small caliber HP expansion

[horsepwr]

I've wondered, like with a .32, .25, .380, etc...(small-caliber) if it might be better to carry FMJ opposed to hollow-points.
I wonder if they have enough "umph" to expand properly. My thinking is that a FMJ will penetrate deeper offering more stopping power. Or, causing more internal damage to the target.

Say the HP does expand properly. It's winter, so there is heavy cloth which forces the round to open up before flesh entry, possibly. This scenario would render the round virtually helpless.

So, do you think that FMJs might be the safer choice in the 'small calibers'?

[EVERLAST]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

Once you are familiar with the weapon and practice with it to gain proficiency, establish muscle memory, and hit what you aim at consistently...
consider an obvious target.
The human occipital bone is a thin bone at the back of the eye socket that is the only real barrier to the brain. Blinding your attacker at the very least and probably killing him with a quick double tap.

So if you can consistently hit a cigarette pack at 3-4 paces...
you bypass the bulky clothes and dont really need the expansion of a hollow point.

[horsepwr]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

That's another reason I'm thinking I might rather a FMJ in the smaller caliber because expansion, really, is unnecessary and maybe even unwanted.

[tn94z]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

I agree. FMJ with the smaller calibers should be plenty if you can hit your target.

[EVERLAST]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

thats the big IF...
non lethal wounding allows for retaliatory action.
You want them DRT.
Expansion allows for faster bleed out, but to neutralize a lethal threat
it all comes down to round placement.

[deepsouth]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

I would plink shoot with FMJ and have 1 mag loaded something like Critical Defense rounds for when I may have to actually shoot someone. Remember- Dead men don't testify!

[horsepwr]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

I have 16 Critical Defense in the 9mm right now. They open up and go 13-15" into gel. I'm not concerned about penetration with the larger calibers. I'm just thinking an FMJ might be a better defense round in the calibers with less power and energy.

[EVERLAST]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

Statistically more people are killed w a .22 cal.
This is probably due to the numbers of these calibers in the population, but consider the
mafia. They could use whatever they like but time and time again they select the little ol .22
Why? Because It Works.
I know the hollow point .22 rounds dont open up. The .380s do. But if the .22 is lethal at close range does it really matter?

I still say round placement is the determining factor.

[horsepwr]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

I completely agree. Shot placement is everything.
I talk about the lethality<--is that a word? but I speak on the behalf of the .22 being a lethal round anytime I read, or hear someone mention how "non-lethal" the .22 is. bs.
When asked, "would you rather be shot in the head with a .22, or in the foot with a .45?" These caliber savants answer, ".22 to the head" without hesitation. dumb asses. A .22 will enter the skull and create scrambled brain.

oh. I held a Black on black, or blued slide/black frame Keltec .32 yesterday afternoon. It was $311 OTD. He had the belt clip in stock too. He was asking $18 for the clip. He had no extended mags for it though.
I really liked that black w/black frame.
He had plenty of FMJ and HPs too.

[EVERLAST]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

excellent price for that these days...
you should jump on it...
extended mags are available from several aftermarket sources online.

[jipped genes]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

watched a cable show about it. in the smaller calibers critical penetration was not achieved about 1/2 the time if the HP bullet did expand. they reccomended FMJ as they will not over penetrate and extinguish all of their energy deep inside the target.

now for 9mm and up i dont use FMJ on HPs

[horsepwr]

Re: small caliber HP expansion

watched a cable show about it. in the smaller calibers critical penetration was not achieved about 1/2 the time if the HP bullet did expand. they reccomended FMJ as they will not over penetrate and extinguish all of their energy deep inside the target.

now for 9mm and up i dont use FMJ on HPs

That's exactly what I figured. FMJ won't overpenetrate. It will stop inside the target therefor transfering it's energy into the target.
I figured, also, that HP enpansion would actually be a hinderance in the small calibers.
awesome info! Thanks jipped.
and yes. Anything in the "larger calibers", .357, 9mm, .45, etc...you get a good expansion while still very good penetration.