What is the Difference between TMJ and FMJ Bullets?
Today we are going to compare TMJ and FMJ ammunition and explore their differences. These types of ammo are used many shooters and are commonly found on the market. While there may be similarities between these two bullet types, there are some important differences to consider between the two. Without further ado, let’s compare TMJ and FMJ ammo.
TMJ - Total Metal Jacket
The term TMJ is an abbreviation for “total metal jacket.” This is to say that projectiles of the TMJ type are totally and completely enclosed within a metallic jacket. Ammunition of this type is similar to TSJ, or total synthetic jacket, ammunition with the obvious exception of the jacket material used. Ammunition of this type can be found in the form of pistol, rifle, and rimfire caliber loadings. These types of projectiles feature jacketing which completely seals the lead core from the outside world. Jacketing is typically comprised of copper The result is less lead exposure for the shooter and an overall cleaner shooting experience.
FMJ - Full Metal Jacket
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, jacketing allows 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.
What is the Big Difference?
While FMJ ammo features jacketed projectiles, TMJ, or total metal jacket, loadings take things a bit further. Notably, FMJ loadings cover projectiles in all areas except for the base of the bullet. As a result, there is exposed lead at the bottom of FMJ projectiles. TMJ loadings feature fully enclosed projectiles, hence the word “total” in the name of this type of ammo. Because of this full encapsulation, TMJ loadings notably reduce the amount of lead a shooter is exposed to when firing. This boon is especially appreciable to those who shoot high round counts, particularly indoors.
What is Cleaner?
Generally speaking, TMJ ammo will run cleaner than FMJ ammo will. This is due to the fact that TMJ loadings completely encapsulate their projectiles in jacketing while FMJ loadings feature exposed lead bases. Due to their encapsulated nature, TMJ ammo is notable as it reduces a shooter’s lead exposure. By completely containing lead projectiles, TMJ ammo expels less particulates and minimal lead. Due to the exposed lead base on FMJ projectiles, loadings of this type expel more lead particulates than TMJ loadings do. In short, TMJ loadings are cleaner for firearms and shooters.
What is TMJ Ammo Used For?
Ammunition of this type is utilized for a variety of purposes. Or course, like many types of ammo, TMJ ammunition is well-suited for plinking and general target shooting. These types of loadings are also employed by various end users who wish to limit their overall exposure to lead as much as they can. Competitive shooters put thousands of rounds down range each year, thus potentially exposing themselves to high levels of lead. TMJ loadings allow for high performance shooters of this type to compete with ammo that minimizes their lead exposure. Additionally, many law enforcement personnel and even civilians utilize TMJ ammunition for training purposes. Ammunition of this type is particularly useful for indoor range training sessions as the reduction of lead exposure is truly appreciable in enclosed areas.
What is FMJ Ammo Used For?
Currently, shooters employ FMJ ammunition in a variety of roles. These roles range from recreational use cases to more practical purposes. Of course, FMJ ammunition is well-suited to casual, recreational target shooting. The affordable nature of this type of ammunition makes it easy to stock up on for many range days on the cheap. FMJ ammunition is also well-suited to training and honing one’s skills. The plentiful nature of loadings of this type in addition to their economic pricing makes it easy for one to stock up on FMJ ammo. Shooters also commonly employ FMJ ammunition in competition settings. These matches often feature pistol shooting, rifle shooting, or even both types of shooting. Everything from multi-gun competitions to dedicated pistol matches and precision-oriented matches utilize FMJ loadings.
What is More Common?
At this point in time, FMJ loadings are more common than their TMJ counterparts. Most common, general-purpose loadings tend to be of the FMJ variety. This is true for a variety of popular handgun and rifle calibers. TMJ ammunition sees a moderate level of support from the industry. The total number of TMJ offerings are utterly eclipsed by the various FMJ type loadings one can find on the market. Conversely, shooters will find that more TMJ offerings are available on the market than there are for aluminum cased offerings. With this in mind, it is fair to say that TMJ loadings are neither prolific nor obscure.
What is More Expensive?
Generally speaking, TMJ ammunition can demand a higher price than its FMJ counterparts. This is mainly due to the fact that more ammunition and different manufacturing processes are used with TMJ ammunition. Of course, certain brands of ammunition may also have higher prices than others, another factor which can influence pricing. That being said, some companies, such as CCI, offer TMJ ammo in the form of their economically-priced aluminum cased Blazer line of handgun ammunition. When loadings such as CCI aluminum Blazer offerings are considered, there are some cases where TMJ loadings can be had for cheaper than standard FMJ offerings.
Conclusion
And there we have it – we hope that this writeup has provided a clearer understanding of these two types of ammunition. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide range of both TMJ and FMJ ammunition for sale. Our inventory of ammo for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as 9mm, .223, 12 gauge, and .22 LR to name a few. Whether you want to buy bulk ammo or pick up individual boxes of ammunition, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
