What ammo does the FBI use?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently selected Hornady’s 9 mm +P Luger 135-grain Critical Duty ammunition for their duty use. This selection is based on an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement awarded to Hornady. The 135-grain +P Critical Duty round has once again been chosen by the FBI, reaffirming its effectiveness and reliability.

The FBI’s decision to select the Hornady 9 mm +P Luger 135-grain Critical Duty ammunition is significant, as it demonstrates the agency’s commitment to equipping its agents with the best possible ammunition for their duty weapons. The 135-grain bullet weight, combined with the +P (overpressure) designation, indicates that this ammunition is designed to deliver enhanced performance and energy transfer upon impact.

The Critical Duty ammunition line is specifically engineered to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement professionals. It is designed to perform consistently and effectively in a variety of situations, including barrier penetration, controlled expansion, and reliable feeding in semi-automatic firearms. This ammunition is intended to provide optimal performance in both urban and rural environments, where law enforcement officers may encounter a range of potential threats.

The 135-grain weight of the bullet strikes a balance between penetration and expansion, offering the potential for effective stopping power while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. This is crucial in law enforcement scenarios, where collateral damage must be minimized, and officers must be able to trust their ammunition to stop a threat quickly and effectively.

The +P designation indicates that this ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard 9 mm rounds. This results in increased muzzle velocity and energy, further enhancing the terminal performance of the round. The higher pressure load allows for consistent expansion of the bullet upon impact, ensuring maximum energy transfer to the target.

Personal experiences with the Hornady Critical Duty ammunition have been overwhelmingly positive. Many law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have chosen this ammunition for its reliability and performance. The ammunition has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness in real-world scenarios, and it has consistently delivered reliable results.

The FBI has selected the Hornady 9 mm +P Luger 135-grain Critical Duty ammunition for its duty use based on its proven performance and reliability. This ammunition offers a balance of penetration and expansion, ensuring effective stopping power while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. The +P designation provides increased muzzle velocity and energy, further enhancing the terminal performance of the round. the FBI’s selection of this ammunition reaffirms its commitment to equipping its agents with the best possible ammunition for their duty weapons.