What type of ammo should I use for home defense?

The two most common types of self defense carry rounds, are JHP (Jacketed Hollow Points) and JHPBT (Jacketed Hollow Point Ballistic Tip). The difference between these two is exactly what it seems, the ballistic tip.

What are hollow point rounds good for?

Hollow-point ammo is intended to eke every bit of fight-stopping potential from handgun ammunition by magnifying the effect on the target. By making bigger holes and attempting to keep the bullet in the target as opposed to just passing through, all possible energy is used to stop the attacker.

Do cops use hollow points?

Hollow point bullets are the most common type of round used by American police. The most common argument for why police use hollow points over full metal jackets is that hollow points minimize the risk of an unintended target being hit.

Are hollow points better than FMJ?

Hollow point bullets are better for shoot to kill and self-defense situations. So always go with Hollow Point ammo for self-defense. Shooting & Rang Practice: Full Metal Jacket ammo is good for shooting & rang practice. As full metal jacket ammo is cleaner and stronger than hollow point.

Is it illegal to carry hollow point bullets?

No, hollow-points are not illegal. In fact, the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers in the country are carrying hollow-point ammo in their duty guns as you read this. While difficult to measure, one can assume that most legally armed citizens are also carrying hollow-point ammunition.

What does Full Metal Jacket mean in ammo?

A Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is a bullet that has a soft core, usually with lead, and is encased in a harder alloy metal such as cupronickel or gilding metal. The purpose of these rounds is to hold their trajectory, and they have greater penetration against soft tissue.

Which states are hollow point bullets illegal?

Yes, everywhere in the U.S. — with one exception. The state of New Jersey bans civilians from possessing hollow point ammo unless they’re at home or hunting. If you are not in the Garden State, you can legally load hollow points in your carry weapon. Why are hollow points controversial?

Is hollow point ammo worth it for self defense?

The main issue we see is that because ammo is marketed as “hollow point” or “self-defense” ammunition, people believe that it’s the best thing to have. The sad reality is that some of the available hollow points are only marginally better than your average ball ammo is, as they don’t expand consistently, or don’t expand at all.

Is round nose or hollow point ammo better for target practice?

Hollow point ammunition is more expensive than round nose, and that makes practice pricey. Handgun owners should practice regularly with the gun and ammo that will be used in self-defense scenarios, and in this case the cost could add up. For general target practice, round nose options are a much better option, for both reliability and cost.

What is the most effective ammo for personal protection?

Handgun owners looking for the most effective ammunition for personal protection should consider loading up with hollow points. Hollow points are an excellent option for home self-defense because they are less likely to pass through the target or walls and put family in danger.

What are hollow point bullets used for?

When an attacker is in full force, the stopping power of your ammunition is especially important. Hollow points expand, much like an umbrella, upon contact. This means an increase in the force it delivers when the bullet hits its mark. In this way, hollow point bullets are a way to increase this “knock down power” in handguns of a smaller caliber.