In this video ammunition review, our Ammunition Depot firearms expert Matt field-tests popular 9mm ammo types by comparing the penetration power of common everyday items and barrier materials.
From 115-grain Total Polymer Jacket, 124-grain Hornady FTX, and XTP – find out how layers of sheetrock, drywalls, and vehicle parts stack up against 9mm ammunition.
Which ammunition do you think will pack the most penetration power?
Looking for more information on 9mm ammo types?
We’ve got you covered! Check out our informative deep dive on FMJ vs JHP ammunition and more below.
What is FMJ Ammo?
A Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) projectile is a small-arms caliber with two distinct metal parts/types. First is the core, which is generally composed of lead. The second is the outer shell, which is usually made of copper or copper alloy and is referred to as "the jacket."
In addition to being extremely popular amongst new and experienced firearm owners, FMJ ammo is also popular among all the major manufacturers. Available in multiple calibers and dozens of variations, manufacturers have even created their own proprietary variations to enhance the projectile's performance.
Advantages of FMJ Ammo
Compared to other ammunition types, full metal jacket rounds are relatively inexpensive and are commonly used by firearm owners for range training and high-volume competitions. Additionally, many high-volume shooters do not have to sacrifice quality for quantity when utilizing FMJ rounds.
Finally, because FMJ rounds are not designed to expand on impact with softened targets, they can often pass-through targets with very little loss of kinetic energy. Common targets include metals, walls, and many household items.
Disadvantages of FMJ Ammo
Although an excellent ammunition type for range use, FMJ bullets are not typically tailored to maximize energy delivered on targets making them less-than-ideal for hunting. A Full metal jacket round is likely to pass straight through a larger animal (like deer) or get stuck inside should you hit a bone.
For this reason, most firearm owners prefer the design and capabilities of JHP or Jacketed Hollow Point ammunition for hunting and self-defense situations.
What is JHP Ammo?
JHP or Jacketed Hollow Point ammunition was developed to rapidly expand when hitting its target, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of the round and decreasing the chances of over-penetration.
JHP ammo is available in a wide variety of calibers, often separated by shape, design, or the company that manufactures them.
Similar to FMJ, the JHP also contains a functional jacket. Still, the two are vastly different regarding stopping power. JHP ammo has a nose cavity instead of a flat, round, or pointed tip.
Advantages of JHP Ammo
The most obvious advantage of jacketed hollow point ammunition is its stopping power. When you hit a live target with an HP round, it will cause significantly more damage than FMJ, which in most cases will cause the animal to drop immediately.
Many avid hunters consider Jacketed Hollow points to be considered a more humane ammunition type, and the same sediment is shared by firearm owners who conceal carry for personal and home defense.
Disadvantages of JHP Ammo
The most significant and most commonly discussed disadvantage of JHP rounds is the price, especially when compared to FMJ. However, when it comes to firearm owners who are searching for a high-quality and reliable personal defense round, few can match the JHP performance.
Thanks for checking out our latest 9mm Ammo Penetration Test video review and learning more about FMJ vs. JHP 9mm ammo types. Be sure to comment in the section below and let us know what you learned or what surprised you!
Whether you're searching for FMJ or JHP ammo, Ammunition Depot has you covered. Our online inventory of 9mm Ammo and other popular handgun or rifle calibers is available for fast shipping at competitive prices.
