FMJ vs JHP feeding

[Ichiban]

This came up in a discussion with a newbie.  You always hear that you are supposed to flawlessly cycle X number of FMJ followed by Y number of your preferred JHP before you have enough confidence in a gun to carry it for personal protection.

And I understand the logic behind it.  But...  The newbie asked "Why?"

My experience, over several years/handguns, has been that if they feed FMJs reliability, they feed JHPs reliably.  And I'm talking about reliably feeding all brands of ammo, not just one or two flavors. 

I had a Para 16-40 that only liked Winchester and ate those all day long, but could not get through a single magazine of anything else with out FtF or FtE problems.   I would not begin to consider it for carry duty.

Has anyone here had a gun the would reliable feed FMJ but not JHPs?

So, regale me with your stories.

[tombogan03884]

You have it backwards.
If they feed JHP they will feed FMJ.
It's because FMJ has nothing to hang up while the lip on hollow points is notorious for catching on any gap, or ridge between the feed ramp and the chamber mouth.
The reason your pistol fed the Winchester has to do with the width of the opening in the point, it left enough of the curve to clear the mouth of the chamber as if it were FMJ.

[Ichiban]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  That's what I always hear, and it makes perfect sense.

But... is it still an issue with modern ammo?  I'm looking for personal experience.  Preferably something in the last ten years.

It's been my experience that is it runs FMJs reliably then JHPs run, too.  Given the high volume (and cost) of JHPs that "The Experts" recommend to qualify a defensive handgun, I think it is a valid question.  The number seems to be rather arbitrary and based on what that particular person "feels" is right.  I've seen recommendations has high as 500 JHPs before you should have confidence in a gun.  I guess that is fine if the tax payer is buying your ammo but I have to pay for my own. 

I tend to run several hundred FMJs of various manufacture, and a couple of magazines of the carry JHP (usually Gold Dot) through something I plan to carry.  If it does that without a hiccup then I call that good.  Well, except for the revolves.

FWIW - The Para wouldn't cycle non-Winchester FMJs so there was no way I was going to waste my time (and money) with JHPs.

[TAB]

You are 100% right, its what you feel is safe.  Every ones number is diffrent. I won't even start with the training aspect of things.   I would say at least 2 mags full.    you want to see if it feeds, extracts, at all points of spring tention in the mag.  I have seen it more then once where  a failure would happen at x point in the mage often its repeatable.

[tombogan03884]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  That's what I always hear, and it makes perfect sense.

But... is it still an issue with modern ammo?  I'm looking for personal experience.  Preferably something in the last ten years.

It's been my experience that is it runs FMJs reliably then JHPs run, too.  Given the high volume (and cost) of JHPs that "The Experts" recommend to qualify a defensive handgun, I think it is a valid question.  The number seems to be rather arbitrary and based on what that particular person "feels" is right.  I've seen recommendations has high as 500 JHPs before you should have confidence in a gun.  I guess that is fine if the tax payer is buying your ammo but I have to pay for my own.  

I tend to run several hundred FMJs of various manufacture, and a couple of magazines of the carry JHP (usually Gold Dot) through something I plan to carry.  If it does that without a hiccup then I call that good.  Well, except for the revolves.

FWIW - The Para wouldn't cycle non-Winchester FMJs so there was no way I was going to waste my time (and money) with JHPs.

From what I have seen and heard the specific number is arbitrary and is based on what you feel is reasonable.
From what you have posted it sounds like your Para needed the feed ramp smoothed , this can be done with a Dremel tool but personally I would get a professional to do it.
As for modern hollow points I can't say, but it is dependent on the curvature of the bullet nose and how much is lost to the bullet cavity.
Bottom line is "if you don't trust it 100% don't carry it ".

[Sponsor]

[billt]

The solution is to go with whatever in a Glock. They'll eat stale bread without a hang up.

[Big Frank]

Most hollow points I've tried work in most of my pistols but at least one of my .45s had a problem with CCI 200 gr. bullets, AKA the flying ash tray, before they redesigned it several years ago. A lot of pistols had problems with them but that's all in the past.

[TAB]

GLock will have all kinds of issues if you limp wrist.  Or hang a heavy light off of some models.

[ellis4538]

I must have a SUPER RARE Glock cause it chocks on reloads that my CZ Phantom loves (147 gr. jrn measured at factory length and crimp).

Richard 

[kmbrman]

I bought a Gen. 3 Glock 23  that would not feed a full mag. of  Rem. UMC 180 Gr. JHPs on a bet . Sometimes it would only feed about 3 or 4 rounds before the hollowpoints would hang up on the feed ramp .  But after firing it a lot and letting it break in , suddenly it started feeding all types of wide mouth hollowpoints. I haven't had any more problems . The load above shoots very well and shows good accuracy and penetration. I guess certain pistols require a break-in period before they're completely reliable . Always test your pistol before you consider trading.