Does anyone alternate FMJ/JHP in their defensive pistol?

[emsjeep]

Was wondering, does anyone keep more than one type of round ready to go just in case a JHP isn't called for, say if penetration through a hard target is necessary? Over penetration is a concern for all ammo types, and most people are bound to miss a few anyway so I'm not too worried with penetration through the target...just wonderin.
I was thinking about going 1:1 with 180gr Federal HSTs and 180gr Federal FMJs.

[JoeWilliams]

No. Winchester Supreme Elite PDX Bonded 230 grain .45 ACPs in all my wife's mags but one, which does have FMJ for the time being. Only because she didn't have enough PDX for all four mags.

The only time I alternate ammo types in my carry gun, a S&W Model 66, is when I'm in the woods hiking, fishing, or camping. Then the first two are usually snake shot. Other than that, Winchester 130 grain +P SXTs in all cylinders.

Frankly, it is my opinion that if the above loads can't handle the task, neither can a handgun with any ammo. The extra penetration of FMJ doesn't justify the risk to bystanders, which may well include my family.

[Mr White]

I do the same thing as Joe, If I'm in the woods or fishing, my first 2 are shot loads and the rest are JHPs. I see no point in using FMJ round noses for anything but plimking.

[andrewjs18]

I shoot FMJ at paper and keep JHP in my mag if I EVER need to use my gun to defend myself. I can't take the risk of a FMJ penetrating through someone and hitting an innocent person.

Currently, I use 124gr gold dots.

[emsjeep]

I shoot FMJ at paper and keep JHP in my mag if I EVER need to use my gun to defend myself. I can't take the risk of a FMJ penetrating through someone and hitting an innocent person.

Currently, I use 124gr gold dots.

So if you shoot, you will never miss? FBI determined this to be of minimal risk as COPS only score hits about 15% of the time...everything else doesn't even get a chance to pentrate.

[andrewjs18]

So if you shoot, you will never miss? FBI determined this to be of minimal risk as COPS only score hits about 15% of the time...everything else doesn't even get a chance to pentrate.

I'm not saying that, but I don't want the added risks with using FMJ bullets in a defensive situation.

PS-most cops can't shoot, sorry, but it's the truth... I shoot weekly and consider myself to be decent, but anyone can miss a shot.

[Emptymag]

Yes, I do.
In my Kel-Tec P-32, (32 ACP)

I have it loaded as follows:
FMJ in chamber.
Next round Winchester Silvertip.(HP)
Next round FMJ
All remaining rounds Winchester Silvertip.(HP)


I've considered doing the same with my .380, but for now, I carry Cor-Bon DPX HPs in it.

[Howard Bullock]

The first 17 rounds out on my XDm .40 are 165gr JHP Golden Sabers. The next 16 rounds in my second magazine are currently 180 gr FMJ.

[Jake Mc.]

Call me crazy, paranoid, or whatever else you can think of. But my carry (self defense) guns get only ammo labled self defense, or personal defense. Unless of course I'm plinking at the range!

[Mancolt]

Call me crazy, paranoid, or whatever else you can think of. But my carry (self defense) guns get only ammo labled self defense, or personal defense. Unless of course I'm plinking at the range!

Good rule of thumb that I also stick by. JHP only for me.

But I'm surprised no1 has stepped up and said they alternate. IIRC, I've read a couple threads where people that were concerned about heavy clothing in winter would not carry JHPs and said that they preferred to carry FMJs.