Use FMJ for Self Defense?

J

JoeShmoe

Inactive
I've called a number of stores in my area, and nobody has any 9mm or .380 ACP in stock. (Unless I want to buy 1000+ rds.) What's new, right? What I really want to get my hands on is some SPEER Gold Dot LE ammo, or any JHP ammo for that matter, but that's even harder to find.

At this point I guess the only option I have for self defense ammo is the FMJ I would normally use for practice. Of course, I guess 18 rds. of 9mm FMJ is better than nothing... Still makes me feel uncomfortable though, especially when carrying only 7 rounds of .380 ACP in my LCP. Does anyone else ever carry FMJ for concealed carry?
 
The BG isn't going to ask you whether your ammo is FMJ or JHP. Having a gun at all, will be enough the vast majority of the time. However, when it's not enough, you're right, FMJ is a whole heck of a lot better than nothing at all, even if it's only 7 rounds. With proper shot placement, FMJ's can still be quite effective, but then you should always train to be an effective shot regardless if what ammo you've got. Then again, with the .380, I've even heard some say FMJ is actually the best choice as it will achieve better penetration. Certainly many have said this about anything smaller than .380 (like .32 auto).
 
I have when nothing else was available.

Natchez Shooters Supply has several types of 9mm JHP ammo in stock.
 
Go compare some expansion/penetration results from hollowpoints and FMJ in your caliber. then decide if you like it or not.

If not....perhaps it's time to mail-order a box if your state allows that.
 
Flat point would be marginally better

Round nose bullets often will go through tissue with ease and produce a pretty clean wound channel with little bleeding. While 9mm Luger is a far sight better than the .30 Luger it replaced in the early 1900s it does not compare with the same bullet construction in .45..

But, it is better than nothing. A lot better. But you do have to be aware of overpenetration and watch what is beyond your target, as your bullets may go all the way through.

Lost Sheep
 
If nothing else is available then use it but I'd have some good JHP's on order if you can't find them local. Once I get down to 100rds of my SD ammo per gun, I order some more. ;)

I do only carry FMJ in my P32 though.
 
in the winter i carry FMJ. the heavy clothing will clog a HP any ways. though the newer 'plastic' filled HP's may be worth some thinking about.
32acp and 380 are silvertips or fmj.
 
First thing to remember: BULLET PLACEMENT!

It is always critical.

For your 380 look at the Buffalo Bore Ammo site. They offer a hard-cast 380 round that overcomes the 380 main drawback (lack of penetration). And they have them in stock, IIRC.
 
I've used .45 hardball for carry before. I wouldn't hesitate too much to use it in other calibers; it just isn't ideal that's all.

On the other hand, $1+ a round for decent hollowpoints is ridiculous (deer loads for my .300 Win Mag cost about the same!) so you might see more people doing it in the near future.
 
I wouldn't lose no sleep loading FMJ's.

I'd mail order them and they'll be there in a week.

If you live in Vegas (You didn't say were your from) I'll set you up with a mag full of GDHP 9mm 124g +P from the NYPD.:eek::D
 
The Opinion...

Of many who are respected as gurus of self defense instruction say they use full metal jacket ball ammo exclusively, according to many in the firearm media. I use Hornaday Critical Defense as carry ammo myself, they react much like a FMJ in that they have the polymer "ball" like a few other manufacturers use to fight against the issue of fail to feed. But if I didn't have that type ammo, I would load FMJ in a hot minute rather than not have a means to defend myself.
 
As mentioned, shot placement is key above all else. FMJ will certainly work short term and buy HP when you get a chance. Don't sweat it.
 
I actually use .380 FMJ for carry because of penetration. I carry hollow points in 9 mm. However, keep in mind the military uses FMJ 9 mm. While not as good as hollow points, they seem to be able to stop/kill the enemy even with ball ammo. If that's all you can get, get it.
 
Many cops have to carry them and in the military its what I had to use. Practice putting them where it counts and it will do what you need it to do. If you have to shoot 3 or 4 times then do so, it just gives more holes to bleed out with. Ammo will get better some day, if it doesn't consider reloading and shooting cast bullets in any configuration that works in your gun. Just between you, me and the neighbors dog I don't want to get shot with either bullet.
 
I only shoot FMJ. and will continue to do so. I want penetration and a .45 or .357 or .44 mag will do the job. Heck I can recall a time when all we had was lead or fmj for the semis. I still have some .38 lead hollow points from years ago...
 
All agencies I know of have stopped using FMJ and gone to JHP. When I was a M.P. we carried JHP in our 45's as the Hauge convention does not apply when your shooting your own troops only enemy troops.
 
Heck I can recall a time when all we had was lead or fmj for the semis.
Click to expand...

I remember when cars had metal dashboards, bias ply tires and no seat belts. I sure don't drive one today. Time moves on, and progress...progresses. Most of us choose to take advantage of it :)

And OP, pm sent.
 
I've called a number of stores in my area, and nobody has any 9mm or .380 ACP in stock. (Unless I want to buy 1000+ rds.) What's new, right?
Click to expand...

Actually, that appears to be a huge exception rather than the norm. I know of very few stores that would require you to buy hollowpoint ammo in lots of 1000 or more rounds. Many don't even have that in stock. So I can't imagine that they would not be willing to break open cases to sell boxes especially when they make more from selling boxes rather than cases.

JohnKSa noted 9mm. Sportsmans Guide has 380 and 9mm. Ammo to go has 9mm.
-------------------------------

Yeah, I don't know of any police agencies that are issuing ball ammo by choice for handguns.
 
Once you get a hold of a box of JHP for self defense use, keep them in a magazine/cylinder and they will last a life time. When you first bought your gun, you should have shot/experimented with different ammo to make sure they fed and operated correctly. Once you figure out the brand you like and it works well, there is absolutely no reason in the world for you to have to shoot your JHP again. The ammo is not going to go bad. It will last decades. At 20-30 feet (Which is where self defense is encountered) you are not going to have an accuracy difference compared to your practice ammo. Go buy your box of JHP that you like. It doesn't matter how much it costs. It will last you for many years to come. If you ever practice/shoot your self defense JHP ammo, you are simply wasting money. Some people will rationalize that they shoot their self defense magazines when they go and shoot, and refill with "FRESH" ammo. That's simply a feel good thing. The ammo is not going to go bad sitting in the magazine of your gun for years to come. There's people shooting military surplus ammo that is more than 50 years old, and it too is still fine. I have 1 box of self defense ammo for every handgun I own. When I am at the range or out back shooting, I shoot whatever is cheap. Including lead. And if a societal break down ever happened where I needed more than 1 box of ammunition for self defense, then I'd be shooting any ammo I had, as well as shot guns and rifles. I'm sure you can find a gun shop locally that has a box of self defense type ammo for your pistol. You only need one box. And you don't need to be shooting it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top