What is the Best Ammo for Self-Defense?

What is the Best Ammo for Self-Defense?

Choosing the right self-defense ammunition can be daunting for new shooters. The consensus among firearms experts is that premium jacketed hollow point (JHP) ammo is the best choice for personal defense. Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and transferring energy more effectively to stop a threat. In contrast, full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets (with a lead core fully encased in a metal jacket) do not expand and are less effective at quickly incapacitating attackers. Nearly all U.S. law enforcement agencies issue hollow point ammo for duty use, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness and reliability in stopping threats. For home defense in particular, many people opt for a handgun loaded with quality JHP ammo. While shotguns and rifles offer high stopping power, a handgun is often preferable for home defense due to its maneuverability in tight spaces and reduced risk of over-penetration. Handguns are compact and easy to secure in a quick-access safe, and they generally have less recoil and blast than a 12-gauge shotgun or rifle – making them easier to handle under stress. Additionally, a handgun's rounds are less likely to penetrate multiple walls compared to rifle rounds, which is an important safety consideration in a home defense scenario. In short, a reliable handgun paired with proven hollow point self-defense ammo is widely considered the optimal setup for most home-defense situations. Below we'll answer common questions new shooters have about self-defense ammo, covering why hollow points are preferred, what ammunition police and the FBI use, ammo legality, caliber and bullet weight choices, and more.

Is FMJ Ammo Better than Hollow Point Ammo?

No – FMJ ammo is not better than hollow point ammunition is for self-defense. In fact, hollow point loadings are overwhelmingly recommended over FMJ for defensive purposes. The two differ in design and intended use: FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): A bullet with a soft lead core encased in a hard metal jacket. FMJ ammo is inexpensive and great for target practice due to its feeding reliability and less barrel fouling. However, FMJ rounds do not expand in soft tissue. They tend to over-penetrate, meaning the bullet can pass through a target (and walls behind it) with much of its energy still intact. This not only makes FMJs less effective at stopping an aggressor, but also increases risk to bystanders since the bullet could exit and hit something (or someone) unintended. JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point): A bullet with a hollow cavity in the nose designed to expand ("mushroom") upon impact. When a hollow point hits a fluid-filled medium (like the human body), the cavity causes the bullet to open up to a larger diameter, creating a wider wound channel. This rapid expansion dumps the bullet's energy into the target (improving "stopping power") and greatly reduces penetration depth, so the bullet is more likely to stay in the target's body. These traits make hollow points far more effective at quickly stopping an attacker and also safer in terms of avoiding stray bullets beyond the target. In short, FMJ ammo is great for the range, but not ideal for self-defense. The only real advantage of FMJ in defense is that it's cheap and feeds well, but modern hollow points are also very reliable in quality firearms. Given the dramatic difference in terminal performance, you should carry hollow points in any gun intended for defensive use, and save the FMJ for training. (There are a few rare exceptions, such as in extremely low-powered calibers or old guns that can't feed JHP, but those are uncommon scenarios for new shooters.) Purchase Self-Defense Ammo

What is the Gold Standard for Self-Defense Ammo?

When we talk about the "gold standard" for self-defense ammo, we're referring to rounds that meet the highest performance benchmarks in terminal ballistics. In the U.S., the FBI's ammunition testing protocol is widely considered the gold standard for evaluating bullet performance. The FBI tests defensive handgun loads to ensure they achieve: 12–18 inches of penetration in ballistic gelatin, reliable expansion, high weight retention, and the ability to perform through common barriers (like heavy clothing, drywall, car doors, and auto glass). Ammunition that passes these stringent tests is deemed suitable for law enforcement duty use – and by extension, personal defense. Many of the top "gold standard" self-defense rounds are those adopted by law enforcement agencies after extensive testing. For example, the FBI and police departments around the country have chosen 9mm hollow point loads such as Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot, which are known for consistent expansion and penetration. These rounds were specifically engineered to excel in FBI test scenarios (e.g. through heavy clothing or auto glass) and have a proven track record. Speer Gold Dot in particular was one of the first bonded-core hollow points and became a benchmark for duty ammunition. Federal's HST is another modern JHP widely regarded for its excellent performance in FBI tests – it expands reliably and still penetrates ~14–16 inches in gel, even after passing through barrier materials. Other ammo often cited as a gold standard includes Hornady Critical Duty (a 135gr +P 9mm designed to meet law enforcement standards) and Winchester's Ranger-T series (the successor to the famed Black Talon, used by many police departments). In fact, many FBI agents today carry Hornady Critical Duty 9mm +P as their service ammunition, reflecting its status as an FBI-approved round. Ultimately, the gold standard self-defense ammo is a high-quality JHP load from a reputable manufacturer that meets or exceeds FBI protocol performance. These are typically marketed as "Law Enforcement" or "Defense" lines. If you choose well-known offerings like Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Defender/Ranger, Hornady Critical Duty/Critical Defense, or Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown, you're getting ammo at the top tier of design and effectiveness in stopping threats.

