Why buy FMJ handgun bullets?

[KBintheSLC]

Less cost = more shooting. Heck, for putting holes in paper, I like to go even cheaper by using plated bullets. Got 1000 9mm for like $70 delivered, and 1000 .40 for about $90 delivered. Even if the cost difference between JHP and FMJ is small, it still makes sense to get the cheaper FMJ, cast lead or plated bullets if it is just for target practice. I do like to load my own defensive ammo though as well... so I tend to by both.

 

[RustyFN]

JHP are more accurate than FMJ.

Not enough to matter when you are only looking for minute of 8" steel plate.

 

[orrwdd]

JHP are more accurate than FMJ.

Anyone that knows anything about Aerodynamics or Fluid Dynamics would dispute this statement. If you compare the airflow over the smooth uninterrupted ogive of the FMJ to that of the JHP you would see that there would be air turbulence caused by the opening in the nose of the bullet. For this reason, it is not reasonable to make a blanket statement that the bullet surrounded by turbulent air is more accurate than the one with smooth airflow. In actuality the difference is exceedingly small, but definitely does not favor the JHP.

This myth is probably propagated by the fact that early benchrest shooters all shot JHP bullets. But it was more for the reason that back then the only bullets without a lead core exposed at the base was JHP.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Why buy jacketed ammo when you can get Berry's .45acp 185 plated SWC for $117/1,000?
BTW, shipping is included.
They shoot very, very well for me at 25 yards.

 

[Hondo 60]

Sometimes I shoot lead, just cuz it's cheaper than any other bullet.

I would prefer to shoot JHP all the time.
It keeps my hands & guns cleaner, but that's not realistic in my budget.

But I do like HP for SD/HD.

 

[LightningMan]

Why Buy FMJ bullets? because I'm not supposed to shoot lead bullets in my Kahr PM9 or P380. Also, I'm sure your not supposed to shoot lead through Glocks & HK's, as its about that polygonal rifling. So if I am just shooting at paper why pay extra for JHP bullets?

 

[918v]

Anyone that knows anything about Aerodynamics or Fluid Dynamics would dispute this statement. If you compare the airflow over the smooth uninterrupted ogive of the FMJ to that of the JHP you would see that there would be air turbulence caused by the opening in the nose of the bullet. For this reason, it is not reasonable to make a blanket statement that the bullet surrounded by turbulent air is more accurate than the one with smooth airflow. In actuality the difference is exceedingly small, but definitely does not favor the JHP.

This myth is probably propagated by the fact that early benchrest shooters all shot JHP bullets. But it was more for the reason that back then the only bullets without a lead core exposed at the base was JHP.

Your theory does not hold water in the real world. There is more to accuracy than how the bullet overcomes the air. Fact: most benchrest records have been set using hollowpoint bullets. Fact: nobody shoots FMJ in Bullseye competition. They all shoot SWC, HBWC, and JHP.

 

[hydraulicman]

if you have to ask . Your not shooting enough

 

[CraigC]

nobody shoots FMJ in Bullseye competition

Probably because they don't cut clean holes. Seriously, with handguns at handgun ranges, even if there 'was' a difference, it wouldn't be significant.

 

[Owen Sparks]

I prefer JHP's as they tend to deform when they hit things and are much less likely to carry a long distiance if they riccochet.

 

[243winxb]

Why the difference in prices between JHP vs. FMJ ?

Bullets that can be made in a single die using the punch cavity to
form the nose (no point forming die required)

The FMJ takes 1 less forming step then a JHP. Faster production, lower price per unit. http://www.swage.com/ebooks/hb8-pix.pdf

 

[rscalzo]

In NJ we have little choice.

Learn the laws in your state . HP is perfectly acceptable for use in a range, home use and hunting.
N.J.S.A 2C:39-3f(1)

 

[32dgrz]

Try here for better FMJ prices
http://www.precisiondelta.com/product.php

 

[918v]

Probably because they don't cut clean holes. Seriously, with handguns at handgun ranges, even if there 'was' a difference, it wouldn't be significant.

