9mm Hollow Points vs. Full Metal Jacket: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to handgun ammunition, few debates are as common as 9mm hollow points vs. full metal jacket (FMJ). Both types of ammunition serve different purposes and are widely used by shooters of all experience levels. Understanding the difference between these two bullet designs is critical for choosing the right load for training, self-defense, or everyday carry.

In this guide, we’ll explain the features, benefits, and drawbacks of 9mm hollow points and full metal jacket rounds, helping you make an informed decision about which type fits your needs.

What Are Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Rounds?

Full metal jacket ammunition, often called FMJ, is the most common type of handgun ammo.

• Design: An FMJ bullet has a soft lead core encased in a harder metal jacket, usually copper. The jacket reduces barrel fouling and helps the bullet feed smoothly in semi-automatic handguns.
• Purpose: FMJs are designed primarily for target shooting, practice, and training. They do not expand when striking a target but instead maintain their shape and often pass through.

Benefits of FMJ Rounds

• Affordable: Typically less expensive than hollow points, making them ideal for practice.
• Reliable Feeding: The smooth, rounded design cycles well in semi-auto handguns.
• Widely Available: FMJ ammo is easy to find in bulk for range use.

Drawbacks of FMJ Rounds

• Over-Penetration: FMJs often pass through a target, which can be dangerous in defensive situations.
• Less Stopping Power: Because they don’t expand, FMJs don’t transfer energy as efficiently as hollow points.

What Are Hollow Point (HP) Rounds?

Hollow point ammunition is specifically designed for self-defense and duty use.

• Design: A hollow point bullet has a cavity in the tip. When it strikes a target, the bullet expands outward, creating a larger wound channel.
• Purpose: The expansion helps stop a threat more quickly while reducing the risk of over-penetration.

Benefits of Hollow Point Rounds

• Improved Stopping Power: Expansion increases the bullet’s effectiveness in defensive scenarios.
• Reduced Over-Penetration: Safer in self-defense situations because the bullet is less likely to exit and cause unintended harm.
• Trusted by Law Enforcement: Many agencies use 9mm hollow points for duty carry.

Drawbacks of Hollow Point Rounds

• More Expensive: Costs more per round compared to FMJ.
• Not for Bulk Training: Using hollow points exclusively for practice can become costly.
• Potential Feeding Issues: Some older or cheaper handguns may not feed HP rounds as smoothly as FMJs.

9mm Hollow Points vs. Full Metal Jacket: Key Differences

Feature	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)	Hollow Point (HP)
Primary Use	Training, target shooting, bulk practice	Self-defense, duty carry
Performance	Penetrates straight through target	Expands on impact for greater stopping power
Cost	Affordable, sold in bulk	More expensive per round
Over-Penetration Risk	High	Lower, due to expansion
Availability	Widely available everywhere	Common, but pricier and less often in bulk packs

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When to Use FMJ vs. Hollow Point

FMJ Ammo Is Best For:

• Range practice and training
• New shooters learning fundamentals
• High-volume shooting sessions
• Breaking in a new handgun

Hollow Point Ammo Is Best For:

• Everyday carry (EDC) self-defense
• Home defense situations
• Duty use by law enforcement
• Scenarios where stopping power matters more than penetration

Tips for Choosing the Right 9mm Ammo

1. Train with FMJs, Carry Hollow Points
   A common practice is to use FMJ rounds for training due to affordability, while carrying hollow points for personal defense.
2. Test Ammo in Your Firearm
   Always test your chosen hollow points in your handgun to ensure reliable feeding and function. Not all guns handle hollow points equally.
3. Buy in Bulk When Possible
   For practice, purchase FMJ in bulk. For carry, invest in smaller quantities of premium defensive hollow points.
4. Check Local Laws
   While hollow points are legal in most states, some jurisdictions have restrictions. Always review laws in your area before purchasing or carrying.

Conclusion

Both 9mm full metal jacket and 9mm hollow point ammunition have their place in shooting. FMJs are best suited for practice and training thanks to their affordability and wide availability. Hollow points, on the other hand, are designed for self-defense, offering superior stopping power and reduced over-penetration risks.

For most handgun owners, the solution isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s using both appropriately. Train with FMJs to build skill, and carry hollow points for personal protection. This approach balances cost-effectiveness with safety and effectiveness, ensuring you’re prepared for both the range and real-world situations.