Ammo diferences?

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Sose

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Folks, I'm a new forum member and longtime stalker here. I've been thinking about getting a firearm for some time and now is the time. I'm waiting for my CCL and am serious on getting a pistol and more training on it.

I think, based on what I've read here and elsewhere, that I am going to go with a 9mm Glock for all around home and CC use. My questions today, however, have to do with ammo types.

Whilst I know I can just get exact answers to my questions by just googling for them, I enjoy the discussions that stem from such questions particularly amongst a group of individuals with their own opinions as opposed to a single person's essay.

What is the difference between ball, JHP, +p, +P+, hollowpoint, and FMJ rounds?
What are these rounds best suited for? Is one the absolute best round from the other?

Bonus question: Why would NATO go with 9mm? What was their rationale? Why do you think they went with 9mm?

Thanks in advance folks.
 
I'll give it a whirl :D

"Ball" is a generic term for non-hollow point ammunition. Ball ammo generally refers to Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), however it also includes solid lead/cast bullets.

Hollow point ammunition is designed to expand upon contact with a semi-liquid object. A Jacketed Hollow Point, or JHP, is the most common type out there, consisting of a lead core and some sort of metallic jacket bonded to the outer skin of the bullet to control expansion.

A +P round is a round that is charged above the SAAMI pressure specification for that round. There is generally a SAAMI spec for +P as well. A +P+ is a round that has been charged above +P, but there is no SAAMI spec for these rounds so they vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Ball ammo is typically used in situations where penetration is more desirable that expansion, or where obstacles such as walls or vehicles exist between the shooter and the target. Hollow point ammunition is typically used in an anti-personnel role and/or for self defense. No one type of ammo is inherently better than another, they have different uses...just like your Slotted screwdriver isn't inherently better than your Philips.

I'm not touching the "why NATO adopted the 9mm" question. You can do a forum search for that one yourself.
 
"jontz" nailed it. The only thing I'd add is use JHP for self defense in all situations. Pick a round that your gun cycles 100% and practice until you can shoot it accurately.

Drank the Glock-aid, huh? Another lost to the dark side. :eek:

Seriously, pick what you shoot best.
 
If possible, go to a range that rents weapons and try as many different types as possible. Glocks are fine weapons but you may find something you like better. If you are going to trust a weapon to defend yourself and your family, it had better fit you and be exactly what you want and need. Also, welcome to the armed society. Good luck.
 
9mm has shown to be an effective size, and it works. Other than that, most European countries have used 9mm (of one type or another) for many many years. The US supposedly jumped to 9 to match NATO allies. True or not? Really means nothing, with the contract for more Beretta 9's it makes no difference.
 
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