A World Apart: From Rubber Bullets to Real-World Decisions
Did you know that Chinese police reportedly carry rubber bullets or blanks in their firearms, with live ammo stored in a Pelican case carried by a companion? Yes, in case of a real SHTF situation, they’re ready to load up, but it makes you wonder about the practicality of such a setup. Wild approach to a so called “stable society” yet aggressors are less than likely to stop when hearing only a “pop”…
Back here in the States, the question isn’t about whether the ammo is live—it’s what kind of live ammo you’re loading into your carry or bedside gun. The debate between FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and Hollow Points (HP) is as old as dirt and just as nuanced. So, are you going for the straight-shooting FMJ or the energy-dumping Hollow Point? Let’s break it down.
FMJ vs. Hollow Points: What’s the Difference?
In simple terms:
- FMJ: A solid bullet designed for penetration. It’s the Olympic diver—clean entry, minimal splash, and keeps going.
- Hollow Points: The belly-flopper of bullets. Designed to expand upon impact, it creates a larger wound cavity and transfers energy to the target, often stopping within it.
The choice matters because each round performs differently depending on what it hits, whether it’s a drywall, a car door, or, unfortunately, a person.
Why Choose Hollow Points for Defense?
Reduced Overpenetration Risk
Think of a Hollow Point as a parachute for your bullet. On impact, it expands, slowing down and dumping its energy into the target. This reduces the chances of the bullet exiting the target and hitting something—or someone—behind it. As Reddit user Stubeezy puts it, “JHPs are more responsible… they’re less likely to risk the well-being of an unintended bystander.”
Increased Stopping Power
FMJs may punch through a target cleanly, but Hollow Points are designed to stop threats faster by creating more internal damage. As Unlikely-Pizza2796 says, “A hollow point will mushroom while an FMJ usually doesn’t. The person may bleed out with FMJ, but they may not stop.” With HPs, you’re more likely to neutralize the threat with fewer shots, making it safer for you and others nearby.
Energy Transfer
When a Hollow Point expands, it transfers its energy to the target, creating a devastating “shock wave.” This can incapacitate an attacker more quickly. Redditor Adventurous_Stack compares it to tools at work: “A steel mallet gets the job done with one hit, while a lead mallet takes three swings. Both work, but fewer hits are better.”
When FMJ Makes Sense
FMJs aren’t useless—far from it. They’re great for:
- Barrier Penetration: If you’re facing obstacles like thick wood, car doors, or reinforced glass, FMJs might give you the penetration needed to hit your target.
- Training: FMJs are cheaper and ideal for range practice. If you shoot often, FMJs keep costs down while honing your skills.
For instance, my KP-9 with a double mag clamp has one mag loaded with FMJ and another with HP. It’s not just a Call of Duty aesthetic—this setup balances penetration and stopping power for different scenarios.
The Home Defense Context
Your choice of ammo matters even more in a home defense scenario. Consider this:
- FMJ Risks: These rounds can zip through drywall and into your neighbor’s bedroom. Not ideal if you’re in a densely populated area.
- Hollow Point Benefits: HPs are less likely to overpenetrate, protecting loved ones and neighbors.
Redditor dag2001 sums it up perfectly: “If you’re in anything even remotely close to a densely populated area, you simply cannot carry FMJ loads… You’re responsible for every round you fire.”
The Practical Choice for EDC
The Practical Choice for EDC
For everyday carry, Hollow Points are the clear winner for most people:
- They minimize collateral damage.
- They stop threats faster, with fewer shots.
- They’re trusted by law enforcement and concealed carriers nationwide.
However, as Mineralpillow points out, “Which makes a bigger hole? I don’t care—it’s a bullet. It’ll work.” While true in a pinch, choosing the right ammo can give you an edge when seconds matter.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Load?
The choice between FMJ and Hollow Points boils down to the situation and your priorities:
- Hollow Points are the go-to for self-defense, offering better stopping power and reduced risk to bystanders.
- FMJ is a reliable backup for training or specific barrier-penetration needs.
Ultimately, as Redditor BlitzDragonborn puts it, “The best way to stop a threat is total incapacitation. The more damage you do to your target’s vital organs, the better. The less damage you do to anything beyond that target, also the better.”
So, whether you’re loading your carry piece or bedside gun, remember this: bullets are tools, and the right tool for the job could mean the difference between life and tragedy. Choose wisely.