Hollow Point vs. FMJ: A Deep Dive into Bullet Types

Hollow Point vs. FMJ: A Deep Dive into Bullet Types

Hollow point and FMJ loadings represent two of the most common bullet types shooters will encounter. These projectile types are employed by shooters of all types in professional and private settings for various use cases. The two projectile types are optimal for a wide range of use cases and in firearms of many types. Today, we are going to delve into their differences and examine many facets and aspects of these bullet types. Without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into hollow point and FMJ bullets.

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What are Hollow Points?

Hollow point ammunition, as the name suggests, is a term referring to ammunition with hollow tipped projectiles. Ammunition of this type, specifically in handgun use, is often referred to as jacketed hollow point, or JHP loadings. Often times, people call ammunition of this type “hollow points” for simplicity’s sake. These types of loadings are distinct from standard full metal jacket (FMJ) loadings which feature solid projectiles. Hollow point loadings have become well-known for their performance in self-defense and duty use cases and are generally found in the form of pistol and rifle calibers.

In the realm of self-defense, a good hollow point is one which achieves both adequate penetration on target. Hollow point projectiles, due to their hollow tip, are less likely to pass completely through a target like FMJ loadings have a tendency to do. Optimally, a hollow point loading should defeat barriers like clothing and achieve effective penetration on target without punching all the way through. Manufacturers will generally produce hollow point loadings with grain weights and velocities conducive to achieving this desired level of penetration.

What is FMJ Ammo?

FMJ ammo, or full metal jacket ammo, is one of the most prolific types of ammunition one will encounter on the market. Like the name suggests, ammunition of this type utilizes bullets which feature metallic jacketing. This jacketing promotes more efficient loading and cycling and also helps projectiles resist deformation. Additionally, beyond protecting the bullet core, this jacketing also allowed for projectiles to achieve and maintain higher velocities. This is due to the fact that deformation is being resisted and projectiles feature better uniformity and concentricity with jacketing than they do with exposed lead. These types of loadings can be found in the form of pistol or rifle calibers. FMJ loadings can be had in the form of popular calibers such as 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.7x28mm, .223 Rem, 7.62×39, and .308 Win just to name a few.

Declaration III of the Hague Convention of 1899 barred the use of expanding bullets in warfare. Due to this fact, FMJ loadings were adopted by militaries across the world to comply with this ruling. Unlike hollow point (HP) and soft point (SP) type projectiles, FMJ loadings are not designed to expand upon impact. The presence of the jacketing on these projectiles resists deformation and aids in retaining the bullet’s shape after impact, thus resisting the potential for expansion. Currently, militaries around the world still adhere to these regulations and employ FMJ loadings for a wide variety of service calibers.

Which is Cheaper?

Generally speaking, FMJ loadings are cheaper than their hollow point counterparts are. This is due to the fact that the manufacturing process is simpler for FMJ loadings. Additionally, hollow point loadings can often be found in the form of premium offerings. Offerings of this type typically include purpose-built projectiles. Their affordable nature makes it easy for shooters to stock up on cheap bulk ammunition for many long days at the range.

What is More Common?

FMJ loadings are more common than their hollow point counterparts. Most of the standard ammunition offerings on the market will be of the FMJ variety. In order to acquire hollow point or JHP loadings, shooters will generally need to seek out defensive or specialty loadings. FMJ loadings can easily be found in most places where ammunition is sold. Hollow point loadings can also be commonly found but are simply not as plentiful as their FMJ counterparts.

What is Better for Defense?

Hollow point loadings are better for self defense than their FMJ counterparts are. FMJ projectiles are designed to pass through targets while hollow points are designed to stop and expand within a target. Expanding projectiles coupled with high velocities and adequate levels of penetration provide good effect on target. Rapid expansion and appropriate levels of expansion are conducive to high levels of tissue damage and can help eliminate threats. Additionally, hollow points have less potential to overpenetrate their target and produce collateral damage. Due to their nature, FMJ loadings can pass through a target and hit unintended targets. Put plainly, hollow points are better suited for defense.

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What About Hunting?

Between the two bullet types, hollow point loadings are more optimal for hunting than FMJ loadings are. Their higher velocities and potential to expand allow for adequate effect on target. This promotes quick and clean kills. Many specialty hunting loadings will feature premium hollow point style projectiles such as polymer tipped bullets which achieve high velocities and rapid expansion. These offerings may come with high price tags but are ultimately better tools for the job than FMJ loadings. For general hunting and a more economical and plentiful option, shooters may wish to consider SP loadings.

Which is Better for Plinking?

Due to their affordable and plentiful nature, shooters will find that FMJ loadings are better for plinking than their hollow point counterparts are. They are simply more cost effective to plink with and are available in greater numbers and varieties. This also makes FMJ loadings optimal for training use if one wishes to engage in guided practice. In short, FMJ loadings are the superior choice for plinking.

What is More Accurate and Consistent?

Generally speaking, hollow point loadings tend to have a greater accuracy potential and are more consistent. This is due to the fact that loadings of this type are often built to higher standards than general purpose FMJ loadings are. This is not to say that FMJ loadings are built to low standards, just that hollow point loadings are often designed for specific purposes such as match use or defense and require high standards.

Conclusion

All in all, it ultimately comes down to the individual to determine which bullet type is best for your use case. If you are looking for something to train with, FMJ loadings are great. Should you find yourself looking for defensive ammo, hollow point loadings will be optimal. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide range of FMJ and hollow point loadings in our vast inventory of ammo for sale. Whether you are looking to buy bulk ammo or individual boxes of ammunition, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.