Full Metal Jacket v. Hollow Point Ammo for Every Day Carry | Gun Talk

Published on April 14, 2020
Duration: 3:04

Ryan Gresham of Gun Talk explains the critical difference between Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Hollow Point (HP) ammunition for concealed carry. FMJ is recommended for practice due to its lower cost and consistent performance in punching holes, but it's generally unsuitable for self-defense as it tends to over-penetrate and create smaller wound cavities. Hollow points are designed to expand upon impact, creating larger wound channels and stopping threats more effectively, while also potentially reducing over-penetration. Gresham stresses the importance of testing chosen HP ammunition in your specific firearm to ensure reliability.

Quick Summary

For concealed carry, Hollow Point (HP) ammunition is recommended over Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). HP rounds expand on impact, creating larger wound cavities for better stopping power and potentially reducing over-penetration. FMJ is generally for practice, as it tends to punch through without significant expansion. Always test your chosen HP ammo in your firearm to ensure reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to EDC Ammo Choice
  2. 00:32Understanding Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
  3. 00:48Why Hollow Point (HP) is Preferred for Carry
  4. 01:13How FMJ and HP Perform on Impact
  5. 01:52Over-Penetration Concerns
  6. 02:08Choosing and Testing Carry Ammunition
  7. 02:36Can You Carry FMJ in a Pinch?
  8. 02:51Conclusion: Range vs. Carry Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between Full Metal Jacket and Hollow Point ammunition for concealed carry?

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo is generally for practice, punching holes, and can over-penetrate. Hollow Point (HP) ammo is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound cavity for better stopping power and potentially reducing over-penetration, making it the preferred choice for concealed carry.

Why is Hollow Point ammunition better for self-defense than Full Metal Jacket?

Hollow Point bullets expand upon hitting a target, creating a larger wound channel which increases the likelihood of stopping a threat quickly. FMJ bullets tend to pass through with less energy transfer and can over-penetrate, posing a risk to bystanders.

Is Full Metal Jacket ammunition ever suitable for concealed carry?

While Full Metal Jacket ammunition is better than having no firearm, it is not the ideal choice for concealed carry. Hollow Point ammunition offers superior performance for self-defense scenarios due to its expansion capabilities and controlled penetration.

What is the most important step after choosing Hollow Point ammunition for concealed carry?

It is crucial to test your chosen Hollow Point ammunition in your specific concealed carry firearm. This ensures the ammunition feeds reliably, ejects properly, and functions without issues, guaranteeing your firearm will work when you need it most.

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