Ever found yourself staring at ammo boxes wondering why there are so many bullet different types? I remember my first time at the gun store - felt like a kid in a candy store but without knowing which candies actually taste good. Let's cut through the confusion and talk real-world bullet types.
Here's the truth most range instructors won't tell you: Choosing the right bullet type matters more than your optics when you're inside 100 yards. Get this wrong and you're either wasting money or compromising effectiveness.
Why Understanding Different Bullet Types Actually Matters
Bullets aren't just chunks of metal. How they're designed changes everything:
- Terminal performance - What happens when it hits flesh
- Recoil & accuracy - How your gun behaves
- Barrel wear - Some types eat barrels faster
- Legal compliance - Certain bullets are restricted in some states
Last deer season, I watched a guy lose a perfect buck because he used FMJ instead of soft points. The bullet zipped right through without expanding. Heartbreaking to see that animal suffer needlessly.
The Core Bullet Different Types Explained
Let's break down the major categories you'll actually encounter:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
The basic training round. Lead core with copper coating covering everything except the base.
Where FMJ Shines:
- Cheapest option ($0.25-0.40/round for 9mm)
- Minimal barrel fouling
- Reliable feeding in semi-autos
- Great for paper punching
Where FMJ Fails:
- Over-penetration danger (I've seen them go through 4 interior walls)
- Minimal expansion on impact
- Poor stopping power for self-defense
- Not legal for hunting in most states
Honest opinion? I won't keep FMJ in my home defense guns. The risk to neighbors isn't worth the savings. But for range days? Absolutely.
Hollow Point (HP)
The self-defense standard. That cavity in the tip isn't just for looks - it's engineered to expand.
| HP Type | Best For | Avg. Expansion | Price Range | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard HP | Budget defense | 1.5x caliber | $0.60-0.90 | Reliable in most modern pistols |
| Jacketed HP | Premium defense | 1.7-2x caliber | $1.10-1.80 | Worth the extra cost for carry guns |
| Polymer-tipped HP | Rifle hunting | 2x+ caliber | $1.50-3.00 | Extremely consistent expansion |
➤ Pro tip: Always test your hollow points in YOUR gun. I had feeding issues with certain HP designs in my 1911 until I polished the feed ramp.
Soft Point (SP)
The hunter's choice. Exposed lead tip with partial copper jacket.
Why hunters swear by them:
- Controlled expansion - punches through hide then mushrooms
- Better weight retention than hollow points at rifle velocities
- Less meat damage than ballistic tips on deer-sized game
My .30-06 consistently groups 1.2 MOA with 180gr soft points. Switched from bonded hollow points after seeing over-expansion on close-range shots.
Specialty Bullet Different Types
Now we get into the interesting stuff:
Ballistic Tip
Combines polymer tip with hollow point cavity. Flies like FMJ, expands like HP.
My field test results with .223 ballistic tips:
| Distance | Target | Expansion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 yards | Ballistic gel | 2.3x caliber | Massive temporary cavity |
| 200 yards | Coyote | Full expansion | Clean kill, minimal pelt damage |
| 350 yards | Ballistic gel | 1.8x caliber | Still impressive terminal ballistics |
Downside? At close range (<50 yards) on large game, they can be too explosive. I'd avoid them for elk hunting.
Frangible Bullets
Designed to disintegrate on impact with hard surfaces. Ideal for:
- Steel target shooting (reduces hazardous ricochets)
- Close-quarters training (less penetration through walls)
- Aircraft security (won't pierce fuselage)
⚠️ Reality check: Most frangible ammo costs 3x FMJ. Unless you're regularly shooting steel at close range or training in shoot houses, it's hard to justify the expense.
Match-Grade Bullets
Precision shooters know consistency wins matches. What sets match bullets apart:
- Tighter weight tolerances (often ±0.1gr vs ±1.0gr for bulk ammo)
- Precision swaged cores rather than cast
- Specialized meplat designs for uniform aerodynamics
The difference shows downrange. Switching from hunting bullets to match bullets shaved 0.3 MIL off my vertical dispersion at 600 yards.
Bullet Types by Caliber: What Actually Works
Not all bullet types perform equally across calibers. Here's what I've found:
9mm Handguns
- Self-defense: Jacketed hollow points (124-147gr)
- Range/training: FMJ (115-124gr)
- Avoid: Heavy subsonics in short barrels - they often fail to expand
My carry load: Federal HST 147gr. Consistent expansion through denim and drywall in my tests.
.223/5.56 Rifles
- Varminting: Ballistic tips (40-55gr)
- Home defense: Soft points or bonded hollow points (55-77gr)
- Target shooting: Match hollow points (69-77gr)
- Never use M855 "green tip" for home defense - over-penetration risk
.308 Hunting Rifles
- Deer: Soft points (150-165gr)
- Elk/Bear: Bonded bullets or controlled expansion (165-180gr)
- Long range: Match hollow points (168-175gr)
The bullet types you choose should match your actual use. That "tactical" ammo might look cool but performs terribly for prairie dogs.
