FMJ or JHP for handguns? Why?

[RiverRat]

This is a good read;

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

[Skiprr]

I'm hearing (from Tom Gresham on Guntalk anyway) that some of the premier training schools like Thunder Ranch and Gunsite have switched to using FMJ for personal protection.

Any linky on this? As an alumnus, I'd be really really interested to see Gresham's comments...

[Excaliber]

FMJ will almost always feed more reliably, especially in older designs that predate hollowpoints. If you have any concerns about reliable feeding, then go with FMJ, Pow'Rball from Cor-Bon, or one of the new projectiles that combine an FMJ profile with JHP expansion.

When a round/caliber has sufficient power to both penetrate and expand reliably, then go with HP; if expansion is questionable, then go for penetration. In low-power calibers, LRN rules.

The projectile that combines an FMJ profile with JHP expansion is EFMJ (Expanding full metal jacket) from Federal.

The reasons for using lead round nose in small calibers include feeding reliability (small caliber guns are famous for being finicky feeders), deeper penetration (the cartridges don't contain enough energy to both penetrate and expand reliably, and if you can only have one or the other, penetration wins) and the possibility that if all the stars are lined up right, they may deform somewhat and create a larger wound channel (which will still be pretty small).

[BigBlueDodge]

I do think there are scenarios where underpenetration is a concern. For example, the .380 is used for many carry guns (LCP, Keltec, Bursa, Walther), and any HP round will not meet the 12" penetration recommended by the FBI. In the case of the .380 I might actually prefer to carry FMJ over JHP to get the penetration required.

[Zero_G]

I'm hearing (from Tom Gresham on Guntalk anyway) that some of the premier training schools like Thunder Ranch and Gunsite have switched to using FMJ for personal protection.

Any linky on this? As an alumnus, I'd be really really interested to see Gresham's comments...

No link. I've heard him say it on at least two of his Guntalk shows which I listen to via podcast. I don't remember which shows they were, but it has been within the past couple of months. I've been considering calling in and asking.

[pdubyoo]

It all depends on what you are shooting...FMJ for target or plinking...JHP for self defense.

The following web link will answer many questions about what a JHP bullet will do to a human body. This expert study shows what a JHP will do in ballistic gelatin, which is designed to mimic the human body. This is about as good a scientific answer as you will get without an autopsy.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defen ... /index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is found on the AR15.com web site, in their forums area. For you high-velocity (+P) fans, the slow-poke (.40 & .45) rounds are proven to penetrate deeper and render more damage...sorry.

If my objective in self defense is to stop the BG, I want to make sure that the objective is achieved in as few shots as possible. A FMJ is far less likely to stop a BG, and certainly not as efficiently as a JHP will.

I hope this answers your question...