Which FMJ for SD/HD?

[J.D.Allen]

Yes, we all know that FMJ is not optimum for these uses but if in some circumstance such as lack of availability of JHP ammo you were forced to use FMJ, I would think it would be better to use lighter bullets to minimize over penetration. For example 185 gr. in .45, 155 gr. in .40, and 115 gr. in 9mm. Anyone have any opinions?

[Distro]

If it's good enough to stop a threat, it's going to go through walls. Especially when you miss.

[wjc]

230 gr. .45 ACP FMJ

...it fits the bill for me.

[J.D.Allen]

If it's good enough to stop a threat, it's going to go through walls. Especially when you miss.

I'm not talking about over penetration through walls. I'm talking about minimizing the chance of exiting the target.

[Lead Waster]

I guess whichever feeds reliably (I'm guessing most fmj is pretty reliable) and shoots easiest in your gun. Heavier bullets much give you less recoil, faster second shot.

Maybe your gun is more accurate with one load or another, but at SD/HD range, it probably doesn't matter.

I would go with the heaviest.

[J.D.Allen]

I guess whichever feeds reliably (I'm guessing most fmj is pretty reliable) and shoots easiest in your gun. Heavier bullets much give you less recoil, faster second shot.

Good point. Since with FMJ it's even more necessary to good several good shots on target...

[Laser Sailor]

I'd say you'd want the biggest, fattest and slowest round you can find. Something that is light and fast like a 115gr 9mm isnt ideal as over penetration is going to be an issue. If you had to stick with a FMJ (and there's no valid reason you should) I'd say go with a 200gr .45

I haven't studied much in the way of ballistics, but my understanding is that the heavier slower rounds dump all their Kenitic energy into the target very quickly, while a faster lighter round will carry that energy through.


Sent from my iPhone while crashing my mountain bike.

[MA2]

Don't know, just guessing.
I would think the heavier bullet, makes a lower velocity = less penetration.
But of course, a heavier bullet carries more energy.

hmm

[AeroEngi]

Don't know, just guessing.
I would think the heavier bullet, makes a lower velocity = less penetration.
But of course, a heavier bullet carries more energy.

hmm

Not entirely correct. Generally, a heavier bullet is slower so even though it's heavier, it's velocity is lower than a lighter bullet. Since kinetic energy is a function of the square of velocity, the lighter bullet will have more energy. The heavier bullet could potentially have more momentum but not more energy.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[chrisf]

Theres always JHP online you can buy if you can't find any locally. Me personally i'd stick with HP's.

[schneiderguy]

Don't know, just guessing.
I would think the heavier bullet, makes a lower velocity = less penetration.
But of course, a heavier bullet carries more energy.

hmm

Heavier bullets typically have more penetration.