Ammo 101: Understanding Bullet Types and Their Uses

Choosing the right ammunition is just as important as selecting the right firearm. Different bullet types serve different purposes, whether for self-defense, hunting, or target practice. Understanding these differences ensures that you use the best round for your specific needs while maintaining safety and efficiency. In this guide, we'll break down the most common bullet types and their primary uses.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

FMJ bullets have a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell, typically copper. These rounds are designed to retain their shape and penetrate targets without excessive expansion.

• Best For: Target shooting, training, and general practice
• Pros: Affordable, less barrel wear, reliable feeding in semi-automatics
• Cons: Limited stopping power due to lack of expansion

Hollow Point (HP)

Hollow point bullets have a hollowed-out tip that expands upon impact, increasing stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration.

• Best For: Self-defense, law enforcement, and hunting
• Pros: High stopping power, minimizes collateral damage, effective against soft targets
• Cons: More expensive, can be restricted in some areas

Soft Point (SP)

Soft point bullets feature an exposed lead tip that allows for controlled expansion while still maintaining deep penetration.

• Best For: Hunting medium-to-large game
• Pros: Balanced penetration and expansion, effective for ethical kills
• Cons: Can cause more barrel fouling than FMJ rounds

Ballistic Tip

These bullets combine the aerodynamics of FMJ rounds with the expansion capabilities of hollow points by using a polymer tip.

• Best For: Hunting and long-range shooting
• Pros: Improved accuracy, controlled expansion, good energy retention
• Cons: Higher cost, potential for over-expansion on small game

Armor Piercing (AP)

AP bullets are designed to penetrate hard targets, such as body armor or vehicles, and often have a hardened steel or tungsten core. Due to their high penetration capabilities, they are strictly regulated or prohibited in many jurisdictions.

• Best For: Military and law enforcement applications
• Pros: High penetration, effective against armored threats
• Cons: Illegal or heavily restricted for civilian use, expensive

Frangible Bullets

Made from compressed powder or polymer, frangible bullets break apart upon impact with hard surfaces, reducing the risk of ricochet.

• Best For: Close-quarters training, steel target shooting
• Pros: Safer for indoor ranges, minimizes over-penetration
• Cons: Limited stopping power against soft targets

Choosing the Right Ammo for Your Needs

Selecting the right bullet type depends on your intended use. Here’s a quick guide:

• - Target Practice & Training: FMJ
• - Self-Defense & Home Protection: Hollow Point (HP)
• - Hunting: Soft Point (SP) or Ballistic Tip
• - Tactical & Military Use: Armor Piercing (AP) (if permitted)
• - Close-Range Training: Frangible Bullets

Understanding bullet types ensures you’re making the best choice for safety, performance, and effectiveness. Always check local laws before purchasing specialized ammunition, and ensure your firearm is rated for the ammo you choose.

For high-quality ammunition and firearm accessories, visit United Patriot Supply—your trusted source for shooting essentials! Browse our extensive collection or reach out to our team for expert advice on choosing the right ammunition for your needs.