Is there any reason to use a full metal jacket in self defense?

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Unless I've fired the particular hollow point extensively in a given semi-auto, I'll always trust the FMJ more. Before the potentials of terminal performance come into play the cartridge has to make the trip from the magazine to the chamber. Once in the chamber the hollow point is likely better. If it doesn't expand, it will most likely do as well as an FMJ, not that even that is always guaranteed.
 
Some calibers don't have great penetration like .380ACP. FMJ rounds will likely punch a little deeper and in some cases could reach a vital that a hollow point might not be able to get too. It's a trade off, penetration vs a larger diameter wound channel.
 
lcpiper said:
Some calibers don't have great penetration like .380ACP.
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If you move another couple of notches down in power, .32ACP and .25ACP not only have issues with penetration- there are some well-documented problems using JHP bullets in certain pistols.

Most JHP bullets for these cartridges are a good deal lighter than standard FMJ in order to maximize velocity; however, this results in loaded rounds that are physically shorter. Both cartridges are semi-rimmed- i.e. the cases have a projecting rim, but it doesn't protrude as far as the rim on most revolver cases. In certain pistols, the shorter JHP rounds may jump around in the mag under recoil, potentially causing a double-feed jam in which the rim of the cartridge above gets stuck behind the rim of the cartridge below. :(

I don't know if you've ever dealt with a double-feed jam, but they're a ROYAL pain to clear. In a real-time self-defense encounter, the procedure for dealing with one is as follows:
  • Eject double-fed magazine and insert fresh magazine.
  • If you don't have a fresh magazine, throw the pistol at the BG, and hope that the resultant confusion buys you enough time to run away! :eek:
 
Yep and yep

I don't know if you've ever dealt with a double-feed jam, but they're a ROYAL pain to clear.
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For sure.... I have had this issue with my Bersa Thunder .380. I switched to Hornady Critical defense, even though it is under powered.


How did CarGuy not mention that FMJ is what you want in a scenario where you have to shoot through a car door or window? A window may let a hollow point stay together, but certainly not a layer of sheet metal, various plastics, etc.


Problem with FMJ is that the penetration can be enough that now you have to concern yourself with what is behind the target as well as around it, since you run the risk of going right through the BG. Now if they would only line up in a nice row.
 
The BATFE --- recently banned --- 7N6 - 5.45X39 mild steel core FMJ might have more devastating results on human flesh, than a 5.45X39 lead core hollow point.
 
By Erno;
The BATFE --- recently banned --- 7N6 - 5.45X39 mild steel core FMJ might have more devastating results on human flesh, than a 5.45X39 lead core hollow point.
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Well, they didn't ban it because it does more damage to human flesh, they banned it because they now consider it Armor Piercing Ammunition as there is now a handgun being imported for sale that is in this caliber and can fire this ammunition.

At first you might think it's odd that BATF only considers ammo as Armor Piercing if it can be fired from a handgun. But if you think it through it starts making sense, pretty much any rifle, other then the really light calibers, have enough power to blow through a vest even with standard hunting ammo. No normal cop vest is standing up to a 30.06. In fact, they specifically mention that US Military M-2 Armor Piercing rounds are fine and not illegal to own, or at least it was last I checked, if it's changed I'd sure want to hear about it :eek:
 
One June 28,1914 Gavrilo Princip did very well using a 32ACP with FMJ ammo.
I recall something Phil Spangenberger wrote when noted that when the semiautos came on the market people generally wore more clothes and often of thicker material than today hence penetration was valued more highly. And some argue that a JHP can be defeated by heavy clothing-a winter jacket, e.g. IIRC Jeff Cooper advocated FMJ in the 45ACP -reliable feeding and the big bullet had a good track record.
 
There isn't a good enough reason in 2014 to do so in my opinion. If your gun won't reliably feed HP or SP ammo you need another gun that will.
 
Simple answer

peterparkerv2 said:
Hollow points are better in every way aren't they?
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No.

Hollow point rounds allow for more expansion, but sacrifice penetration.

FMJ rounds maximize penetration, but minimize expansion, and reducing the transfer of energy into the target.

This trade off must be considered when you consider your carry weapon, it's caliber, size, and the ammo you carry in it. It all depends on which one you value more.
 
Is there any reason to use a full metal jacket in self defense?

Some pretty rare exceptions do exist, but, generally, no.
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There are some places (NJ?) where hollowpoints are not legal. OR not legal for carry on the street.

Lots and lots of people have been stopped with FMJ ammo. And there have been failures, as well.

Lots and lots of people have been stopped with JHP ammo. And there have been failures, as well.

There is no magic bullet.

Everything that increases our odds of successful self defense is considered a good thing, even if the increase it only a tiny percentage, its still a good thing. If they work in your gun, use them. But don't think you are helpless or unarmed if all you have is FMJ.
 
in an apartment. FMJ can go thru walls and strike innocent bystanders. i trust my HP. speer gold dot or HST or win ranger T
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You trust your walls overmuch, maybe?

Take a gander at the Box O'Truth .....
 
How did CarGuy not mention that FMJ is what you want in a scenario where you have to shoot through a car door or window? A window may let a hollow point stay together, but certainly not a layer of sheet metal, various plastics, etc.
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I'm not sure that FMJ is the best round in such a situation. A bonded HP may do better through barriers than a FMJ.
 
SIGSHR said:
One June 28,1914 Gavrilo Princip did very well using a 32ACP with FMJ ammo.
I recall something Phil Spangenberger wrote when noted that when the semiautos came on the market people generally wore more clothes and often of thicker material than today hence penetration was valued more highly. And some argue that a JHP can be defeated by heavy clothing-a winter jacket, e.g. IIRC Jeff Cooper advocated FMJ in the 45ACP -reliable feeding and the big bullet had a good track record.
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It's kind of counterintuitive, but if you look at gel tests hollow points usually penetrate more through heavy clothing. The reason is that the clothing clogs the hollow point and prevents expansion, thus deeper penetration.

eta: such as this Cor-Bon .380: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt2oW785vYE
 
It's kind of counterintuitive, but if you look at gel tests hollow points usually penetrate more through heavy clothing.
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They penetrate more through heavy clothing than no clothing ...... but still not as much as FMJ.
 
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