What is the Best Carry Round?

When it comes to everyday carry (EDC) ammo for your defensive handgun, the "best" round will be one that is reliable, effective, and suited to your specific firearm. In practice, the top carry rounds are the same type of premium hollow point loads we've been discussing. For 9mm – the most common carry caliber – popular choices include: Federal HST 9mm (124gr or 147gr JHP) – A top performer in FBI tests, known for excellent expansion. Many concealed carriers favor HST for its track record in law enforcement and relatively mild recoil in standard pressure loadings. It's available in 20-round boxes marketed for personal defense (the same ammo as the 50-rd law enforcement boxes). Speer Gold Dot 9mm (124gr standard or +P; 147gr) – Another outstanding carry round with decades of street-proven results. Gold Dots are bonded JHPs, which means the jacket won't separate from the core on impact – great for penetrating barriers. They feed very reliably in most guns. Speer even makes a "Short Barrel" Gold Dot variant optimized for compact handguns (with slightly faster-burning powder and sometimes slightly softer bullet for expansion at lower velocity). Hornady Critical Defense – Hornady's carry-oriented JHP line. Loadings like their Critical Defense 9mm 115gr FTX offering use polymer-filled hollow point projectiles to aid expansion even from short barrels. This ammo is designed to balance penetration and expansion for personal-defense scenarios (typically penetrating a bit less than the law-enforcement Critical Duty line, which is fine for civilian use). It's a great choice for compact 9mm pistols and is even used by some FBI agents for off-duty carry. Hornady also offers Critical Defense in other common calibers like .380 ACP, .38 Special, and .45 ACP – all popular for CCW. Winchester Defender (PDX1) – This is essentially the same formulation as Winchester's Ranger duty ammo, but marketed for civilians. For example, PDX1 Defender 124gr +P 9mm was actually chosen by the FBI in the late 2000s as one of their service loads. It's a bonded JHP similar to Gold Dot. Many folks carry Winchester Defender or Ranger T-Series and report great reliability. Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown JHP – Sig Sauer entered the ammo market with their V-Crown hollow points, which have scored well in independent ballistic tests. These have a stacked hollow point cavity (hence "V-Crown") and deliver consistent expansion. They're used in Sig's own brand of defensive ammo (often found in 20-rd boxes labeled "Elite Defense"). As of 2020, the Federal Air Marshal Service even adopted a Sig Sauer 9mm JHP for their agents indicating Sig's ammo is up to snuff for serious use. Any of the above rounds (or similar offerings from Remington, Fiocchi, Barnes, etc.) can be considered among the "best" carry ammo. The key is to test the specific ammo in your gun to ensure it feeds 100% reliably and shoots accurately for you. Also, stick to the major calibers (9mm, .38 Special, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, etc.) with modern JHP ammo. For instance, a 9mm subcompact loaded with 124gr HST or a .38 Special revolver loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P (a load optimized for snub-nose revolvers) are both excellent carry setups. As long as you're using a well-designed hollow point from a reputable manufacturer – and it functions well in your firearm – you can carry with confidence that you have one of the best carry rounds available ready to go.

Is Hollow Point Ammo Legal?

