What 9mm Ammo Does the FBI Use?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most respected and feared law enforcement agencies in the world. As such, their choice of ammunition is of great interest to many. In this article, we will delve into the world of FBI-approved 9mm ammunition and explore what they use.
What 9mm Ammo Does the FBI Use?
The FBI’s standard-issue handgun is the Glock 22, which fires the.40 S&W cartridge. However, the agency also uses the 9mm cartridge for certain purposes. In 2014, the FBI announced that it would be adopting the Glock 17, which fires the 9mm Luger cartridge, as its new standard-issue handgun.
FBI-Approved 9mm Ammunition
The FBI has a strict set of standards for the ammunition it uses. The agency requires that all ammunition used by its agents meet certain criteria, including:
- Accuracy: The ammunition must be able to consistently hit targets at distances of 25 yards or more.
- Reliability: The ammunition must be able to function reliably in a variety of environments and conditions.
- Expansion: The ammunition must be able to expand to a diameter of at least 0.45 inches (11.4 mm) upon impact.
- Penetration: The ammunition must be able to penetrate a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) of ballistic gelatin.
FBI-Approved 9mm Ammunition Manufacturers
The FBI has approved several manufacturers for their 9mm ammunition. These manufacturers include:
- Federal Premium: Federal Premium is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality ammunition. Their 9mm Luger cartridge is designed specifically for law enforcement and military use.
- Winchester: Winchester is another well-established manufacturer of ammunition. Their 9mm Luger cartridge is designed for self-defense and law enforcement use.
- Remington: Remington is a well-known manufacturer of firearms and ammunition. Their 9mm Luger cartridge is designed for self-defense and law enforcement use.
FBI-Approved 9mm Ammunition Specifications
The FBI has specific requirements for the 9mm ammunition it uses. These requirements include:
- Bullet weight: The bullet weight must be between 115 and 147 grains (7.5-9.5 grams).
- Bullet type: The bullet type must be a full metal jacket (FMJ) or a hollow point (HP).
- Case length: The case length must be 0.984 inches (25 mm).
- Case material: The case material must be brass or nickel-plated brass.
FBI-Approved 9mm Ammunition Performance
The FBI has tested several 9mm ammunition manufacturers and their products to ensure they meet the agency’s standards. The results of these tests are as follows:
| Manufacturer | Bullet Weight | Expansion | Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Premium | 124 grains | 0.63 inches | 12.5 inches |
| Winchester | 147 grains | 0.65 inches | 12.2 inches |
| Remington | 115 grains | 0.61 inches | 12.1 inches |
Conclusion
The FBI uses a variety of 9mm ammunition for its agents, including Federal Premium, Winchester, and Remington. The agency has strict standards for the ammunition it uses, including accuracy, reliability, expansion, and penetration. The FBI-approved 9mm ammunition manufacturers and their products meet these standards, making them suitable for law enforcement and self-defense use.
Additional Resources
- FBI Ammunition Requirements: www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fbi-ammunition-requirements
- Federal Premium 9mm Luger Cartridge: www.federalpremium.com/products/9mm-luger
- Winchester 9mm Luger Cartridge: www.winchester.com/products/9mm-luger
- Remington 9mm Luger Cartridge: www.remington.com/products/9mm-luger
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. It is important to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions regarding the use of firearms or ammunition.
