FMJ vs. Hollow Point: The Defensive Carry Mistake You Don’t Want to Make

Published on February 28, 2025
Duration: 8:32

This video strongly advises against using Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition for defensive carry due to its tendency to over-penetrate. Hollow Point (HP) ammunition is recommended for its expansion and energy dumping capabilities, which mitigate over-penetration risks. Tests using ballistic gel and a dummy head visually demonstrate the superior terminal performance of HP rounds in self-defense scenarios.

Quick Summary

Hollow Point (HP) ammunition is recommended for defensive carry over FMJ because HP rounds are designed to expand upon impact, dumping energy into the target and minimizing the risk of over-penetration. FMJ rounds, designed for penetration, can easily pass through targets and pose a risk to bystanders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: FMJ vs Hollow Point for Defense
  2. 00:50Design Differences: FMJ vs HP Ammo
  3. 02:349mm FMJ vs HP Ballistic Gel Test
  4. 03:32Gel Results: Penetration vs Expansion
  5. 05:33Ballistic Dummy Head Test: FMJ vs HP
  6. 06:45Conclusion: When to Use FMJ Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is FMJ ammunition not recommended for defensive carry?

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammo is designed for deep penetration, often used by the military. For self-defense, this can lead to over-penetration, posing a risk to bystanders. Hollow Point (HP) ammo is preferred as it expands on impact, dumping energy into the target and stopping sooner.

What is the main difference between FMJ and Hollow Point bullets?

FMJ bullets have a soft lead core fully encased in a harder metal jacket, designed for maximum penetration. Hollow Point bullets have a cavity in the tip designed to expand upon hitting a target, increasing the wound channel and energy transfer while reducing over-penetration.

How do ballistic gel tests demonstrate the effectiveness of defensive ammo?

Ballistic gel simulates tissue. Tests show FMJ rounds often pass straight through with minimal expansion, indicating over-penetration risk. Hollow Point rounds typically expand significantly, creating a larger wound cavity and stopping within the gel, demonstrating better energy transfer and reduced risk.

Is FMJ ammunition ever suitable for self-defense?

No, FMJ ammunition is generally considered unsuitable for civilian self-defense due to its high likelihood of over-penetration. Its design prioritizes penetration over controlled energy transfer. For defensive carry, Hollow Point ammunition is the widely recommended choice.

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