Bullet type for practice rounds

[bigmyk2k]

So, for pistols and for rifles, I have an opinion question.

Pistols: I know there are 1500 different variations, but for the sake of simplicity, let's focus on FMJ v. JHP. Certainly the former is less expensive. I also know a lot of people that practice with the latter. I can't find any discernible difference in performance when punching holes in paper. Am I missing something?

Rifles: Basically the same question, along with, are there particular brands that are extremely good value for practice (consistent quality, low price)?

[Teufelhund]

I can't think of any good reason to punch holes in paper with anything but the cheapest rounds you can get your hands on. Make sure the better (more effective) stuff functions properly in your weapons and then keep plenty of it on hand for when you need it. For rifles, I practice with the same stuff I stockpile because it is both the most effective and the cheapest.

[NightCat]

Cheapest shit you can find without causing damage to your weapon or excessive malfunctions.

I personally dont shoot steel case..so the cheapest brass I can find that meets the above characteristics

[sellersm]

Generally speaking, I believe the theory is to practice with rounds that duplicate the 'feel' of your defensive rounds: recoil, POA/POI, bullet weight, velocity, etc. If you take a look at the Speer Lawman ammo, for example, it's made to (supposedly) mimic all of the characteristics of the Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points, so you can practice with the cheaper, FMJ Lawman ammo, and get the same 'experience' as shooting with the GDHP.

As for rifle, I'm not familiar with a particular brand that does the similar idea as the Speer Lawman mentioned above, but it seems the same principle could apply.

Hope that made sense...

[Great-Kazoo]

So, for pistols and for rifles, I have an opinion question.

Pistols: I know there are 1500 different variations, but for the sake of simplicity, let's focus on FMJ v. JHP. Certainly the former is less expensive. I also know a lot of people that practice with the latter. I can't find any discernible difference in performance when punching holes in paper. Am I missing something?

Rifles: Basically the same question, along with, are there particular brands that are extremely good value for practice (consistent quality, low price)?

Probably because they are not shooting back at you.
I run moderate reloads for plinking. When i road test a new gun i duplicate, OR buy fmj that is close to PD rounds.
Better to practice with affordable fmj than not practice at all.

[TFOGGER]

For practice, I use FMJ rounds in the same bullet weight and velocity as my defensive ammo. Before I'll load up any defensive ammo to actually carry, I'll run a hundred rounds or so through my pistol to ensure both that it will function reliably AND that the POI hasn't changed significantly from my practice ammo.

[Bailey Guns]

Along with your "Semi or Revolver" thread:

Don't over-think this whole shooting thing. Properly learn the basics from a competent teacher. Properly practice the basics with ammunition that works in your gun.

Under most circumstances having the coolest gun with the latest high-tech, zombie-slaying ammo won't save you in a gunfight. Proper mindset and solid fundamentals will.

[bigmyk2k]

Along with your "Semi or Revolver" thread:

Don't over-think this whole shooting thing. Properly learn the basics from a competent teacher. Properly practice the basics with ammunition that works in your gun.

Under most circumstances having the coolest gun with the latest high-tech, zombie-slaying ammo won't save you in a gunfight. Proper mindset and solid fundamentals will.

Yeah, this is just a lot more along the lines of, Curious about something I don't understand. I have maybe fired a JHP 2 times. Like I said, my hands aren't sophisticated enough to feel the difference, and if I am going to shoot, I don't want to be adding prices in my head as I pull the trigger. I generally shoot whatever is cheapest, and works.

[Bailey Guns]

Fair enough. Most HP (not all, though) ammo will feel slightly "hotter" than most FMJ practice stuff. Shouldn't be a big deal, though. As someone else said, find what you like and what works in your gun for practice and carry. Usually the cheapest stuff available is more than adequate for practice (in all truthfulness it's probably adequate for carry, too).

Good luck.

[birddog]

Along with your "Semi or Revolver" thread:

Don't over-think this whole shooting thing. Properly learn the basics from a competent teacher. Properly practice the basics with ammunition that works in your gun.

Under most circumstances having the coolest gun with the latest high-tech, zombie-slaying ammo won't save you in a gunfight. Proper mindset and solid fundamentals will.

The last paragraph is key. You cannot buy your way out of the situation so you had better be good.