Hollow point ammunition is legal for civilian use in the United States in almost all jurisdictions. There is no federal law banning hollow points, and in fact, law enforcement officers nationwide carry hollow point ammo precisely because of its effectiveness and safer terminal behavior. For civilians, hollow points are not only legal but are the recommended choice for self-defense for all the reasons discussed (greater stopping power, less risk of over-penetration). The one major exception is the state of New Jersey, which has some unique restrictions. In New Jersey, it is legal to possess hollow point ammo on your property and to use it for home defense, hunting, or at a shooting range, but illegal to carry hollow points outside the home for other purposes. Essentially, NJ prohibits loading hollow points in your carry gun when you're out and about (outside of very limited circumstances). Even in NJ, you can still keep hollow points at home or take them to the range in your range bag. New Jersey's odd law is a holdover from past gun-control measures and is actually being challenged in court as unconstitutional. But as of now, NJ is the only state that restricts hollow point ammo for civilians. A common misconception is that hollow points are illegal because they are "too deadly" or banned by international treaties. This stems from the Hague Convention of 1899, which prohibited the use of expanding bullets in warfare between nations. That rule applies to military forces in war (even today, the U.S. military generally uses FMJ ammo for compliance with international law). However, that has no bearing on U.S. domestic law regarding self-defense or police use. Civilians and police are free to use hollow points, and they do, everywhere in the country (again, except NJ's carry restriction). In fact, many states' law enforcement agencies mandate hollow point ammo for duty because it's considered safer for bystanders. So you do not need to worry – you are 100% allowed to load your defensive firearm with hollow points in 49 states. It's both legal and responsible to do so in order to maximize your ability to stop a threat if you ever need to use your gun in self-defense. (One more note: hollow point bullets should not be confused with so-called "armor piercing" bullets, which are a different category of ammo with steel or hardened cores meant to penetrate armor. AP rounds are restricted for civilian use. But no police carry hollow points for armor penetration – hollow points are designed for unarmored targets and will actually perform worse against body armor than FMJ. So there's no legal concern there; civilians using hollow points for legitimate self-defense is perfectly fine.) Purchase Self-Defense Ammo

What Caliber is Best for Defense?

This is a classic debate among gun owners, but with modern ammunition the general consensus has emerged that 9mm is the best all-around caliber for personal defense. Here's why 9mm is so often recommended, especially for new shooters: Sufficient Stopping Power: With quality JHP ammo, 9mm Luger can achieve the FBI's desired 12–18″ penetration and robust expansion. Basically, a 9mm JHP can deliver the same terminal performance as larger calibers like .40 S&W or .45 ACP, thanks to modern bullet engineering. The FBI itself, after exhaustive testing, concluded that certain 9mm loads "met their performance needs" and offered the optimal blend of expansion and penetration. Lower Recoil = Better Accuracy: 9mm handguns tend to have less recoil and muzzle flip compared to .40 or .45, which means faster follow-up shots and better accuracy, especially under stress. For most people, it's easier to shoot 9mm quickly and accurately. Shot placement is king in self-defense; a hit with a 9mm beats a miss with a .45. The FBI cited this factor when switching back to 9mm – agents could qualify at higher hit rates thanks to the 9mm's shootability. Higher Capacity: Because of its smaller cartridge size, 9mm guns hold more rounds. Many popular compact 9mm pistols carry 12–15 rounds in a magazine, whereas an equivalently sized .45 might hold 7–10. Having more rounds on tap is an obvious advantage in a defensive encounter (in case you miss or face multiple attackers). Less Expensive Practice: 9mm ammo is usually the cheapest centerfire pistol ammo. Being able to afford lots of practice will make you a far more effective defender than any marginal caliber advantage. The more you can train, the better – and you can train roughly twice as much for the same cost with 9mm vs .45 ACP. None of this is to say that other calibers won't work. In reality, any caliber can be lethal with proper shot placement. Many people successfully defend themselves with .380 ACP pocket pistols or .38 Special snubnose revolvers. .40 S&W and .45 ACP remain perfectly viable – they certainly hit harder per round than 9mm, but their downsides are increased recoil and lower capacity. And the incremental terminal performance gain of .45 (a slightly wider bullet) has not proven significant in real-world stats. That's why most police forces that moved to .40 or .45 in past decades have now returned to 9mm – the benefits in recoil and capacity outweighed any slight terminal ballistics difference once good JHP ammo was used. So, for a new shooter asking "what caliber is best?", you will almost never go wrong with 9mm. It's the caliber that offers an ideal balance for defense: adequate power, high capacity, manageable recoil, wide availability, and lower cost. Self-defense 9mm ammo is also more than sufficient to stop most threats one could reasonably encounter in a concealed carry situation. If you cannot handle 9mm due to recoil (some very recoil-sensitive individuals), the next step down is .380 ACP – which can work in a pinch, especially with newer .380 defensive ammo that meets minimum penetration (e.g. Federal HST Micro .380). Just recognize .380 is the minimum effective caliber and has less margin for error. On the flip side, if you're comfortable with firearms and prefer a bigger caliber, .45 ACP can certainly do the job (it has a long track record). Just understand the trade-offs (fewer rounds, more recoil, bigger/heavier guns).

