Your Gun Vault

One login. All six platforms.

← All Comparisons
Head to Head

FMJ vs Hollow Point

Practice ammo vs. defensive ammo — when to use which.

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
Best for: Practice & range
  • Cheap for high-volume training
  • Feeds reliably
  • Less expensive
  • Fine for plinking
VS
JHP (Hollow Point)
Best for: Self-defense
  • Expands for better terminal effect
  • Reduces over-penetration risk
  • What you should carry
  • Proven defensive performance
The Verdict

Train with FMJ, carry quality hollow points — but always run a box of your carry JHP through the gun first to confirm it feeds 100%.

Related Questions

95Votes
2Answers
9mm vs .45 ACP for self-defense in 2026 - is the debate over?
39Votes
0Answers
Should I reload my own ammo to save money, or is it not worth it?
0Votes
2Answers
Best 45 acp self defense ammo for a 1911?
0Votes
2Answers
Is +P ammo worth it for self-defense?
0Votes
2Answers
What is the best 9mm self defense ammo for carry?
0Votes
2Answers
Is reloading ammo worth it for a casual shooter?
0Votes
2Answers
Best 22LR ammo for a picky semi-auto?
0Votes
2Answers
Is a .380 pocket pistol enough for self-defense?

More Comparisons

9mm vs .45 ACPAR-15 vs AK-47Red Dot vs Iron SightsPump vs Semi-Auto Shotgun.380 ACP vs 9mmRevolver vs Semi-Auto PistolIWB vs OWB Holsters5.56 vs .308 Winchester