The Different Types of Bullets Police Use for Self Defense

Most police officers carry .40 caliber handguns as their primary sidearm. In terms of ammunition, this means that they typically carry hollow point bullets. Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, causing more damage to targets than traditional bullets. This makes them ideal for self-defense situations, where police officers need to stop an assailant as quickly as possible.

There are a few different types of hollow point bullets that police officers may carry. The most common type is the full metal jacketed hollow point (FMJHP). FMJHPs are made with a soft lead core that is surrounded by a harder metal jacket. When these bullets strike a target, the lead core expands and the metal jacket prevents the bullet from fragmenting. This makes FMJHPs very effective at penetrating through flesh and bone.

Another type of hollow point bullet that police officers may carry is the bonded core hollow point (BCHP). BCHP bullets are made with a lead core that is bonded to the metal jacket. This bonding prevents the lead core from expanding upon impact, making BCHPs ideal for penetrating through hard objects like car doors or windows.

Police officers may also carry frangible hollow point (FHP) bullets. FHPs are made with a lead core that is surrounded by a brittle metal jacket. When these bullets strike a target, the metal jacket shatters, causing the lead core to expand and fragment. This makes FHPs very effective at penetrating through flesh and bone.