Why The US Military Wants To BAN 9mm Ammo!

Published on December 23, 2025
Duration: 10:34

The US military is internally discussing a potential shift away from 9mm ammunition due to its perceived ineffectiveness on the battlefield when restricted to full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds mandated by the Hague Convention. Unlike civilian self-defense ammunition, military FMJ lacks significant terminal ballistics, leading to overpenetration and reduced incapacitation. This potential switch could significantly impact civilian 9mm ammo availability, as the Lake City plant is a major supplier.

Quick Summary

The US military is contemplating a shift away from 9mm ammunition due to Hague Convention restrictions, which mandate the use of full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds. Unlike civilian hollow-point ammunition, FMJ lacks significant terminal ballistics, leading to overpenetration and reduced incapacitation. This potential change could drastically affect civilian 9mm ammo supply, as the Lake City plant is a major producer for both military and civilian markets.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Military Internal Communications on 9mm
  2. 00:16History of US Military Sidearm Caliber Changes
  3. 00:33Effectiveness of 9mm on the Battlefield
  4. 01:17FBI's Caliber Switch: .40 S&W to 9mm
  5. 01:42Miami Shootout and Handgun Effectiveness
  6. 02:22The Hague Convention and Ammunition Restrictions
  7. 02:41Limitations of Military Ball Ammunition
  8. 03:35Military's Inability to Use Best Ammo
  9. 04:03Impact on Civilian Ammo Market
  10. 04:16Lake City Ammunition Plant's Role
  11. 05:03Civilian Handgun Caliber Popularity
  12. 05:26Potential Detriment to Civilian Ammo Industry
  13. 06:12Quality of US Army Sidearm Ammunition
  14. 07:13Detrimental Switch for Civilian Ammo
  15. 07:31Ideal Military Sidearm Caliber Speculation
  16. 07:46Possibility of a 9mm Switch

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the US military considering banning 9mm ammunition?

The US military is considering a ban on 9mm ammunition primarily because the Hague Convention restricts the use of hollow-point rounds on the battlefield. This forces the military to use full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition, which is less effective at incapacitating targets due to its tendency to overpenetrate without significant expansion.

What is the Hague Convention's role in military ammunition choices?

The Hague Convention of 1907 prohibits the use of projectiles that are easily expanded or flattened inside the human body. This means military forces are generally restricted to using full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition for their sidearms, limiting their terminal ballistics compared to civilian self-defense rounds.

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

A significant portion of civilian 9mm ammunition is produced at the US Army's Lake City Ammunition Plant. If the military were to stop producing 9mm, it could lead to a substantial reduction in civilian 9mm ammo availability, potentially by 30-40%, and could also impact pricing.

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

The FBI switched back to 9mm from .40 S&W, citing faster follow-up shots and the wide availability of effective self-defense 9mm ammunition. This contrasts with the military's predicament, where Hague Convention restrictions on ammo types limit their options, making 9mm FMJ less effective than civilian 9mm hollow points.

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