What Ammo Does the FBI Use?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most elite and respected law enforcement agencies in the world. As a symbol of its authority and commitment to justice, the FBI’s firearms training program is among the most rigorous and advanced in the country. When it comes to ammunition, the FBI is known for its strict standards and rigorous testing procedures. In this article, we will explore the types of ammunition used by the FBI and the reasons behind their selection.
What is the FBI’s Standard Ammunition?
The FBI’s standard ammunition is the .40 S&W, also known as the 9x21mm. This caliber was adopted in the 1990s as a replacement for the .38 Super, which was previously used by the FBI. The.40 S&W was chosen for its balanced performance, offering a combination of stopping power, penetration, and manageable recoil.
Why Did the FBI Choose the.40 S&W?
The FBI’s selection of the.40 S&W was not taken lightly. The agency conducted extensive testing and evaluation of various calibers, including the 9x19mm Parabellum,.45 ACP, and.40 S&W. The testing was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of each caliber in stopping threats, with a focus on terminal ballistics.
The results of the testing revealed that the.40 S&W offered a better balance of stopping power and penetration compared to other calibers. The FBI’s criteria for selecting ammunition included:
- Stopping power: The ability to stop an assailant quickly and effectively.
- Penetration: The ability to penetrate various types of clothing and body armor.
- Manageable recoil: The ability to control the weapon during rapid fire and at long distances.
- Accuracy: The ability to accurately hit targets at various distances.
Other Calibers Used by the FBI
While the.40 S&W is the FBI’s standard ammunition, other calibers are used in specific situations. These include:
- 9x19mm Parabellum: Used by FBI SWAT teams and in certain specialized units.
- .45 ACP: Used by FBI SWAT teams and in certain specialized units.
- .223 Remington: Used by FBI marksmanship teams and in certain specialized units.
FBI Ammunition Specifications
The FBI has specific specifications for its ammunition, including:
- Bullet weight: 180-200 grains
- Bullet type: Jacketed hollow point (JHP)
- Case length: 1.14 inches (28.9mm)
- Cartridge overall length: 1.28 inches (32.5mm)
- Muzzle velocity: 1,000-1,100 fps (305-335 m/s)
- Muzzle energy: 500-550 ft-lbs (680-750 J)
FBI Ammunition Testing
The FBI’s ammunition testing is a rigorous process that involves several stages, including:
- Terminal ballistics testing: Evaluates the effectiveness of the ammunition in stopping threats.
- Penetration testing: Evaluates the penetration of the ammunition through various types of clothing and body armor.
- Recoil testing: Evaluates the manageable recoil of the ammunition.
- Accuracy testing: Evaluates the accuracy of the ammunition at various distances.
Conclusion
The FBI’s selection of ammunition is a carefully considered process that involves extensive testing and evaluation. The.40 S&W is the FBI’s standard ammunition, chosen for its balanced performance and effectiveness in stopping threats. While other calibers are used in specific situations, the.40 S&W remains the go-to caliber for FBI agents. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional or a civilian, understanding the FBI’s ammunition selection process can provide valuable insights into the world of firearms and self-defense.
