Why The US Military Wants To BAN 9mm Ammo!

Published on May 11, 2025
Duration: 10:34

The US military is internally discussing a potential switch from 9mm ammunition due to its perceived ineffectiveness on the battlefield, particularly against body armor and in situations requiring significant stopping power. This conversation is influenced by the Hague Convention, which mandates the use of full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition, limiting the effectiveness of standard ball rounds. A military switch could significantly impact civilian 9mm ammunition availability and pricing, as a large portion is produced by the US Army's Lake City plant for civilian sale.

Quick Summary

The US military is contemplating a ban on 9mm ammunition due to its perceived battlefield ineffectiveness, especially when restricted to full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds by the Hague Convention. This potential shift could significantly reduce civilian 9mm ammo availability by 30-40%, as a large supply originates from the US Army's Lake City plant.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Military 9mm Discussions Since the 80s
  2. 00:16From .45 ACP to 9mm: Sidearm History
  3. 00:339mm Effectiveness on the Battlefield Questioned
  4. 00:54Why Most Americans Don't Understand Military Ammo Needs
  5. 01:17FBI's Switch from .40 S&W to 9mm
  6. 01:42Miami Shootout and Handgun Round Ineffectiveness
  7. 02:21The Hague Convention and Ammunition Restrictions
  8. 02:43The Problem with Ball Ammunition
  9. 03:11Multiple Rounds, Still No Incapacitation
  10. 03:34Decades of Military Conversation on Ammo
  11. 04:02Impact on Civilian Ammo Market
  12. 04:16Lake City Ammunition Plant's Role
  13. 04:47Potential 30-40% Drop in Civilian 9mm Ammo
  14. 05:029mm Dominance in Civilian Handgun Market
  15. 05:28Why the Military SHOULD Switch Calibers
  16. 06:12US Army's Sidearm Ammo is Among the Worst
  17. 07:14Detrimental Switch for Civilian Ammo
  18. 07:30Ideal Military Sidearm: 7.5 FK
  19. 07:48Real Possibility of a 9mm Switch
  20. 08:06Consequences of a Military Caliber Switch

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the US military considering banning 9mm ammunition?

The US military is considering a ban on 9mm ammunition due to its perceived ineffectiveness on the battlefield, particularly against body armor and in situations requiring significant stopping power. International law, specifically the Hague Convention, mandates the use of full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which limits the terminal ballistics of 9mm compared to hollow-point ammunition available to civilians.

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

The Hague Convention prohibits the use of expanding ammunition, such as hollow-point rounds, in warfare. This forces military forces to use full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition for their sidearms, which can be less effective in incapacitating targets compared to hollow-point rounds used by law enforcement and civilians.

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

A significant portion of civilian 9mm ammunition is produced by the US Army's Lake City Ammunition Plant. If the military switches to a different caliber, production for 9mm could cease or drastically reduce, potentially leading to a 30-40% decrease in civilian 9mm ammo supply and increased prices.

What are the historical reasons for the US military's sidearm caliber discussions?

Internal discussions about 9mm effectiveness have occurred since the 1980s, following the military's switch from .45 ACP to 9mm. Events like the 1986 Miami FBI shootout highlighted the limitations of handgun rounds against heavily armed and armored adversaries, prompting shifts in caliber choices for law enforcement and military.

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