Legal Considerations Across States
Bullet restrictions vary wildly:
| State | Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | No hollow points | Except at home/range |
| California | Lead ban in condor zones | Requires copper bullets |
| Illinois | No "armor piercing" handgun ammo | Vague definition |
I learned this the hard way traveling to California. Had to buy all new copper ammo at triple the price. Check local laws before traveling with ammo.
Handloading Considerations by Bullet Type
If you reload, bullet types affect your process:
- Lead bullets: Need lower velocities to prevent leading
- Plated bullets: Velocity ceiling around 1,200 fps
- Match bullets: Often prefer jump-sensitive seating depths
- Hollow points: Can deform during seating - use tapered seating stems
My biggest reloading mistake? Loading lead bullets to jacketed velocities. Ended up with a barrel full of molten lead.
Practical Applications: Matching Bullet Types to Real Needs
Home Defense Handguns
After testing dozens of bullet different types in ballistics gel with barriers:
- Best: Bonded hollow points (HST, Gold Dot, Ranger T)
- Budget option: Federal Punch or Speer Lawman
- Avoid: FMJ, unjacketed lead, exotic penetrators
Deer Hunting Rifle
Different bullet types perform differently at various ranges:
| Range | Bullet Type | Optimal Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-150 yards | Soft point | 165-180gr (.30 cal) | Controlled expansion |
| 150-300 yards | Bonded hollow point | 150-168gr (.30 cal) | Better aerodynamics |
| 300+ yards | Polymer tip | 140-155gr (.30 cal) | Flatter trajectory |
Precision Rifle Competition
Why match bullets dominate:
- Higher ballistic coefficients (0.55-0.65 vs 0.40-0.50 for hunting bullets)
- Consistent meplat design shot-to-shot
- Tighter bearing surface tolerances
My handloads with Berger 6.5mm 140gr hybrids consistently deliver 0.25 MOA when I do my part.
Debunking Common Bullet Myths
Let's clear up some range talk nonsense:
Myth: "Hollow points are less accurate"
Truth: Modern JHPs often outshoot FMJ at distance. The Hornady XTP shoots tighter groups than any FMJ in my .357.
Myth: "Magnums need heavy bullets"
Truth: In .44 Mag, 180-200gr bullets actually produce flatter trajectories for woods hunting. I've taken more deer with 180gr than 240gr.
Myth: "Steel case ammo damages barrels"
Truth: The steel is softer than your barrel. The real issue is bimetal jackets wearing throats faster. But we're talking 5,000+ rounds before noticeable wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullet Different Types
Can I use FMJ for self-defense?
Technically yes, legally yes in most places, but ethically questionable. Over-penetration risks are real. I've seen FMJ rounds go through 4 interior walls still carrying lethal energy.
Why are hollow points banned in some places?
Misguided belief they're "more lethal." Reality is they're actually safer in defensive situations because they're less likely to penetrate multiple walls or bystanders. The New Jersey law is particularly frustrating.
Do match bullets work for hunting?
Some do, many don't. Target bullets often have thinner jackets designed for precision, not controlled expansion. Berger makes excellent hunting hybrids though. Check manufacturer specs - if it says "target" don't use it on game.
How much does bullet type affect accuracy?
More than most shooters realize. Switching from bulk FMJ to match bullets often cuts group sizes by 30-50% in precision rifles. In my 6.5 Creedmoor, the difference was 1.2 MOA vs 0.6 MOA at 100 yards.
Are +P hollow points worth the extra recoil?
Depends on your platform. In full-size guns, the velocity gain (typically 50-100 fps) improves expansion reliability. In micro-compacts, the increased muzzle flip hurts follow-up shots more than the terminal benefit.
Ammo Storage Considerations by Bullet Type
Different bullet types have different vulnerabilities:
- Lead exposed bullets: Prone to oxidation - use desiccant packs
- Copper bullets: Can develop verdigris in humid environments
- Moly-coated bullets: Don't mix with conventional lube bullets
My storage solution: MTM ammo cans with silica gel packs, stored off concrete floors. Humidity-controlled if possible.
The Future of Bullet Different Types
Emerging technologies changing the game:
- Controlled-fragmentation designs (like Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense)
- Solid copper expanding bullets with massive wound channels
- Environmentally friendly primers reducing lead exposure
The solid copper rounds I've tested in .308 perform like bullets 50gr heavier. Pricey but impressive.
Final thoughts: After 20 years of shooting everything from .22LR to .50 BMG, I've learned there's no "best" bullet type - only what's best for your specific application. What matters is matching the bullet to your actual needs, not marketing hype. And always test your chosen ammo in your actual firearm.