Can You Hunt With FMJ Ammo? Range Ammo vs Hunting Ammo

What FMJ actually does

A full metal jacket bullet has a lead core wrapped in a harder metal jacket, usually copper alloy, with the nose fully covered. It's designed to hold its shape, feed reliably and punch clean holes in paper. Our explainer on what FMJ means covers the construction.

That same toughness is the problem in hunting. A bullet that doesn't expand makes a narrow wound channel and often passes straight through. An animal hit that way may run a long distance before going down, or survive wounded. That's why expanding bullets are considered the ethical standard for big game.

What hunting bullets do differently

Hunting bullets are designed to expand, or mushroom, when they hit. That widens the wound channel and transfers energy, so the animal goes down faster. Different designs balance expansion and penetration for different game:

Our guide to bullet tip colors helps if you're trying to identify loose rounds, but the box is always the best guide.

What the law says

Hunting rules are set by states, and they vary. Many states specifically require expanding bullets for big game. Two examples:

• Illinois rules for white-tailed deer allow only soft-point or expanding bullets and state that non-expanding, military-style full metal jacket bullets can't be used to harvest deer.
• South Dakota big game rules permit only soft-point or expanding bullets for deer, antelope, mountain lion and elk.

Other states have similar language for big game, and some have caliber, cartridge or lead-free rules on top of that. Our straight-wall cartridge states guide shows how varied deer rules can be. Always read your state's current hunting regulations before you buy.

Are there any exceptions?

A few situations come up:

• Small game and furbearers. Some trappers and fur hunters use non-expanding bullets on small animals to limit pelt damage, where state law allows it. Rules vary, and ethics still apply.
• Varmint and pest control. Regulations for unprotected species may be looser, but expanding varmint bullets still kill more humanely. Our coyote hunting ammo guide covers bullet choice.
• Dangerous game solids. Professional hunters on certain very large, thick-skinned animals use specialized non-expanding "solids." These are purpose-built hunting bullets, not cheap range FMJ.

None of these is a reason to take a box of range ammo deer hunting.

How to tell a hunting load from range ammo

Read the box. Hunting ammunition almost always says what it's for. Look for:

• Words like "soft point," "SP," "PSP," "tipped," "bonded," "hunting," or a named hunting bullet line.
• A stated intended game, such as "deer," "big game" or "varmint."
• Box counts of 20 rounds, common for centerfire rifle hunting ammo (range ammo often comes in larger boxes, though not always).

Range ammo usually says "FMJ," "ball," "target" or "training." Our how to read an ammo box guide walks through the labels.

Example deer loads

Our best deer hunting ammo guide covers more cartridges.

Practice with FMJ, hunt with hunting ammo

FMJ still has a role for hunters: cheap practice. Shooting lots of affordable ammo builds the fundamentals you need for a clean shot. Just remember that FMJ and your hunting load may not hit the same spot.

1. Practice fundamentals with FMJ.
2. Zero your rifle with your actual hunting load.
3. Confirm that zero before the season with a few rounds of the hunting load.
4. Never assume the FMJ zero carries over.

Common questions at the gun counter

"Isn't a bigger FMJ enough?"

No. Size doesn't fix the problem. A large-caliber FMJ still doesn't expand, so it can still pass through without causing the rapid incapacitation an expanding bullet is built for. Many states write their rules around bullet design, not just caliber.

"What about AR-15 hunting?"

Many hunters use ARs for deer, hogs and coyotes where state law allows it. The rifle isn't the issue; the ammunition is. Swap your FMJ range ammo for an expanding hunting load designed for the game, and check whether your state has minimum caliber or cartridge rules for deer.

"Can I use hollow-point match ammo?"

Not necessarily. Many target bullets have a small hollow point at the tip for accuracy reasons, not for reliable expansion. Some states treat match hollow points differently from hunting bullets. Unless the maker says a load is designed for hunting the animal you're after, assume it isn't.

"What about hogs?"

Feral hogs are tough, with thick shields of gristle over the shoulders. They're one of the worst animals to shoot with FMJ. Use a sturdy expanding bullet and check your state's rules, since some states regulate hog hunting differently from other game. Our hog hunting ammo guide goes into detail.

"Is it worth the extra cost?"

Yes. A box of hunting ammo costs more than a box of range ammo, but most hunters only fire a few rounds of it each season. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve your odds of a quick, clean harvest.

Before your next hunt

Make it a habit to check three things each season: your state's current bullet and cartridge rules for the game you're hunting, the label on the box you plan to carry, and your zero with that exact load. Rules change, and a load you used years ago may no longer be legal in a specific area, especially where lead-free rules have been added. Five minutes with the regulations booklet can save you from a citation or a lost animal.

Editorial note: This guide draws on published state hunting regulations, manufacturer information and retailer listings. We haven't tested these loads hands-on. Regulations, specifications and prices change, so check your state's current rules and the retailer listing before buying. We may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.