bamaranger
New member
lethal range?
The OP could have likely used a different term other than lethal. He goes on in later posts regards missing his target in home defense. Which then brings up the issue of penetrative qualities of the 9mm cartridge and the issues of "range".
Concerning lethal, I would think a 9mm projectile could be lethal way out there. If stable and nose first, I would not be surprised a 9mm FMJ could inflict a penetrating, potentially lethal wound exceeding 1000 yds. I rewatched the video where the host took a 9mm carbine to 400 yds, and FMJ ammo fully penetrated 9" of more of a gel torso. The same ammo punched thru a 1/2" plywood target backer AND the 2x4 supporting it. It does not take much imagination to realize what that bullet could do against a human skull/temple, soft tissue around the neck and spine, the eye socket or slipping between the ribs of the chest.
The 9mm FMJ bullet has always been recognized as a good penetrator. I recall reading an account written by a white hunter in Africa conducting elephant culling. After the shooting with the heavy rifles, the fellow would pop the down giants with a round or two of 9mm FMJ at point blank to insure the beast(s) were done. If a 9mm will go into an elephants brain.........
There is also much video of 9mm ammo penetrating pseudo interior and exterior house walls of wood construction and exiting with lots of energy. Such bullets are likely somewhat deformed, unstable and would not have the same carry as one undisturbed, but still could be plenty dangerous. I would have not a clue as to how far such could be lethal and it would likely vary shot to shot.
Lets not confuse lethal range with effective range and maximum range. Effective range is how far one can hit accurately. In the video in ideal circumstances, the host was getting consistent hits on torso sized targets fairly easily at 400 yds with a 9mm carbine. A handgun is much harder to shoot well at that distance, I suspect 100 yds is the limit for those really skilled (bamaboy can ring a C-12 42" popper with a Glock consistently at
100.....young eyes) and half that or less for many of us.
Max range is how far a round will carry when fired at the ideal angle. Internet search states 2300-2500 yds
The OP could have likely used a different term other than lethal. He goes on in later posts regards missing his target in home defense. Which then brings up the issue of penetrative qualities of the 9mm cartridge and the issues of "range".
Concerning lethal, I would think a 9mm projectile could be lethal way out there. If stable and nose first, I would not be surprised a 9mm FMJ could inflict a penetrating, potentially lethal wound exceeding 1000 yds. I rewatched the video where the host took a 9mm carbine to 400 yds, and FMJ ammo fully penetrated 9" of more of a gel torso. The same ammo punched thru a 1/2" plywood target backer AND the 2x4 supporting it. It does not take much imagination to realize what that bullet could do against a human skull/temple, soft tissue around the neck and spine, the eye socket or slipping between the ribs of the chest.
The 9mm FMJ bullet has always been recognized as a good penetrator. I recall reading an account written by a white hunter in Africa conducting elephant culling. After the shooting with the heavy rifles, the fellow would pop the down giants with a round or two of 9mm FMJ at point blank to insure the beast(s) were done. If a 9mm will go into an elephants brain.........
There is also much video of 9mm ammo penetrating pseudo interior and exterior house walls of wood construction and exiting with lots of energy. Such bullets are likely somewhat deformed, unstable and would not have the same carry as one undisturbed, but still could be plenty dangerous. I would have not a clue as to how far such could be lethal and it would likely vary shot to shot.
Lets not confuse lethal range with effective range and maximum range. Effective range is how far one can hit accurately. In the video in ideal circumstances, the host was getting consistent hits on torso sized targets fairly easily at 400 yds with a 9mm carbine. A handgun is much harder to shoot well at that distance, I suspect 100 yds is the limit for those really skilled (bamaboy can ring a C-12 42" popper with a Glock consistently at
100.....young eyes) and half that or less for many of us.
Max range is how far a round will carry when fired at the ideal angle. Internet search states 2300-2500 yds
Last edited:
) it tends to decelerate to a point that 1) it acquires a rainbow trajectory 2) it also destabilizes enough that it will negatively affect consistency. Can it hit and impact something with enough force to kill it at long distance? sure. Would I rely on it for that? Not unless I didn't have anything better. 75 yards in on my property, using my higher power loads, I would be much more confident stopping even a big threat with good aim and ammo. That's all I need.