One of our readers recently asked us to explain the difference in regular ammo versus hollow point ammunition.  Tamiko M. (from Savannah), wanted to know all about the ins and outs of these differences, but more especially about one kind of ammunition she recently saw: Hornady’s Zombie Max Ammunition.  Well Tamiko, as always, PSA has you covered.  Without further adieu, lets shoot right through to the good stuff…..

Tamiko…the picture above shows a basic representation of the aesthetic differences between a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) round and a Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) round.  As you will notice, the Hollow Point round is simply that…it has a deep dimple in the nose of the bullet.  As these bullets strike their target, the hollowed out portion of the nose allows the bullet to expand in an umbrella, or mushroom fashion.  The purpose of this it to create a more devastating wound channel inside of that bad guy!!!  Some JHP rounds actually fragment once hitting their target, creating more wound channels.  On the contrary, the round nose (or in this case flat nose) ammunition, have no “expansion plans” and do not create wound channels anywhere near as incisive as JHP rounds.  For this reason, JHP rounds are almost always suggested over FMJ bullets in regards to personal defense.  Along the same lines, the FMJ rounds are usually used for target practice and plinking.

We all know it is fast approaching and we should all get ready for it…the Zombie Apocalypse!!!  Well….just our luck, Hornady (PSA’s favorite ammunition manufacturer!!!) has already thought of that!  A few years ago, we were introduced to Hornady’s Zombie Max Ammo!!!  Tamiko, this ammunition is the best shot if you need to protect yourself from a zombie attack!!!

Hornady offers their Zombie ammunition in a myriad of calibers from 9mm to .223 Remington to 12 gauge.  If you are ever in a dark alley and a group of zombies are chasing you and you don’t have your EDC loaded to the brim with these….we feel for you!!!  Tamiko, these wonderful little puppies are equipped with a green soft polymer insert inside of the hollowed area of the bullet.  The geniuses at Hornady determined that this small green insert will allow shooters to gaurentee a controlled expansion of the bullet, while keeping any kind of cloth, material, or zombie guts from clogging that cavity and preventing it from expanding (which is the number one cause of failure of regular JHP rounds).

Remember Tamiko, this ammunition is not really a good choice for target practice, as it will be quite higher in cost per round.  PSA suggests that you choose a target ammunition with similar grain loads to the Zombie Max ammo to practice with and carry your Zombie Max rounds for personal defense.

***If you are unfamiliar with different types of ammo, the ammo that you should be using, or just want to learn more, PSA strongly suggests that you find, and enroll in a reputable and comprehensive firearms safety course.  Firearms safety and responsible gun ownership is all of our responsibility. 

We want to thank you for taking out the time to stop by our lane at the shooting range!!  We hope that you enjoyed your stay and hope that you stop back by early and often to catch up on all PSA updates!  We truly hope that we were able to hit the target, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to shoot them our way!!  We look forward to shooting the breeze with you soon again!!

And as always….remember to watch your six and stay low!!!