FMJ vs JHP: range ammo, defense ammo and the price gap
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Guide reviewed 2026-10-09. Price per round is from displayable listings that state the bullet type.
What the two terms mean
Federal Ammunition states: "The most popular bullet styles are full metal jacket (FMJ) and jacketed hollow point (JHP). FMJs are ideal for shooting at the range in large volume due to their lower price." It says jacketed hollow points suit self-defense because they expand on impact and do not over-penetrate.
Hornady states that the FTX bullets in its Critical Defense handgun ammunition "are designed to expand and provide the terminal performance needed for close encounters often associated with personal protection situations."
Whether a range allows a given bullet, or a state limits carry ammunition, is a rule of that range or jurisdiction. Check with the range, and read Houston range ammo rules for what local ranges publish.
The price gap right now
Median price per round for listings by stated bullet type, for handgun calibers with at least 5 listings of each type. Positive means the hollow point median is higher than the FMJ median.
| Caliber | FMJ median $/rd | JHP median $/rd | JHP vs FMJ |
|---|---|---|---|
| .32 ACP | $0.56/rd (46 listings) | $0.69/rd (96 listings) | +24% |
| .45 Colt | $1.04/rd (7 listings) | $1.60/rd (87 listings) | +54% |
| .44 Magnum | $0.87/rd (8 listings) | $1.50/rd (184 listings) | +73% |
| .357 Magnum | $0.65/rd (60 listings) | $1.28/rd (269 listings) | +95% |
| .38 Special | $0.56/rd (215 listings) | $1.12/rd (262 listings) | +100% |
| .45 ACP | $0.51/rd (449 listings) | $1.20/rd (538 listings) | +136% |
| .380 ACP | $0.40/rd (269 listings) | $0.95/rd (171 listings) | +138% |
| 10mm Auto | $0.59/rd (147 listings) | $1.40/rd (284 listings) | +138% |
| .40 S&W | $0.43/rd (384 listings) | $1.08/rd (443 listings) | +150% |
| 9mm | $0.32/rd (577 listings) | $0.90/rd (596 listings) | +181% |
Prices exclude shipping and tax.
Cheapest right now
- 9mm: $0.23/rd at Cheaper Than Dirt. Buy at Cheaper Than Dirt
Sources
Where this comes from.
Sources were opened and read on or before . Quotes are the publisher's own words; the page may have changed since.
- Federal Ammunition: Handgun FAQs (FMJ and jacketed hollow point)
- Hornady: Critical Duty and Critical Defense differences
Buyer's guides