for defense as they over-penetrate. Jacketed Hollow-Points (JHP) are designed to expand on impact, transferring maximum energy to the target and reducing over-penetration.

What are the most common self-defense handgun calibers?

Popular self-defense calibers include 9mm (the most popular), .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. .380 ACP is also common and is essentially a shortened 9mm round. .22 LR and .32 H&R Magnum are also mentioned.

How can I ensure my handgun ammunition is reliable for self-defense?

A firearm should fire 200 rounds of a specific defensive load without malfunction before it is considered reliable for everyday carry. This '200-round rule' is crucial for testing ammunition compatibility and firearm function.

What is frangible ammunition and when is it used?

Frangible ammo is made of compressed copper powder and disintegrates on impact, significantly reducing the risk of ricochet. It's often used for training in environments where over-penetration or ricochet is a major concern.

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