What 9mm ammo do cops use?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on January 06, 2026
Federal Premium LE HST
A common choice for law enforcement agencies, this 9mm ammo has scored well in FBI and independent ballistic tests. The Federal HST LE bullet is designed to expand to create a large wound cavity.What ammo do police officers use?
The . 40 S&W caliber is the overwhelming top choice of police departments today, followed by the . 357 SIG and the . 45.Do police use FMJ or hollow point?
Despite the widespread ban on military use, hollow-point bullets are one of the most common types of bullets used by civilians and police, which is due largely to the reduced risk of bystanders being hit by over-penetrating or ricocheted bullets, and the increased speed of incapacitation.Do police use FMJ bullets?
Hollow point bullets are too brutal for warfare, yet U.S. police use them. The amount of different kinds of bullets available for both civilian and professional use is immense but can mostly be put into one of two categories: full metal jacket or hollow point.What grain is better for 9mm?
For self-defense, shoot your specific 9mm handgun with 115 grain and with 147 grain bullets at 25 yards and less to see if you find, like I did, that the heavier 147 grain bullet hits the target higher almost every time.TOP 5 BEST 9MM AMMO FOR SELF DEFENSE 2020
Are police allowed to use hollow points?
While hollow points are commonly used by police and civilians, they are banned in international warfare under the 1899 Hague Convention's early laws of war that the United States has followed even though the U.S. government never ratified the agreement.What is the highest grain 9mm bullet?
The usual bullet weights for 9mm Luger range from 115 to 147 grains. Lighter and heavier bullets can be had, but they are not common for factory loads. The heavy bullets are generally 158-grains, but 165-grain bullets can also be had.Is FMJ ammo good for self defense?
Self Defence: FMJ ammo is not often used in self-defense situations due to the risk of the bullet striking an unintended target. It is a small-arms projectile, it can be used in concealed carry guns. Hollow point bullets are better for shoot to kill and self-defense situations.How often should you rotate your carry ammo?
In the grand scheme of things, carry ammo is relatively cheap to replace compared to other purchases. If it's possible, replace every 6 months. A good minimum to rotate ammo out is once a year. This could be a set date like your birthday, Christmas, or any other day you think is significant.What 9mm ammo does the FBI use 2021?
Federal Premium LE HSTA common choice for law enforcement agencies, this 9mm ammo has scored well in FBI and independent ballistic tests. The Federal HST LE bullet is designed to expand to create a large wound cavity.