Shooting FMJ to break in prior to JHP?

[DDawg]

Hello,
I picked up a S&W Bodyguard 380 for Christmas, and so far I'm happy with it.
I've read several posts (not on THR) where people have mentioned that they would shoot around 100 or so rounds of FMJ prior to shooting any hollow points, apparently to break it in. I may have misunderstood, but it seamed to me that they were indicating there could be problems shooting hollow points prior to break in.
My question is Why? is there any validity to this? or did I just misunderstand and they're just shooting the cheaper FMJ for break in?

Thanks
David

 

[briansmithwins]

No functional reason for shooting FMJ first that I'm aware of. OTOH, if a pistol won't run ball there is no point in trying the JHPs.

BSW

 

[A-FIXER]

good response brian. +1^

 

[Steve C]

they're just shooting the cheaper FMJ for break in?

That's pretty much it.

 

[Racinbob]

It doesn't matter. Just make sure you only shoot at close range to start the break in process. Say, 10 yards, then 20, etc. You don't want to shoot a new gun at longer ranges until they are broke in. Kinda like I told my wife about a new refrigerator. Break it in with liquids only. Like beer. Then, later you can add some solids.

 

[TonyT]

I doubt the barrel will notice the difference between JHP and FMJ ammo.

 

[788Ham]

Racinbob,

"You don't want to shoot a new gun at longer ranges until they are broke in."

Why is this? What difference does the range make? The gun doesn't know the difference in ranges. I have an SP 101 .357 I shot at the range the first time, I shot at 25 yds, then even at the 50 yd. range, it went boom every time, it didn't seem to be afraid to shoot that far! Maybe mines different?

 

[gamestalker]

In regard to break in, there would be no benefit or disadvantage functionally speaking. Economics would be the only real benefit I can imagine. I reload, so I break in with the same loads I use for daily carry.

 

[SubieGuy4]

Racinbob,

"You don't want to shoot a new gun at longer ranges until they are broke in."

Why is this? What difference does the range make? The gun doesn't know the difference in ranges. I have an SP 101 .357 I shot at the range the first time, I shot at 25 yds, then even at the 50 yd. range, it went boom every time, it didn't seem to be afraid to shoot that far! Maybe mines different?

The reason, I imagine, would be due to possibly inaccuracy and the larger variance between shots. I don't think he meant there was a difference to the gun. Course everything down range should be safe to hit, so even a foot of variance shouldn't really matter.

 

[Racinbob]

Ummmmm.....I was just joking.

 

[SubieGuy4]

I'm aware. Though you still didn't seem to know why he suggested shooting at close range first.

 

[Auto426]

FMJ is cheap. It's also typically has the most reliable feed profile out of the various types of rounds. If your just running a bunch of ammo through the gun totry and get everything worn in, it doesn't make sense to use the most expensive thing you can find. It's also nice to use a round with the best chance of feeding while everything is still settling in. If the gun repeatedly has trouble feeding FMJ rounds, then you know it's time for a trip back to the factory.

 

[Onmilo]

I think good quality FMJ is an excellent choice to break in a new handgun.
Besides, if the gun won't function with FMJ, it isn't going to function any better with the more expensive hollowpoints.

 

[NG VI]

There are plenty of specific FMJ loads out there that cost more than other specific JHP loads in the same caliber. I'd say no modern handgun should have any issue with feeding an entire class of bullets, if part of the design process wasn't to ensure that it doesn't have a weird or violent feeding process that depends on a very specific nose shape, the manufacturer isn't someone you want to buy anything but a pure plinker from.

Think about it, the way a cartridge feeds in most autos is more dependent on the bullet having a decent profile between the case mouth and the nose of the bullet, but the very tip of the nose doesn't really play a part in the process in most guns.

And since many FMJ loads are just made to be as cheap and high-volume as possible, things like the big variances in WWB overall length end up causing more feeding problems than the extreme tip of the bullet.

But for break in, unless a manufacturer has a specific load they recommend, I say get anything cheap and get those parts good and acclimated to each other.

 

[hardluk1]

I use fmj ammo because of price and to see if any problems come up in basic function. If you start with HP ammo with some 1911's you may not be a happy camper as seems like some guys only carry fmj because there not reliable with HP. So one step at a time. Some handguns simple like one bullet design better than others so might as well besure the handgun works well first.

 

[Racinbob]

Subieguy did me in. I give up on my stupid jokes. But! Did you hear the one about.................

 

[SubieGuy4]

Subieguy did me in. I give up on my stupid jokes. But! Did you hear the one about.................

Haha I always find myself wishing forums had 'like' buttons for posts.

To the OP, I don't think it matters functionally. As has been said the gun can't tell the difference if the load is the same weight. As far as the barrel knows it's a 95gr piece of copper on lead. For the sake of break in I'd just shoot the cheapest ammo. If the gun doesn't like it, try 100 rounds of something else then switch back and see if it changed its mind.

 

[Racinbob]

Several manufacturers suggest a break in period. I've never seen S&W suggest that but typically FMJ are the easiest to feed. So some folks might think that a 100 rounds or so of FMJ will get the gun "seated" in and then the hollow points will have a better chance. Could be some merit to that. I've never had an issue with HP and I'd bet that your Bodyguard won't either.