Fact Check: Are Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets considered armor-piercing?

Are Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullets Considered Armor-Piercing?

The claim in question is whether full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are classified as armor-piercing. This topic is significant in discussions about ammunition types, their uses, and regulations surrounding firearms.

What We Know

Definition of FMJ: Full metal jacket bullets consist of a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell, which is designed to reduce barrel fouling and enhance accuracy. They are primarily used for target shooting and hunting purposes 1 3.
Armor-Piercing Ammunition: Armor-piercing (AP) ammunition is specifically designed to penetrate armor. This type of ammunition typically has a hardened core made from materials such as steel or tungsten, which allows it to breach protective gear more effectively than standard bullets 2 5.
FMJ and Armor Penetration: While FMJ bullets can penetrate certain types of body armor under specific conditions, they are not designed for that purpose. The general consensus among sources is that FMJ bullets lack the specialized design and materials that characterize true armor-piercing ammunition 3 4 5.
Regulatory Definitions: In the context of U.S. law, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) defines armor-piercing ammunition based on its ability to penetrate armor, which typically excludes standard FMJ rounds 6.
Practical Implications: The effectiveness of FMJ bullets against body armor varies depending on the type of armor and the caliber of the bullet. For example, some FMJ rounds may penetrate lower-level body armor, but this is not their intended use 7 8.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

Wikipedia: While it provides a general overview of FMJ and armor-piercing ammunition, it is important to note that Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which may affect the reliability of the information. However, it often cites credible sources, which can be further verified 1 2.
TheGunZone: This site offers a detailed analysis and appears to be focused on educating readers about ammunition types. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, as the site may cater to gun enthusiasts who might have a vested interest in promoting certain types of ammunition 3 4 5.
U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA): This organization provides educational resources about firearms and ammunition. Its content is generally reliable but may reflect a pro-gun perspective, which could influence the presentation of information 6.
BulletSafe: This source discusses the relationship between FMJ rounds and body armor, providing practical insights. It appears to be a reputable source, but it is also important to consider the context in which the information is presented 7.
RMA Defense: This source focuses on body armor and ammunition compatibility, offering a technical perspective. It is likely to be reliable due to its specialized focus, but it may also have a promotional angle 8.

Conflicting Information

Some sources assert that FMJ bullets can penetrate certain types of body armor, while others maintain that they are not designed for that purpose. This discrepancy highlights the need for more specific data regarding the conditions under which FMJ bullets might penetrate armor.

Methodological Considerations

The claims about FMJ bullets' armor-piercing capabilities often rely on anecdotal evidence or specific testing scenarios. More comprehensive studies comparing the penetration capabilities of FMJ versus armor-piercing ammunition across various armor types would provide clearer insights.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are considered armor-piercing is false. The evidence indicates that while FMJ bullets may penetrate certain types of body armor under specific conditions, they are not designed for that purpose and lack the specialized materials that characterize true armor-piercing ammunition. Regulatory definitions, such as those from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), further clarify that FMJ rounds do not meet the criteria for armor-piercing classification.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of FMJ bullets can vary depending on the type of armor and caliber, which adds nuance to the discussion. However, the general consensus remains that FMJ bullets do not qualify as armor-piercing ammunition.

There are limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the conditions under which FMJ bullets might penetrate armor. Many claims rely on anecdotal evidence or specific testing scenarios, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies to draw definitive conclusions.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding ammunition and firearms, considering the context and potential biases of sources.