If you’re using something shorter than 4″, you might want to double-check and see if there are some ballistic gel tests with your chosen ammo. Until then though, it’s okay to just trust the manufacturer. If you get into reloading, you’ll want to learn more about powder. CartridgeĪs partially explained above, a cartridge consists of a case, a bullet, some powder, and a primer.įor factory ammo, it is rare to know what exactly kind of powder is in each cartridge type, but the bullet weight and design should be readily available. I have see dozens of independent tests proving the effectiveness of JHP and HP bullets. Personally, I haven’t seen reliable third-party testing that proves these concepts out. Other â€“ there are a few newer bullet designs out that werenâ€™t there a couple of decades ago. This goes a long way in preventing overpenetration. Once expanded, the bullet is commonly almost double the size and can do a lot more damage.Īn added benefit is that it takes a lot of energy to do this and thus greatly slows the bullet in the target.

To keep it simple, weâ€™ll just say that the opening is there to enhance expansion once the bullet hits the target.Įngineered so that the bullet will split open and to allow “petals” to expand. There are many different types and brands of JHP cartridges, more than we can list here. JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) – this bullet consists of a lead or other core covered by a copper jacket with a carefully engineered and tested opening in the bulletâ€™s exposed, soft nose. Depending on the manufacturer your FMJ might have a different color than most.įMJ bullets are great for practice, competition, or as less expensive ammo in order to save costs. The important point is that only copper touches the barrelâ€™s rifling, unlike a cast lead bullet that has no metal coating. AAA battery, Full-Metal Jacket, another FMJ, Federal HST Jacketed Hollow Point, Hornady Critical Defense FTX Polymer Tipped Jacketed Hollow Point.įMJ (Full-Metal Jacket): A copper â€œjacketâ€ encases a lead core. From left to right, here are four of the best 9mm ammunition types (along with a battery for scale).

While any component of the cartridge can alter its performance characteristics, the bullet design will have the most impact on the target because it is what physically affects it. While you’ll often hear people use “bullet” as slang for the entire cartridge, technically speaking a bullet is just one part of the cartridge. Hopefully, we all know what a bullet is â€“ that’s the projectile that exits the barrel (at least thatâ€™s the plan). Bullets The basic elements of a 9mm cartridge (left to right) primer, case, powder, and bullet.

Best 9mm handgun 2021