In my testing JHP produce 50% tighter groups than FMJ. JHP are more forgiving. You may come across a FMJ load that equals JHP, but those are rare.

 

[PO2Hammer]

JHPs shoot more accurately for me than FMJs too.
It seems that any bullet with a reverse jacket, that is the open end at the front, shoot better than traditional FMJ, with the open jacket at the base.
Not sure of the technical reasons.

 

[Pete D.]

accuracy

most benchrest records have been set using hollowpoint bullets. Fact: nobody shoots FMJ in Bullseye competition. They all shoot SWC, HBWC, and JHP.

A bit a disagreement. You really cannot compare HP rifle bullets to HP pistol bullets. I am surprised that the comment was made. HP rifle bullets have a hole in the nose (the hollow point) that is so small that it might as well be a solid tip. It is an artifact of the drawing process used to make the bullet.
JHP pistol bullets are a whole 'nother creature - they are made to expand (the rifle bullets aren't). Some of the larger JHPs are (or were) called "flying ashtrays" because of the size of the hollow.
Yes, people do shoot FMJ bullets in Bullseye matches. In fact, there is a whole division of Bullseye that allows nothing else. Attend an EIC/Leg match and FMJ ammo is the order of the day.
Mostly the other bullets are used because they 1) are lighter and produce less recoil 2) are easier to score.
Pete

 

[wanderinwalker]

JHPs shoot more accurately for me than FMJs too.
It seems that any bullet with a reverse jacket, that is the open end at the front, shoot better than traditional FMJ, with the open jacket at the base.
Not sure of the technical reasons.

I've always been told (and believe) the reason JHPs can fly better than FMJ is because the bases are more consistent. Where the base is the last part of the bullet to have contact with the rifling, it has a greater effect on accuracy than the consistency of the nose. What can I say, it's only what I have been told.

As for why shoot FMJ? Well, why would you if you can get lead bullets cheaper? Seriously, I shoot lead or plated bullets in my handguns because they are less expensive than traditional jacketed bullets. 1500 MBC .38 SWCs cost about $115, shipped to the postal box. Find me jacketed bullets that cheap! Also, for the Glocks with factory barrels, I use Berry's plated bullets. You can find these between $70-80 per 1000, shipped.

 

[jdh]

Internet myth repeated enough times does NOT become fact! FMJ bullets have the lead base exposed to hot powder gases, so there goes your assertion that you're eliminating lead in the air. Actually, the HP bullet has a solid copper base, it would be better for less-lead shooting.

Until it hits something. The small amount or lead that may or may not be expelled from the base of an open base FMJ bullet upon firing is insignificant compared to the the amount of lead contamination put into the air when a bullet with lead exposed at the nose impacts a solid object like a hard back stop, target frame, or steel target.

 

[KosmicKrunch]

Snuffy: 1. I shoot no lead exposed FMJ when required by the range, state or place. 2. I do not have the ramp issue, but some do, I shoot NO ramp revolvers LOL. Was not bad mouthing lead, I shoot a lot of lead when I can. Some ranges, places, states require no lead exposed bullets. As long as you are not pushing the lead HOT, yeah, they will NOT lead up the barrel. I shoot mild to mid-range, so I do not have a leading or coppering issue. I was answering the OPS question. I shoot for economy when I can and not required to do so otherwise.

 

[243winxb]

Rifle or Pistol Bullets.

As a general rule, this is true.

Originally Posted by 918v
JHP are more accurate than FMJ.

Its in how the bullets are made/formed, plus a solid copper base is better formed than exposed lead bases. If you have a Bullseye 45acp pistol, it will need to group into a 3" 10 ring @50 yards. As most out of the box new auto pistols will not do this in there life time, the choice of bullet type by price makes sense.

 

[MrOldLude]

Internet myth repeated enough times does NOT become fact! FMJ bullets have the lead base exposed to hot powder gases, so there goes your assertion that you're eliminating lead in the air. Actually, the HP bullet has a solid copper base, it would be better for less-lead shooting

Of course, there are some exceptions. Speer Lawman cartridges are TMJ. And the Berry's that I fire is totally plated.

 

[cheygriz]

I load FMJ because I like them!