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Posted On: 6/6/2021
By: Heather
A: Thanks for reaching out Heather! A self-defense cartridge for a semi-automatic pistol has a jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullet. The JHP is designed to expand as it penetrates soft tissue, which (A) creates a wider wound channel, (B) distributes more energy outward, and (C) reduces the chance of overpenetration which could jeopardize innocent bystanders. A training cartridge has a full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet. This type of bullet does not expand, so it is less than optimal for self-defense – but it is also significantly cheaper to manufacture an FMJ bullet. In short, JHP ammo deals more damage and costs more money; FMJ ammo deals less damage and costs less money.