What Bullet Weight Should I Choose?

When selecting defensive ammunition, bullet weight is an important consideration that affects both recoil characteristics and terminal performance. Bullet weight is measured in grains (gr), with one grain equal to 1/7000th of a pound. Different calibers have different common weight ranges, and within each caliber, various weights offer different performance profiles. For the popular 9mm Luger caliber, common defensive bullet weights include:

• 115 grain: Generally offers higher velocity but sometimes less penetration. These rounds typically produce sharper, "snappier" recoil but cycle reliably in compact pistols. Consider these for smaller carry guns.
• 124 grain: The middle option that balances velocity and momentum. This weight approximates NATO-spec 9mm and is often chosen by law enforcement. Many consider 124gr the optimal balance for 9mm performance.
• 147 grain: These heavier subsonic bullets produce a different recoil impulse (more "push" than "snap"). They often penetrate deeper and can work better through barriers. Many experienced shooters prefer this weight for its soft-shooting characteristics despite the lower velocity.

For other common defensive calibers, typical hollow point weights include:

• .380 ACP: 90-99gr (lighter bullets generally perform better in this low-powered caliber)
• .38 Special: 110-158gr (with 135-138gr often optimized for short-barrel revolvers)
• .40 S&W: 155-180gr (165gr and 180gr being most common for defense)
• .45 ACP: 185-230gr (with 230gr being the traditional "standard" weight)

When choosing bullet weight, consider these factors:

1. Reliability in YOUR gun: Some firearms work better with certain weights. Test different options to see what cycles flawlessly in your specific pistol.
2. Recoil management: If you struggle with heavier recoil, a lighter bullet might allow faster follow-up shots (though lighter bullets often have "snappier" recoil despite lower overall energy).
3. Penetration needs: Heavier bullets typically penetrate deeper, which can be advantageous when shooting through heavy clothing or car doors.
4. Barrel length: Shorter barrels may not generate enough velocity for proper expansion with some heavier bullets. Ammo marketed specifically for "short barrels" accounts for this.

Rather than getting overly concerned with bullet weight, focus first on choosing quality defensive ammo from reputable manufacturers. For example, Federal HST performs excellently in both 124gr and 147gr weights in 9mm—either would serve you well. Test your chosen ammunition in your defensive firearm to confirm reliable feeding, extraction, and ejection before carrying it for self-defense.

Conclusion

Selecting the right self-defense ammo is a critical decision for responsible gun owners. Based on decades of law enforcement testing and real-world performance, premium jacketed hollow point (JHP) ammunition from reputable manufacturers represents the optimal choice for personal protection. These rounds balance adequate penetration with controlled expansion, delivering maximum energy transfer to stop threats while minimizing overpenetration risks to bystanders. For most citizens, a quality 9mm handgun loaded with modern hollow point ammunition offers the best combination of stopping power, capacity, and shootability. Top defensive loads like Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense, Winchester Defender, and Sig Sauer V-Crown provide exceptional performance that meets or exceeds law enforcement standards. Remember to verify reliability by testing your chosen defensive ammunition in your specific firearm—even the best designs must function flawlessly in your gun. While bullet weight preferences may vary, quality construction and consistent performance matter most. Choose ammunition that's manageable for your skill level and appropriate for your defensive scenario. We here at True Shot Ammo carry premium defensive ammunition for sale in addition to our range of ammo for sale. This inventory of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to buy self-defense ammunition or buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. Till then, take your best shot and see you at the range.