If you are new to firearms and buying ammo for them, you may come across two main types of bullets: full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point. Both are useful, but they have a few crucial differences. Below is a brief overview of what each bullet does, and the ideal situation to use it.

Full Metal Jacket

FMJ bullets have a soft, lead core inside a hard metal shell of cupronickel or gilding metal. Each of these metals is a compound of copper, with cupronickel combining with nickel and gilding metal combining with zinc. Because of their strong design, FMJ bullets remain solid and keep their trajectory better than other styles. Their penetration capacity is better, and they don’t expand much when they hit their target, making them perfect for shooting ranges and target practice.

Full metal jacket bullets are not ideal for self-defense because the risk of hitting an unintended target is higher, as they continue traveling forward instead of expanding out and dissipating their energy. They also tend to be less expensive, making them a cost-effective choice for practicing.

Hollow Point

Hollow point ammo is an expanding bullet with a pit or hollowed out center and tip. Best in self-defense, hollow points expand on impact and change shape when hitting a target as the lead pushes through the thin jacket of copper or steel. They tend to leave behind many fragments a significant entry wound in softer targets, but penetration decreases in steel or concrete.

If self-defense is your aim, hollow points are better, because they do not penetrate much after the initial impact. This is useful because it significantly decreases the chance of hitting someone behind your intended target.

For firearms and ammo, head to Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range. Located in Columbia, IL, the gun shop and shooting range has been the one-stop-shop for Monroe County and the surrounding area since 2006. Their extensive inventory includes pistols, rifles, and revolvers. They also offer in-state transfers and fingerprinting, as well as firearm repairs and adjustments. To learn more about upcoming shooting range competitions, call (618) 281-6393. Visit them online for a full list of services.