Why The US Military Wants To Switch From 9mm Ammo!

Published on June 20, 2026
Duration: 10:34

The US military is internally discussing a potential switch from 9mm ammunition due to limitations imposed by the Hague Convention, which restricts the use of hollow-point rounds on the battlefield. This forces the military to use full metal jacket (FMJ) or ball ammunition, which the speaker argues is less effective in incapacitating targets compared to modern civilian self-defense ammunition. A switch could significantly impact the civilian ammunition market, as the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is a major producer of 9mm for civilians.

Quick Summary

The US military is exploring a switch from 9mm ammunition due to Hague Convention restrictions, which prohibit the use of expanding hollow-point rounds on the battlefield. This forces the use of less effective full metal jacket (FMJ) ball ammunition, prompting discussions about adopting a caliber that offers better performance under these legal constraints.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Military Sidearm Caliber Discussions
  2. 00:13Historical Context: .45 ACP to 9mm
  3. 00:329mm Effectiveness on the Battlefield
  4. 00:38Current Military Caliber Conversation
  5. 00:51Civilian 9mm Ammunition Effectiveness
  6. 00:74FBI's Caliber Switches: .40 S&W to 9mm
  7. 01:06Miami Shootout and Handgun Limitations
  8. 01:12Hague Convention and Ammunition Restrictions
  9. 01:39The Hague Convention Explained
  10. 01:53Ball Ammunition vs. Hollow Points
  11. 02:08Decades of Military Discussion on Ammo
  12. 02:21Real Possibility of a Caliber Switch
  13. 02:36Impact on Civilian Ammunition Market
  14. 02:53Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Role
  15. 03:18Detrimental Effects on Civilian Ammo Industry
  16. 03:24Personal Opinion: Military Should Switch
  17. 03:41Frustration for Soldiers and Leadership
  18. 03:56Military's Inferior Sidearm Ammunition
  19. 04:139mm Not Okay for US Army Today
  20. 04:28Potential Switch to .40 S&W
  21. 04:41Ideal Handgun Caliber: 7.5 FK
  22. 04:56Uncertainty of a Military Switch
  23. 05:04Call to Action & Channel Engagement
  24. 05:10Prayer Request and Spiritual Message
  25. 05:46Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the US military considering a switch from 9mm ammunition?

The US military is considering a switch from 9mm ammunition primarily due to the limitations imposed by the Hague Convention, which restricts the use of expanding ammunition like hollow points on the battlefield. This forces the military to use less effective full metal jacket (FMJ) ball ammunition, leading to discussions about adopting a caliber that performs better with these restrictions.

What is the Hague Convention's impact on military ammunition choices?

The Hague Convention prohibits the use of ammunition that causes unnecessary suffering, specifically mentioning expanding or fragmenting projectiles. For the US military, this means they cannot legally use hollow-point ammunition on the battlefield, forcing them to rely on full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which are generally less effective at incapacitating targets.

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

A switch from 9mm by the US military could significantly impact the civilian ammunition market. The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, a major producer of 9mm for civilians, would likely cease production of 9mm if it's no longer a military standard, potentially reducing the civilian supply by 30-40%.

What are the perceived limitations of 9mm ball ammunition for military use?

The speaker argues that 9mm ball ammunition, often used by the military, lacks sufficient terminal ballistics to reliably incapacitate targets. This means multiple shots may be required, especially against adversaries wearing body armor or in close-quarters combat, where rifles might be less practical.

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