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About LinkBacksJust curious how much of a ballistic difference there is between the three calibers as far as strictly fmj goes...from 3" barrel or less.
This is a discussion on 32 fmj vs 380 fmj vs 9mm fmj within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Just curious how much of a ballistic difference there is between the three calibers as far as strictly fmj goes...from 3" barrel or less....
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Just curious how much of a ballistic difference there is between the three calibers as far as strictly fmj goes...from 3" barrel or less.
There's quite a bit of difference here. Not sure what size barrels were used for these, but here are some data from Ballistics 101
32 ACP
71 gr - 900 fps - 128 ft/lbs of energy
380
95 gr - 980 fps - 203 ft/lbs of energy
9mm
124 gr - 1150 fps - 364 ft/lbs of energy
In the 9mm, you probably could not find a worse defensive load than FMJ (unless it's shot capsules). The NYPD had several documented cases of bystanders being injured or killed by 9mm FMJ rounds penetrating through the target and striking the bystander.
In general, FMJ is a poor choice in defensive ammo, but particularly so in 9mm.
Matt
Battle Plan (n) - a list of things that aren't going to happen if you are attacked.
Blame it on Sixto - now that is a viable plan.
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I use fmj in 32 and 380 for the sake of penetration but would not use it in 9mm as stated by Matt...
"The greatest pride is to think you are humnble enough." CS Lewis
"Woe to those who call evil, good and good, evil." Isaiah 5.20
"Sin is a disguised form of insanity." Al Mohler
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Street thugs and gangs have shown they all three will kill.
Ignorance is a long way from stupid, but left unchecked, can get there real fast.
Personally I'd opt for the Flat nosed FMJs if that's what you are going to run... Better FPE and a straighter wound path with slightly less depth penetration comparatively. In 9mm, no reason to use FMJs for defense, in fact, IMO it boarders on recklessness for that round and up. JMO
"He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." – Luke 22:36
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." – Thomas Jefferson
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I think your .380 ballistics are a bit optimistic, standard .380 round is a 90 grain bullet that really does 800-900 fps depending on gun/barrel length.Originally Posted by MattInFla
In actuality there's precious little differance in the effectiveness of a .380 over the .32 ACP despite the difference in ft-lbs energy.
Last edited by ZappBranigan; August 5th, 2011 at 12:02 PM.
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What information lead you to this opinion? I am simply curious as I have never heard this before.
"Brilliant. So now we got a huge guy theory, and a serial crusher theory. Top notch. What's your name?" - Paul Smecker
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