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Hollow points vs. FMJ
- Thread starter SkaterJay14
- Start date
SkaterJay14
penetration in objects which do you prefer
FMJ of the two choices. A FMJ bullet should give the greater penetration everything being equal. The non-deforming bullet has less frontal area to create resistance compared to a hollow point bullet that (I assume for the sake of comparison) deforms and has a larger frontal area.
Self defense= Hollow Point
Target shooting= FMJ
In general, this is the pat answer. And by hollow point, I'm talking modern design premium hollow points, tested for consistent operation in your particular firearm. There are exceptions to the rule. If using a "mouse gun", then it is FMJ all the way. Mouse gun HP's may not penetrate far enough to get the job done. If using .22lr for anything other than small game hunting/varmint shooting, then you use solids unless your firearm shoots hollow points better, and if you are small game hunting/varmint shooting then hollow points are called for. If you are needing protection against big, tough 4 legged opponents then you want big, heavy, wide flat meplat hard cast in a magnum revolver/10mm auto.
BTW -- since there is more nuance involved than just the either/or that the OP's poll provides for, I opted not to vote.
So many experts who seem to know just what caliber will penetrate someone "enough"; and which bullets will work in each combat scenario. Has anyone seen what FMJ's in 9mm do to targets with proper shot placement? Do you know that a .380 caliber "mouse gun" (whatever that is supposed to be) will penetrate your skull from any angle, and exit? Is that really a "mouse gun?" The arrogant demigogue who coined that phrase did not even have the real combat experience with handguns that his public relations inferred. So what did he know anyway?
For general self defense it could be assumed that hollow points in handguns, probably have an edge in assumed "stopping power", outside of head shots. But each case is unique and its results are entirely serendipitous to its outcome. So who actually knows enough to make such empirical statements? As it always has, stopping/killing power in handguns depends upon shot placement, adrenalin and luck.
For general self defense it could be assumed that hollow points in handguns, probably have an edge in assumed "stopping power", outside of head shots. But each case is unique and its results are entirely serendipitous to its outcome. So who actually knows enough to make such empirical statements? As it always has, stopping/killing power in handguns depends upon shot placement, adrenalin and luck.
Kreyzhorse
New member
All depends on the caliber and the intented result. A .25 or a .45? Self defense or range?
For SD, in any thing larger than a .32, I want HP. With a .25 or a .32, I would fell better with FMJ.
Range? Whatever is cheap.
For SD, in any thing larger than a .32, I want HP. With a .25 or a .32, I would fell better with FMJ.
Range? Whatever is cheap.
Completely Ambiguous
Honestly, you could have just asked; Which is better: a screw driver or a hammer?
These two types of cartridges are different tools that are intended for different purposes. Hollow points are meant to transfer their kinetic energy into a stationary target with minimal penetration. Full metal jacket rounds are meant to retain their shape in flight and impact resulting in increased accuracy and penetraton.
Before you ask this question, you should decide what you intend to use these rounds for. Because while you can use them both for "whatever" trying to nail a birdhouse together with a screwdriver isn't exactly the most well-thought-out plan.
Just ask yourself: "What do I need these for?" and go from there.
~LT
Honestly, you could have just asked; Which is better: a screw driver or a hammer?
These two types of cartridges are different tools that are intended for different purposes. Hollow points are meant to transfer their kinetic energy into a stationary target with minimal penetration. Full metal jacket rounds are meant to retain their shape in flight and impact resulting in increased accuracy and penetraton.
Before you ask this question, you should decide what you intend to use these rounds for. Because while you can use them both for "whatever" trying to nail a birdhouse together with a screwdriver isn't exactly the most well-thought-out plan.
Just ask yourself: "What do I need these for?" and go from there.
~LT
riggins_83
New member
Depends on caliber and what the use is. This is like saying "which is better, a car or a truck?" Well are you driving in Miami or Alaska.
For anything 380ACP or less, FMJ.
Practice? FMJ
SD for higher than 380ACP? HPs
For anything 380ACP or less, FMJ.
Practice? FMJ
SD for higher than 380ACP? HPs
Nakanokalronin
New member
Not a very specific question but in 45acp I would use FMJ or HP in 230gr for defense.,380acp,32acp and 25acp I would use FMJ for defense.Everything else for defense would get a HP.