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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammo Overview

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition, developed early 20th century for military use, features a soft core encased in a harder metal shell. Designed for reliable feeding and penetration, FMJ remains popular for range training and practice. It is widely used due to affordability and consistent performance.

Why FMJ Ammo Is a Top Choice

Reliable feeding in most firearms
Cost-effective for high-volume shooting
Minimizes barrel fouling
Consistent penetration for target practice
Widely available in various calibers

Key Variants

FMJ 9mm

Popular for pistols; ideal for self-defense training and law enforcement practice rounds.

FMJ .223 Remington

Standard rifle ammo used widely in AR-platforms for range and competition shooting.

FMJ .45 ACP

Heavy pistol round favored for manageable recoil and dependable performance.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	FMJ Ammo	JHP Ammo	SP Ammo
Typical Use	Range practice, training	Self-defense, law enforcement	Hunting, controlled expansion
Penetration	High, deep penetration	Moderate, controlled penetration	Moderate to high expansion
Cost	Lowest among types	Higher cost	Moderate cost
Barrel Fouling	Low	Low to moderate	Moderate
Typical Calibers	9mm, .223, .45 ACP	9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP	.30-06, .308, .223
Notable Pro	Affordable training ammo	Effective stopping power	Expands for humane kills
Notable Con	Poor expansion controlled use	Higher cost	Potential over-penetration

Best Use Cases

Range practice and training
Self-defense dry fire drills
Plinking and target shooting
Law enforcement qualification
Basic firearms handling courses

FAQs

Can I use FMJ ammo for self-defense?

While FMJ ammo penetrates well, it lacks controlled expansion and is not recommended for self-defense over hollow points.

What is the typical velocity of FMJ rounds?

Velocity varies by caliber; for example, 9mm FMJ averages 1,100 fps from a standard handgun barrel.

How does FMJ ammo affect firearm maintenance?

FMJ ammo reduces barrel fouling compared to lead rounds, lowering cleaning frequency.

FMJ AMMO for Sale