10mm FMJ

Full Metal Jacket for Training, Target Shooting & Reloading

Hey, this is Bill with Raven Rocks Precision. I’m going to talk about 9mm full metal jacket, or FMJ, bullets today. Click to read entire video transcription

Full metal jacket bullets—often just referred to as FMJ—are the backbone of nearly all the handgun bullets we sell. They feature a lead core with a copper jacket, and the bases are exposed lead bases. This is different from a jacketed hollow point, which has a copper base and an open hollow point at the tip of the bullet.

These bullets are really good for standard target, range, and training practice. Some folks also use them for competition, although many prefer jacketed hollow points to reduce lead fouling when shooting in high volume. For most people, an inexpensive full metal jacket bullet is one of the best choices. They’re well-made, and you don’t have to worry about maximum velocities, especially for handgun use.

We currently have several types in stock. Dead Nuts is essentially our house brand—we’re partnered with them—so you’ll see a lot of Dead Nuts bullets available. We also offer other rotating deals from time to time. We’ve had DKC, SIG, Armscor, and MFS bullets in the past. Many of those are available for a limited time—once the deal is gone, it’s gone.

With Dead Nuts bullets, though, we expect to always have a steady supply and continue restocking. So, if you’re looking to work up a load you can repeat consistently in the future, we highly recommend checking out the Dead Nuts bullets on our website.

Again, full metal jacket bullets are a great option for many reloaders. If you’re new to reloading, they’re especially ideal. It’s easy to find load data for them, and they’re straightforward for building a safe and repeatable load.

Go ahead and check them out on our website under the 9mm section. Read Less

The 10mm FMJ (10mm Full Metal Jacket) is the go-to bullet type for shooters who need consistency, reliability, and affordability. Whether you’re buying 10mm FMJ bullets for reloading bulk practice ammo or stocking up so you can make affordable 10mm ammo in the future, this design excels in training and competition where accuracy and smooth feeding matter more than expansion.

Unlike hollow points, FMJ bullets are designed to hold their shape on impact, delivering deep penetration, easy feeding, and repeatable performance. That makes them ideal for range work, drills, and high-volume shooting.

Why Choose 10mm FMJ Bullets?

  • Affordable Practice – FMJ bullets are less expensive to manufacture, making them perfect for bulk training.
  • Reliable Feeding – Both the flat nose and round-nose profile cycles smoothly in semi-automatic pistols.
  • Consistency – Delivers predictable accuracy and shot placement at the range.
  • Competition Ready – A great choice for USPSA, IDPA, and steel matches.

Popular Grain Weights for 10mm FMJ

Grain Weight Velocity (fps) Best Use
165 gr ~1,250 Lighter recoil, faster follow-up shots
180 gr ~1,200 Most popular for practice and competition
200 gr ~1,100 Heavier recoil, good training for hunting loads
230 gr ~1,000 Hard hitting, subsonic performance

10mm FMJ for Reloaders

Reloading 10mm FMJ is straightforward, and it’s the best way to keep training costs under control.

  • Brass: JAG, Starline and Nosler brass are excellent choices for bulk loads.
  • Primers: Large pistol primers ensure consistent ignition.
  • Powders: Accurate No. 9, Power Pistol, and Blue Dot all deliver reliable velocities.
  • Seating & Crimping: Keep overall length (OAL) consistent. A light taper crimp improves feeding without stressing brass.

When loading bulk FMJ, focus on function and repeatability. Save your high-pressure experiments for hunting or defense loads.

Training & Range Applications for 10mm FMJ

Most shooters use 10mm FMJ ammo for:

  • Affordable range practice.
  • Competition shooting in USPSA, IDPA, and steel matches.
  • Building muscle memory with recoil and cycling similar to defensive loads.

FMJ is the standard for training because it’s relatively inexpensive, reliable, and accurate enough for both paper and steel targets.

Comparing 10mm FMJ and 10mm JHP

  • FMJ = practice, affordability, competition and penetration.
  • JHP = self-defense, hunting, competition, and controlled expansion.

Both have their place. My advice: train with FMJ, carry JHP. Compete with what makes the most sense for you. FMJ builds your skill; JHP protects your life.

Buying 10mm FMJ Bullets

At Raven Rocks Precision, we stock:

  • 10mm FMJ bullets for reloaders in multiple grain weights.
  • Factory-loaded 10mm FMJ ammo from trusted manufacturers.
  • Instant restock notifications so you never miss out when popular products move fast.

If you shoot 10mm, you should keep both FMJ and JHP on hand. FMJ keeps your training costs down and your skills sharp; JHP is what you carry when it matters most. 10mm Auto is an extremely well-rounded cartridge, and with proper training can be a near do-all handgun cartridge.

Picture of Bill Bogner

Bill Bogner

Co-Founder, Raven Rocks Precision

Bill Bogner is the co-founder of Raven Rocks Precision and a recognized expert in reloading supplies and ammunition performance. With a hands-on approach and years of industry experience, Bill has helped establish Raven Rocks as a trusted source for high-quality projectiles among reloaders, instructors, and competitive shooters. This content was created by Bill, with the assistance of AI to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.