FMJ Ball For Self Defense?

[DBC]

So, I've been having a fairly lively discussion with a compadre of mine who is very adamant that the FMJ ball ammo he loads in his Glock 27 is perfectly fine for self-defense.  I disagree, and come down on the side of high quality hollow point or ballistic-tip expanding bullets, as do most reputable trainers and subject matter experts.

Anybody else out there advocate in favor of FMJ ammo for daily defensive carry?  Discuss...

 

[2HOW]

I like FMJ in cold weather for penetration through heavy clothing. I generally keep my spare mag loaded with FMJ in my 1911 and my Mil Pro .40. Ball ammo will usually always feed .

[TAB]

There are only 2 times I would recomend ball out of a pistol...  1 you are in nj.  2 its all you have.

[ellis4538]

I agree with TAB.  There are a number of rounds that have bullet shapes or polymer plugs in the hp to help feeding and expansion to use ball. 

JMHOFWIW


Richard

[tombogan03884]

Hollow points might not expand on occasion, FMJ never will.
Unless your pistol has feeding issues it is just plain foolish to use 19th century ammo in a late 20th century gun.

[Sponsor]

[WatchManUSA]

If FMJ were the most effective load they would be used by police departments. Instead they use JHP. Hornady has some great ammo if you are concerned about penetration through heavy clothing. They make Critical Defense and Critical Duty ammo in addition to TAP. Also, Double Tap is making some pistol ammo with a JHP bullet on top of a solid ball in their Extreme line.

[MinotBob]

I believe that Tom Gresham once said that Clint Smith used FMJ in his EDC.

[Solus]

I believe that Tom Gresham once said that Clint Smith used FMJ in his EDC.

I'd have to hear that from Clint Smith to believe it.

Ball ammunition wasn't "agreed upon" for use in warfare at one of those "conventions" after the wars because it was the most deadly round available.

[jaybet]

There are only 2 times I would recomend ball out of a pistol...  1 you are in nj.  2 its all you have.

Actually, a lot of us are now using the Hornady FTX with the nylon or plastic center plug- expands on contact and it doesn't have that evil hole in the middle that Lautenmummy doesn't like.

[devzal]

Just load it 50/50 and double tap, if it comes up and let the bad guy decide which one he prefers.