Why The US Military Wants To BAN 9mm Ammo!

Published on May 5, 2025
Duration: 10:34

The US military is reportedly considering a caliber change for its sidearms due to the ineffectiveness of standard 9mm ball ammunition in combat scenarios. The Hague Convention mandates the use of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition, which lacks the terminal ballistics of hollow-point rounds favored by civilian law enforcement and defense. This potential shift could significantly impact civilian 9mm ammunition availability, as a large portion is produced by the US Army's Lake City plant for civilian sale.

Quick Summary

The US military is reportedly considering a caliber change for its sidearms due to the limitations imposed by the Hague Convention, which mandates the use of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition. Standard 9mm FMJ is seen as less effective in combat than hollow-point rounds, and a military shift could significantly reduce civilian 9mm ammo availability from the Lake City plant.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Military Sidearm Caliber History
  2. 00:16From .45 ACP to 9mm
  3. 00:339mm Ineffectiveness on Battlefield
  4. 01:17FBI Switch from .40 S&W to 9mm
  5. 01:42Miami Shootout and .40 S&W
  6. 02:21The Hague Convention and Ammo Laws
  7. 02:43Ball Ammo vs. Hollow Points
  8. 03:08Attacker Penetration Issues
  9. 03:37Military Ammo Limitations
  10. 04:01Impact on Civilian Ammo Supply
  11. 04:09Lake City Ammunition Plant Role
  12. 04:48Civilian 9mm Ammo Shortage Risk
  13. 05:029mm Dominance in Civilian Market
  14. 05:28Why the Military Should Switch
  15. 06:15Worst Sidearm Ammo Quality
  16. 07:14Detrimental Switch for Civilians
  17. 07:19Potential Caliber Switch (.40 S&W)
  18. 07:30Ideal Military Handgun (7.5 FK)
  19. 07:48Possibility of 9mm Switch
  20. 08:06Consequences of a Switch

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the US military considering banning 9mm ammunition?

The US military is reportedly considering a caliber change for sidearms not due to a ban on 9mm itself, but because the Hague Convention mandates the use of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition in warfare. Standard FMJ 9mm ball ammunition is considered less effective in combat than hollow-point rounds, leading to a desire for a more potent caliber.

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

The Hague Convention, specifically its annexed Declaration concerning Expanding Bullets, prohibits the use of expanding ammunition (like hollow-point bullets) in international armed conflict. This forces military forces to use Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition, which lacks the terminal ballistics of hollow points.

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

A significant portion of 9mm ammunition sold to civilians is produced by the US Army's Lake City Ammunition Plant. If the military switches calibers, the demand for 9mm production at Lake City would cease, potentially reducing the civilian 9mm ammo supply by 30-40%.

Why is 9mm ball ammunition considered ineffective by some in the military?

9mm ball ammunition, often used by the military due to Hague Convention restrictions, is criticized for its tendency to penetrate targets with minimal internal damage. This can result in attackers continuing to advance even after being hit multiple times, a significant concern in combat scenarios.

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