Oh Lordy, why did they assign this topic to me? Everyone already infers that all range ammo should be full metal jacketed ammo (FMJ) and all defense ammo should be jacketed hollow-points (JHP). So, what is my beef with the range ammo subject? It is not the fact that we are more likely to choose FMJ for target practice because we do, it's the opinion of many that we should ONLY use FMJ ammo at the range and JHP for defense.

MY USUAL OVERPENETRATION RANT

If you are new to reading my articles and blogs, let's go ahead and clear the air about my opinion of FMJ. Although it may be against the industry norm, I want to set the record straight. Overpenetration is a scary word when attached to ammunition. Everyone talks about it and everyone is scared of it happening if they happen to find themselves in a fight for life with their firearm loaded with FMJ. I believe that overpenetration is real but in the realm of it happening in a truly defensive situation is, well, real B.S. Don't get me wrong or overthink my comments, because FMJ's and yes, even hollow-points go through things, however, overpenetration is just one of those terms in the firearms world that folks use to make it sound like they know what they are talking about. Overpenetration by FMJ's in defensive situations is unlikely. Overpenetrations while defending your family or yourself are just not supported by facts or examples. I know right now that I have your blood boiling, but I challenge you to find one example where an innocent bystander was killed by the pass-through overpenetration of the bad guy into a bystander during a self-defense or home defense situation. Go ahead, try to find an example.....Buehler, Buehler, Buehler. Now I will readily admit that there have been cases in which law enforcement has had to shoot someone and the bullet has passed through the subject and into another subject. I am sure that it has even happened to the well-meaning armed citizen that had no choice but to shoot into a crowd. However, happening in home defense, honestly, I cannot name or recall a single case. If a loved one is standing behind the perpetrator, don't take that shot, move your angle a little, or anything else necessary not to harm your loved one. Gunfights are scary and trust me, you will miss shots, but don't count missed or inaccurate shots as overpenetration by an FMJ. If the FMJ bullets graze the perpetrator or passes through a piece of clothing or through a little bit of skin, it's not an overpenetration, it's a missed shot. Go back to Firearms 101 and your 4 main safety rules; make sure you know your target AND what is behind it. Another thing to consider in a home defense matter is that you will likely only fire a few shots.

Brown Bear 7.62x39 196gr FMJ Subsonic Ammunition

WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT RANGE AMMO?

So why did I just go through my little rant on FMJ overpenetration? Well, a couple of reasons actually. Some ranges will not allow FMJ's because of the overpenetration of paper targets, where the bullet travels all the way through the paper target and into the berm or reinforced backdrop of an inside range. Isn't that the point? I also wanted to clarify that FMJ ammunition is not just range ammunition. FMJs are real ammunition and they will kill just as dead as JHPs. Don't ever make the mistake of thinking that FMJs don't have the velocity or punch to kill. They are not just practice or target shooting ammunition. For the FMJ to travel through someone, the angle has to be just right, the situation has to be just so and even then there are the variables of caliber, thick clothing, etc. FMJs are real ammo and should never be discounted as simply range ammo.

Alexander Firearms 50 Beowulf 400gr Flat Point Ammunition

RANGE AMMUNITION

All of that said, there are two types of range ammunition. We will start with why shooters prefer FMJs as range and target ammunition. Ammo costs money, target shooting uses a lot of ammo. An obvious solution to diverge the cost of range ammunition is to reload. For some shooters that is the answer, but for others that is not a resolve at all. Believe it or not, some folks just don't want to reload ammunition. Equipment and supplies create a cost all their own, and reloading takes time. There is also the cost-saving option of purchasing surplus ammunition to shoot at the range. Just know that when you purchase surplus ammo in large amounts, you will likely run into a few duds. The important thing to do when purchasing surplus ammunition is to make sure that it is safe. If the prior two options are just not what you are looking for as far as range ammunition, then FMJ may be the solution for you. Because of the reduced cost to produce, the buyer usually gets a great low price on FMJs versus JHPs at the gun store or big box store. The low cost of FMJs makes it the perfect ammunition for practice and target shooting because you will be able to purchase more ammo for less money. FMJs, in any caliber, are usually widely available for shooters looking to improve their skills with long days at the range. The second type of range ammunition is the ammunition that you carry every day. Even if you only run a few rounds of your carry ammunition through your everyday carry firearm, you should do so every time you go to the range. You really need to get a feel for how you, your ammunition, and your firearm will react under pressure. Hearing protection is usually required at ranges, but I will even go so far as to slide one muff slightly rearward so that I will understand the shock of the loud sound of firing a gun, how I react to it, and how it will affect my accuracy.

Wolf Military Classic .30-06 145 GR FMJ Ammunition

TIME TO LOAD UP

There is really no such thing as an exclusive range round. All ammunition is range ammunition. And all ammunition has the ability to be deadly, that is what it is made for. Many prefer FMJs as their choice for range ammo due to cost. Don't make the mistake of only thinking of FMJs as range ammo. FMJs are fully functioning ammunition with deadly consequences. If your firearm is loaded with FMJs when an intruder breaks in, light 'em up, they won't be able to discern FMJ from JHP at that point. Always practice with your carry ammunition. You need to build that muscle memory to prepare you for that day when the defense of yourself or your home can only be resolved by using a firearm. Know how the three main components will react and respond during that event. The three main components during a defense event are you, your firearm, and your ammo. Keep your shooting skills sharp, build muscle memory, and always remember the 4 shooting safety essentials. Shop All FMJ Ammunition
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