Need FMJ self defense ammo...any suggestions?

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JLStorm

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I will be in a few states over the next month or so where I will not be permitted to have JHP ammo. I have never looked into defense ammo that does not have a hollow point. I guess I just need something that will go bang every time and is as accurate as possible. Over penatration is an issue, but I dont want frangible ammo.

Any suggestions?
 
You didn't mention caliber or firearm model but the same practices that go into selecting a JHP round should be used. Purchase some FMJ ammunition and take it to the range, test it for reliability and accuracy, stay away from the super cheap ammunition.
 
NJ is the state I am talking about, I cant carry there, but I use it for "home defense" in my motel rooms. The caliber is 45 acp and 357 magnum.

I thought about the expanding jacketted rounds, but they may be to close to JHP for NJ law.
 
My understanding from discussions with many gunnies here is that EFMJ is Jersey legal. It is the recommended amo for retired LEO's.
 
Full metal jackets are not recommended for Self-defense because of penetration issues: Not only through the bad guy, but also through your wall and neighbor's walls.:what:

That's why the military uses them.

Why not silver tips?
 
CountGlockula said:
Why not silver tips?
Click to expand...
JLStorm said:
I will be in a few states over the next month or so where I will not be permitted to have JHP ammo
Click to expand...

Don't worry overmuch about not having access to JHP - they're nice if you can have 'em, but .45 hardball will do the job just fine, too, if you have the rotten luck to need 'em.

As for overpenetration issues, sometimes you just have to let the pieces fall where they may. A security video of a hotel robbery in Ohio showed a bad guy getting shot center-mass three times - and all the JHPs exited the bad guy and ended up somewhere in the parking lot or beyond. JHPs are not magic. Best you can do is pick your lines of fire as best you are able.
 
For the .357, 125 gr JSPs will work fine. For .45, I'd probably use some kind of lead semi-wadcutter with a medium load. 185 gr at 950 fps will do the trick.
 
what about lead flat points with a copper plating? they are really soft and from what I can tell would mushroom like crazy.

Berry's bullets or Rainier ballistics makes them too.
 
When I went to NJ for a training conference I purchase Federal EFMJ. They functioned fine through my Glock 23 and Kahr. From speaking the fellow officers they are legal in NJ. I fact I ordered them from www.Ammoman.com.
 
200gr SWC

Col. Cooper suggested 200gr JSWC or Pro-Load 200gr JFP as his preferred alternative to the 45 ACP 230gr ball in cases where JHP is not allowed/available.
 
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I would consider 158 grain LSWC in 38 special. Should do well if you need it to but will be easier on your ears, eyes, and the neighbors.

EFMJ would be at the top of the list though.
 
I'd hate to be without my Rangers, but I'd imagine a speedy 185 or 200gr SWC on the soft side (presuming your .45acp will feed them).
I don't imagine too many out there could take a 200gr Magnus LSWC hauling along at 850 FPS to the chest without reconsidering their actions.

I wouldn't feel too harmless with girthy WWC .45acp FMJs either.
 
alphabet soup

I'm following this thread just to pick up some knowledge, but you guys are leaving me behind with the alphabet soup..

For instance, can you tell me what type rounds it was that I shot last weekend through my .44 Magnum Ruger from this discription:

Type one was magnum, but only had copper halfway up then had lead rounded, but the nose was flat.. (whats the EMJHP..Lmnop code)

Type two was also magnum, almost fully copper jacketed, but had a hole going about half way down alla hollow point.. (whats the code for these)?

I'm guessing that there are some other .44 magnum types that I could shoot, but it depends on what is on the shelf of the supplier. I haven't been to Wallyworld to see what they stock.

I've also had .44 Specials through the barrel, and they have all been just lead nosed, which is a concern if it were the only round I shot, (from what I've read due to lead build up) So a few words with regards to specials would be welcomed too..


Thanks

KKKKFL
 
SWC - semi wad cutter
LSWC - lead semi wad cutter
EFMJ - expanding full metal jacket
JHP - jacketed hollow point
FMJ - full metal jacket
JSP - jacketed soft point
JSWC - jacketed semi wad cutter?


might have missed some or gotten some wrong.

oh, and it sounds like your type one was jsp and type two jhp
 
PJ wins

Thanks guys... especially potatoe judge... the first link had pictures which was really great... turns out I had SP since softpoint looks to have a little copper showing - my type I and

my type II which was JHP so full copper out to tip then a hole.

Now can I get the same bullet but have the cartridge load be a .44 special?

Seems to me a Magnum going off in a house, even if its JHP is gonna go through an intruder and out the front door leaving a hole the size of a teacup in Mr. BG's back.. I just can't seem to find a nefarious type to volunteer..
so I'm guessing.

KKKKFL
 
I've been pondering this situation myself. I may move to NJ and will have to rethink all my ammunition requirements. I'm thinking either lswc or jsp 38+p for my 38's and 124 or 147 gn jsp's for my 9;s Magtech makes both and their quality seems to be good.
 
+1 on Federal's Expanding Full Metal Jacket or Corbon's Powerball. If you can't have those, well, in an earlier era when hollowpoints were unknown or unreliable the greats like Bill Jordan recommended lead semi-wadcutters as the most effective. If I were unable to use hollowpoints I would not hesitate to use SWCs in my .357, and in my .45acp if it will feed them reliably.
 
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