What ammo do police use 9mm?

What Ammunition Do Police Use for 9mm Firearms?

The 9mm caliber has been a staple in law enforcement for decades, and many police departments around the world have standardized on this round as their go-to choice for self-defense and apprehension. But with so many different types of 9mm ammunition on the market, what do police actually use? In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of 9mm ammo used by police forces, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and explore the reasons why certain rounds have become the standard-issue for many departments.

Standard Issue Ammunition: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition is a type of hollow point bullet that has a jacket made of a non-expanding material, such as copper or brass. The core of the bullet is made of lead or other materials, and is covered by a thin layer of jacketing material. When fired, the bullet maintains its shape and penetration characteristics, making it well-suited for target shooting and hunting.

Benefits:

• Accurate and consistent performance
• Penetrates deeply into the target
• Reliable in various firearms

Drawbacks:

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• Does not expand upon impact
• Can cause excessive wound damage
• Not recommended for self-defense or duty use

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) ammunition is a type of hollow point bullet that has a jacket made of expanding material, such as copper or brass. The core of the bullet is made of lead or other materials, and is surrounded by a thin layer of jacketing material. When fired, the bullet expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and improving penetration.

Benefits:

• Expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel
• Reduces ricochet and increases terminal effectiveness
• Provides improved penetration and stopping power

Drawbacks:

• Can be inaccurate and inconsistent in performance
• May not penetrate deeply into certain types of materials
• Can be over-penetrating and create unnecessary damage

Law Enforcement’s Choice: +P and +P+ Loads

Plus P (+P) Loads

Plus P (+P) loads are a type of 9mm ammunition that is designed to perform better in certain situations than standard pressure loads. +P loads have a slightly higher pressure rating than standard pressure loads, which allows for better expansion and penetration. These loads are commonly used by law enforcement and civilians for self-defense and hunting.

Benefits:

• Provides better expansion and penetration
• Reduces over-penetration and increases terminal effectiveness
• Reliable in various firearms

Drawbacks:

• May not be compatible with all firearms
• Can be more expensive than standard pressure loads
• May not be necessary for all situations

Plus P+ (+P+) Loads

Plus P+ (+P+) loads are a type of 9mm ammunition that is designed to perform even better than +P loads. These loads have an even higher pressure rating than +P loads, which allows for even better expansion and penetration. +P+ loads are commonly used by law enforcement and civilians for self-defense and hunting in extreme situations.

Benefits:

• Provides the best expansion and penetration of any 9mm ammunition
• Reduces over-penetration and increases terminal effectiveness
• Reliable in various firearms

Drawbacks:

• May not be compatible with all firearms
• Can be very expensive
• May not be necessary for most situations

Why Law Enforcement Chooses JHP and +P Ammunition

So why do police departments around the world choose JHP and +P ammunition for their sidearms? The answer is simple: effectiveness. Law enforcement agencies need ammunition that can quickly and reliably incapacitate suspects, while minimizing over-penetration and ricochet. JHP and +P ammunition offer the best balance of accuracy, penetration, and expansion, making them the clear choice for many departments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 9mm ammunition has become the standard-issue caliber for many police departments around the world. Within this caliber, there are various types of ammunition that have their own benefits and drawbacks. Law enforcement agencies often choose JHP and +P ammunition for their sidearms, as they offer the best balance of accuracy, penetration, and expansion. By understanding the different types of 9mm ammunition and their uses, civilians can better choose the right ammo for their own needs, and law enforcement agencies can select the most effective rounds for their officers.

Recommended 9mm Ammo for Police Use

Here are some recommended 9mm ammo for police use:

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and police departments may have their own specific requirements and recommendations. It’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or consult with a firearms expert before making a purchase.