Hollow Point vs. Full Metal Jacket Ammo: What You Need to Know for Concealed Carry

When it comes to concealed carry, choosing the right ammunition is just as important as selecting the right firearm. Two of the most common types of handgun ammo are full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point (HP) rounds. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, explain why FMJ is best for the range and why HP is essential for self-defense, and review some of the top defensive rounds—including my personal carry choice, Hornady Critical Defense.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammo: Best for Training

FMJ rounds have a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell (usually copper or a copper alloy). They are designed to penetrate targets without expanding, making them ideal for target shooting and training.

Why Use FMJ at the Range?

• Affordability – FMJ rounds are generally cheaper than hollow points, allowing for more cost-effective training.

• Reliability – They feed well in most firearms, reducing the chance of malfunctions.

• Consistency – They offer predictable ballistics, making them great for practicing accuracy and recoil control.

However, FMJ bullets do not expand on impact. This means that if they are used in a self-defense situation, they are more likely to over-penetrate, potentially hitting unintended targets. This is why they are not ideal for concealed carry.

Hollow Point (HP) Ammo: Best for Self-Defense

Unlike FMJ rounds, hollow points are engineered to expand upon impact, increasing their stopping power while reducing the risk of over-penetration. The hollow cavity in the tip of the bullet causes it to mushroom when hitting a target, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy.

Why Use Hollow Points for Concealed Carry?

• Increased Stopping Power – The bullet expands upon impact, transferring maximum energy to the target and increasing the likelihood of stopping a threat quickly.

• Reduced Over-Penetration – HP rounds are designed to slow down inside the target, reducing the risk of hitting bystanders.

• Better Performance in Ballistic Gel Tests – Studies show that HP ammo creates more devastating wound channels in ballistic gel compared to FMJ, mimicking real-world performance on soft tissue.

Ballistic Gel Studies: FMJ vs. Hollow Point

Ballistic gel tests have repeatedly shown that FMJ rounds pass straight through soft tissue, while HP rounds expand and stop within the target. This is critical in a self-defense situation, where over-penetration can put innocent lives at risk. In contrast, HP bullets deposit more energy inside the target, increasing effectiveness.

Canik mete mc9 / Hornady Critical Defense

My Carry Ammo: Hornady Critical Defense

I personally carry Hornady Critical Defense, and for good reason. This ammo features:

• FTX Bullet Design – The polymer-filled tip aids in expansion, preventing clogging through clothing.

• Reliable Expansion – Even in shorter-barreled concealed carry pistols.

• Nickel-Plated Cases – Provide better corrosion resistance and smoother feeding.

Hornady Critical Defense has been tested extensively and performs exceptionally well in both FBI gel tests and real-world use, making it one of the best choices for personal protection.

Other Top Concealed Carry Ammo Options

If you’re looking for other excellent self-defense ammo, here are five great choices:

1. Federal HST – Excellent weight retention and expansion, one of the most trusted law enforcement rounds.

2. Speer Gold Dot – Bonded core construction ensures deep penetration and consistent expansion.

3. Winchester PDX1 Defender – Engineered for superior stopping power and barrier penetration.

4. Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown – Good expansion and accuracy, designed specifically for defensive use.

5. Remington Golden Saber Bonded – Strong performance through heavy clothing and barriers.

Testing Your Carry Ammo and Zeroing Your Optic

Once you choose a self-defense round, test it in your firearm. Some hollow points may not feed well in certain guns, so put at least 15-30 rounds through your carry gun to ensure reliability. If you run a red dot on your EDC pistol, make sure to zero it using the ammo you plan to carry. Different bullet weights and velocities can slightly shift point of impact, so confirming your zero is critical.

Ammo Rotation for Dry Fire Practice

If you frequently remove your carry ammo to dry fire, be mindful of bullet setback. Every time a round is chambered, the bullet can be pushed deeper into the casing, which can lead to dangerous overpressure when fired. To prevent this:

• Rotate your top rounds regularly.

• Avoid rechambering the same round repeatedly.

• If a bullet appears pushed back into the casing, discard it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Using the right ammo for the right purpose is critical. FMJ rounds are perfect for training and practice, while hollow points should be your go-to for self-defense. Always test your chosen defensive ammo in your carry gun, and if you run a red dot, zero it with the ammo you plan to carry. Lastly, stay mindful of bullet setback when dry firing.