In the ammo world, two bullet types dominate conversations among precision shooters, competitive riflemen, and high-volume plinkers: Open Tip Match (OTM) and Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). At first glance they look similar—both have a copper jacket and a lead core—but dig a little deeper and the differences in design, performance, and intended use become night-and-day.
Whether you’re chasing sub-MOA groups at 600 yards or just punching paper (and steel) at the local range, understanding OTM vs FMJ will save you money and frustration. Let’s break it down.
What Is a Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullet?
FMJ is the original “ball” ammunition that militaries around the world have trusted for over a century. The lead core is completely encased in a harder copper or gilding-metal jacket, with only the base exposed (or sometimes fully jacketed in “total metal jacket” variants).
Key traits of FMJ:
- Extremely feed-reliable in semi-autos
- Minimal barrel leading
- Lower cost per round (often 20-40% cheaper than premium match loads)
- Designed for penetration, not expansion
Primary uses: Training, plinking, general range work, and most military contracts.
Popular examples: M193 5.56, M80 7.62×51, American Eagle, PMC Bronze, Wolf Gold, etc.
What Is an Open Tip Match (OTM) Bullet?
OTM bullets look like they have a hollow point, but that small opening at the tip isn’t for expansion—it’s a byproduct of how match-grade bullets are made. Manufacturers form the jacket first, then insert the lead core from the rear and “draw” the jacket forward. That leaves a precise, tiny opening at the tip.
This manufacturing process does two critical things:
- It shifts more weight rearward, improving ballistic coefficient (BC) and long-range stability.
- It creates an extremely uniform meplat (tip), which reduces drag inconsistencies shot-to-shot.
Key traits of OTM:
- Higher BC = less wind drift and drop at distance
- Outstanding accuracy potential (often 0.5 MOA or better in a good barrel)
- Still penetrates deeply—OTMs are NOT fragile hunting hollow points
- Frequently used by military snipers (think M118LR, Mk 262, M855A1 EPR)
Popular examples: Sierra MatchKing, Berger Hybrid OTM, Hornady ELD-M, Federal Gold Medal Match, Black Hills loads, IMI Razor Core.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | FMJ (Ball) | OTM (Match) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per round | Low | Moderate to high |
| Accuracy (typical) | 1.5–4 MOA | 0.5–1 MOA (or better) |
| Ballistic Coefficient | Lower (.25–.30 range) | Higher (.45–.65+ range) |
| Terminal performance | Minimal expansion | Yaws/fragment in tissue (barrier-blind) |
| Feed reliability | Excellent | Excellent in quality rifles |
| Primary use | Training, plinking | Precision, competition, duty |
Accuracy: Why OTM Usually Wins
The single biggest reason competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts choose OTM is consistency. That open tip and rearward weight distribution gives you a bullet that flies truer, longer. At 500–1,000 yards the difference in wind drift can be measured in feet instead of inches.
Real-world example: Federal Gold Medal Match 77-grain Sierra MatchKing (OTM) routinely shoots 0.4–0.6 MOA in bolt guns and well-tuned ARs. The same rifle with M193 55-grain FMJ is lucky to hold 2 MOA past 300 yards.
Terminal Performance Myth-Busting
A common misconception is that OTM bullets are “hollow points” and therefore illegal or fragile. Not true. The FBI, DOD, and most LE agencies have tested and adopted OTM loads (like Mk 262 and the new M855A1) because they actually deliver devastating yaw-and-fragment performance on soft tissue while remaining barrier-blind—something traditional FMJ often fails to do.
When to Choose FMJ
- You’re burning 500+ rounds in a carbine class
- Budget is the primary concern
- You’re shooting steel at 25–200 yards
- Suppressor use with 5.56 (OTM can be slightly dirtier)
When to Choose OTM
- Precision rifle matches (PRS, NRL, F-Class)
- Long-range hunting (inside legal restrictions)
- Duty or defensive use where barrier penetration + terminal effect matter
- You just want the tightest groups your rifle is capable of
Final Verdict
There’s no universal “best” bullet—only the best bullet for the job. FMJ is the workhorse that keeps the lights on at every public range in America. OTM is the scalpel that wins matches and, in the right loads, saves lives.
At True Shot Ammo we stock both in depth—from bulk PMC and American Eagle FMJ for training days to Federal Gold Medal, Hornady BLACK Match, and Black Hills OTM for when every tenth of an MOA counts.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Head over to TrueShotAmmo.com and grab the exact load your rifle (and wallet) deserves. We ship fast, price fairly, and never play games with availability.
See you at the range.
