Anyone use FMJ in your carry piece ?

[Old-Duckman]

I have been of late. I must admit that I am rather cheap when it comes to practicing with specific "defensive" labeled ammo (DLA). I have had feeding issues when just loading a first round of DLA in some handguns and feel uncomfortable using it in a carry gun unless I have shot it extensively out of any particular firearm.

Thus, I have been carrying FMJ, as I know (as much as is possible to know) that it will feed and function when called upon to do so.

The military uses FMJ and plenty of enemy soldiers could testify to its effectiveness (were they still able to do so).

Just wondering if I'm alone in this ?

[JFen]

I have been of late. I must admit that I am rather cheap when it comes to practicing with specific "defensive" labeled ammo (DLA). I have had feeding issues when just loading a first round of DLA in some handguns and feel uncomfortable using it in a carry gun unless I have shot it extensively out of any particular firearm.

Thus, I have been carrying FMJ, as I know (as much as is possible to know) that it will feed and function when called upon to do so.

The military uses FMJ and plenty of enemy soldiers could testify to its effectiveness (were they still able to do so).

Just wondering if I'm alone in this ?

I won?t carry it nor will I have it in my home defense gun. Through and through are likely outcomes with potential bystanders injured. In a defensive scenario where this could happen you could open up yourself to a liability if bystanders are affected. At home it is likely that walls could be breached. I am a single father with 2 sons.

I would find a defensive round that your gun reliably shoots and shoot it regularly.  Every month I shoot a mag of defensive ammo at the range.

Just my opinions and I?m eager to hear other thoughts.


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[rdcinhou]

I agree with JFen.  If you were in a court of law and had to explain WHY you used the ammo that you used, that ricocheted or over-penetrated and hit someone, could you defend it?

For this reason I use the same style of hollow-points that the local police use.

And of course you hope that you will NEVER EVER have to use them!

[JFen]

Also the military goal is an attrition game. A dead opponent needs no care yet a wounded opponent may take up to 4 people to get them off of the field.


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[Wobbly]

A downed bystander is a law suit no matter what kind of bullet it was, even if the intended target was Public Enemy #1 and the shooter was a decorated 911 hero with 15 tours in Afghanistan. That's just the way it is.

That being said, I think you have a point about the rounded meplat staying close to RN for the purpose of excellent feeding. With that point in mind, Speer Gold Dot are an excellent choice for carry ammo. And you can buy the loose bullets to load yourself if you want to duplicate the loads and trial the feeding characteristics into the hundreds or thousands inexpensively at home. Speer gives you all the specs to do this in their reloading manuals. That in itself is notable.

This is a VERY well respected bullet. The French police have ordered several million in an on-going contract after testing bullets from all over the world. Article Click Here

 

[Vinny]

All good thoughts suggestions.
I can only add that if you don't handload, and you want to practice often with and carry the same ammo without breaking the bank:

S&B makes a good round-nose JHP (SB9C) and from JHP comparison testing seems to have good expansion and ballistics and can be purchased in case quantity for less than $.25/round (when you can find it). It feeds 100% reliably in my CZ's and SIGs.  JMO but YMMV

A quick search on www.ammoseek.com shows several sources in stock including Lucky Gunner at $.225/round.

[Wobbly]

Just digging through the Gold Dot web page and see that they now have 124gr and 135gr bullets, AND they now offer a special loaded 9mm ammo for short barrel guns.

They've been offering that last one for snug-nosed 38 Spcl revolvers since developing it for NYC police.

https://www.speer-ammo.com/en/personal-protection-gold-dot

[1SOW]

I  reload the Speer 124 Gold Dot and the 124 Hornady XTP and load  to match their published  standard velocity SD bullets speeds .   As a reloader,  I also load inexpensive bullets to duplicate the speed and feel of these SD loads. 
You can find inexpensive practice ammunition that duplicates your SD ammo shooting characteristics.

If a full grown grizzly bear were coming at your family in your home,  would you fire a loaded 50 Cal  rifle to protect them or worry about civil actions that "might" insue.?
  An exaggeration,  but  the only concern would be saving your family's life.  Safety issues are developed through research and practice, practice and more practice.

 
 

[CPTKILLER]

Close, I use Buffalo Bore hard cast lead in my CZ 83.

[larryflew]

Plus another for the GD and XTP. I do the GD in 124 and buy some factory GD in 147. The XTP i use mostly for 44 mag but have used them in 9mm also. They both feed just like rn.

[DWARREN]

I used flat points in .380 acp when I had one but for anything else I use JHP ammo.
I have been known to make my own SD/HD ammo and make sure it works well in my firearms and some gel testing.
Yes the military does use FMJ and it has worked to some extent but not quite as effective as a good SD/HD round.

[IDescribe]

I have had feeding issues when just loading a first round of DLA in some handguns and feel uncomfortable

Two solutions:

1. Carry a gun that doesn't have problems with it, then use typical SD ammo, or
2. Chamber the first round before holstering your pistol, and it no longer matters because the first round is in the chamber. 

[1SOW]

An empty chamber is a  bad idea for a S.D. pistol.
Condition 1 is safe and ready to be used if the need arises.

[M1A4ME]

FMJ?  Only in my 1911's or my AR15 and M1A/M1 Garand.

The .40 and 9MM pistols al run light weight (bullets at the light end of what is available) hollow points (115 in 9MM and 135 in .40 S&W).

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

I have had feeding issues when just loading a first round of DLA in some handguns and feel uncomfortable

Two solutions:

1. Carry a gun that doesn't have problems with it, then use typical SD ammo, or
2. Chamber the first round before holstering your pistol, and it no longer matters because the first round is in the chamber. 

This exactly. Every semi auto pistol I own will function with every defensive round out today and there is always a round in the chamber. Always. OP you don't mention what gun you have had issues with but that gun should be left at home till it is reliable with good defensive ammo.