FMJ, or full metal jacket, bullets are often used for target practice because they are less likely to cause as much damage to the target. However, they can be used for hunting if the right type of FMJ bullet is chosen. The main types of FMJ bullets are hollow point and soft point. Hollow point FMJ bullets are designed to expand upon impact, making them ideal for hunting. Soft point FMJ bullets are designed to expand slightly upon impact, making them less likely to cause as much damage to the target.
Different Types of Ammo Used in Hunting
There are a variety of types of ammunition available for hunters, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of ammo used in hunting are:
Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun ammo is the most versatile type of ammunition available, as it can be used for a variety of game birds and animals. The downside to shotgun ammo is that it is relatively expensive, and it can be difficult to find the right type of ammo for the game you are hunting.
Rifle Ammo
Rifle ammo is typically used for larger game animals, such as deer. Rifle ammo is more expensive than shotgun ammo, but it is more accurate and delivers more power.
Pistol Ammo
Pistol ammo is typically used for smaller game animals, such as rabbits or squirrels. Pistol ammo is less expensive than rifle ammo, but it is less accurate and delivers less power.
Rimfire Ammo
Rimfire ammo is a type of pistol ammo that is less expensive than other types of pistol ammo. Rimfire ammo is less accurate than other types of pistol ammo, but it is still effective for small game hunting.
Centerfire Ammo
Centerfire ammo is a type of rifle ammo that is more expensive than other types of rifle ammo. Centerfire ammo is more accurate than other types of rifle ammo, but it is still less accurate than shotgun ammo.
BB Ammo
BB ammo is a type of pistol ammo that is used for plinking (shooting at targets for practice) or for small game hunting. BB ammo is less expensive than other types of pistol ammo, but it is less accurate and delivers less power.
Use FMJ for Hunting
Yes, you can use full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets for hunting, but there are a few things to keep in mind. FMJ bullets are designed to punch through targets without expanding, so they may not cause as much damage to game animals as Hollow Point or Soft Point bullets. That said, FMJ bullets can still be lethal if they hit a vital organ.
FMJ bullets also have a tendency to over-penetrate, meaning they can travel through an animal and keep going. This increases the risk of wounding other animals or humans nearby. If you do use FMJ bullets for hunting, make sure you have a good backstop in place to contain the bullets.
Benefits of Using FMJ for Hunting
There are a few benefits to using full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition for hunting. One benefit is that FMJ rounds are less likely to deform upon impact with a hard target, which can result in improved penetration. This can be especially beneficial when hunting game that is known to have tough hide or bone structures, such as hogs or bear.
Additionally, because FMJ rounds tend to retain their shape better than other types of ammunition, they are less likely to deflect off of a hard surface, which increases the likelihood of hitting the intended target. Finally, FMJ rounds typically have a higher velocity than other types of ammunition, which can result in more kinetic energy being transferred to the target, leading to greater damage.
Risks of Using FMJ for Hunting
While FMJ (full metal jacket) bullets are often used for target practice, there are risks associated with using them for hunting. FMJ bullets are designed to penetrate targets and often do not expand when they hit an animal, which can result in the animal suffering from a non-fatal wound. In addition, FMJ bullets can ricochet off of hard surfaces, which can pose a danger to nearby hunters or bystanders.
Choose the Right Ammo for Your Hunting Needs
Before you can choose the right ammo for your hunting needs, you need to first understand the different types of ammunition available. The three most common types of ammunition used for hunting are:
- Rifle ammunition
- Shotgun ammunition
- Muzzleloader ammunition
Rifle ammunition is typically used for hunting large game animals, such as deer, elk, moose, and bear. The most common caliber of rifle ammunition used for hunting is .30-06.
Shotgun ammunition is typically used for hunting small game animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and birds. The most common caliber of shotgun ammunition used for hunting is 12 gauge.
Muzzleloader ammunition is typically used for hunting large game animals, such as deer, elk, and moose. The most common caliber of muzzleloader ammunition used for hunting is .50 caliber.
When choosing the right ammo for your hunting needs, you need to consider the animal you are hunting, the terrain you will be hunting in, and your own personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can you use full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition for hunting?
No, you cannot use FMJ ammunition for hunting. FMJ ammunition is designed for target shooting and not for hunting. The main difference between FMJ and hunting ammunition is that FMJ ammunition is not designed to expand upon impact, while hunting ammunition is designed to expand upon impact. This means that FMJ ammunition will not cause as much damage to an animal as hunting ammunition will.
Why can’t you use FMJ ammunition for hunting?
The main reason why you cannot use FMJ ammunition for hunting is because it is not designed to expand upon impact. This means that it will not cause as much damage to an animal as hunting ammunition will. FMJ ammunition is designed for target shooting and not for hunting.
What is the difference between FMJ and hunting ammunition?
The main difference between FMJ and hunting ammunition is that FMJ ammunition is not designed to expand upon impact, while hunting ammunition is designed to expand upon impact. This means that FMJ ammunition will not cause as much damage to an animal as hunting ammunition will.
Are there any drawbacks to using hunting ammunition?
The main drawback to using hunting ammunition is that it is more expensive than FMJ ammunition. Hunting ammunition is designed to expand upon impact, which makes it more expensive to produce.
Can you use FMJ ammunition for self-defense?
Yes, you can use FMJ ammunition for self-defense. FMJ ammunition is designed to penetrate through targets, and this makes it ideal for self-defense. The main downside of using FMJ ammunition for self-defense is that it will not expand upon impact, so it might not stop an attacker as quickly as hunting ammunition would.
Can you use FMJ ammunition for plinking?
Yes, you can use FMJ ammunition for plinking. FMJ ammunition is designed to penetrate through targets, and this makes it ideal for plinking. The main downside of using FMJ ammunition for plinking is that it will not expand upon impact, so it might not stop a target as quickly as hunting ammunition would.
Conclusion
Yes, FMJ can be used for hunting, but it is not the best choice. FMJ bullets are designed to penetrate deeply, which can cause extensive damage to the animal. If you are looking to harvest game, choose a bullet designed for hunting.
