Why The US Military Wants To BAN 9mm Ammo!

Published on November 25, 2025
Duration: 10:34

The US military is internally discussing a potential switch from 9mm ammunition for sidearms due to its perceived ineffectiveness on the battlefield when using standard ball ammunition. This discussion is driven by the limitations of full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds under the Hague Convention, which prohibits hollow points. A switch could significantly impact civilian 9mm ammunition availability and pricing, as the Lake City plant is a major supplier.

Quick Summary

The US military is contemplating a shift away from 9mm sidearm ammunition due to its limited effectiveness on the battlefield when restricted to full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds by the Hague Convention. This restriction prevents the use of more effective hollow-point ammunition, leading to concerns about incapacitation. A military caliber change could significantly impact civilian 9mm ammo supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the US military considering banning 9mm ammunition?

The US military is considering a switch from 9mm ammunition for sidearms due to concerns about its effectiveness on the battlefield when restricted to full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, as mandated by the Hague Convention. FMJ rounds can penetrate targets with less incapacitation, a significant issue in combat scenarios.

What is the impact of the Hague Convention on military ammunition choices?

The Hague Convention prohibits the use of expanding ammunition, such as hollow points, in warfare. This forces military forces to use full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds for their sidearms, which are less effective at incapacitating targets compared to hollow points available to civilians.

How would a US military switch from 9mm affect civilian ammunition availability?

A significant switch from 9mm by the US military could drastically reduce the civilian supply of 9mm ammunition. This is because major production facilities like the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant also supply the civilian market, and a military shift would likely cease their 9mm production for public sale.

Why did the FBI switch from .40 S&W to 9mm, and how does this differ from the military's situation?

The FBI switched to 9mm for faster follow-up shots and the wide availability of self-defense ammunition. However, the military's situation is different because they are restricted to FMJ rounds by the Hague Convention, limiting the terminal ballistics of 9mm in combat scenarios, unlike the FBI's use of specialized hollow-point rounds.

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