FBI 9mm Ammunition Standards

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established rigorous standards for the 9mm ammunition used by its agents. These standards are designed to ensure that the ammunition performs reliably and effectively in various law enforcement scenarios. Below is an overview of the FBI’s 9mm ammo standards, along with references for further reading.

Key Performance Criteria

The FBI’s ammunition testing focuses on several critical performance factors:

1. Penetration Depth:
   • Optimal Range: 12 to 18 inches in ballistic gelatin.
   • Reasoning: This range ensures sufficient penetration to reach vital organs after passing through barriers or clothing without over-penetrating, which could pose risks to bystanders.
2. Expansion:
   • Consistent Expansion: Ammunition must reliably expand upon impact to create an effective wound channel.
   • Diameter Increase: The bullet should expand to a larger diameter than its original size to maximize stopping power.
3. Weight Retention:
   • High Retention: Bullets should retain most of their weight after passing through barriers to maintain momentum and penetration capabilities.
4. Barrier Performance:
   • Testing Through Common Barriers:
     • Heavy Clothing
     • Steel (Car Doors)
     • Wallboard (Drywall)
     • Plywood
     • Auto Glass (Laminated and Tempered)
   • Consistency: Ammunition must perform reliably after penetrating these barriers, mimicking real-world conditions.
5. Accuracy and Reliability:
   • Tight Grouping: Ammunition should demonstrate high accuracy during testing.
   • Functionality: Must function flawlessly in FBI-issued firearms without malfunctions.

FBI Ammunition Testing Protocol

The FBI’s testing protocol involves shooting ammunition into 10% ballistic gelatin blocks under controlled conditions. The tests simulate various real-life scenarios by introducing barriers between the firearm and the gelatin. Each test assesses how the ammunition performs in terms of penetration, expansion, and weight retention.

Test Scenarios:

1. Bare Gelatin
2. Heavy Clothing
3. Steel (20-gauge, two pieces set 3 inches apart)
4. Wallboard (Two pieces of half-inch gypsum board set 3.5 inches apart)
5. Plywood (Three-quarter-inch thick)
6. Auto Glass (Quarter-inch laminated safety glass set at a 45-degree angle)

Background and Rationale

• 1986 Miami Shootout: The FBI reevaluated its ammunition standards following this incident, where existing ammunition failed to incapacitate assailants effectively.
• Switch to 9mm: After testing, the FBI concluded that certain 9mm rounds met their performance needs, balancing stopping power with manageable recoil and higher magazine capacity.
• Emphasis on Penetration: Ensuring bullets can penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs is crucial, especially when encountering barriers.

References & Additional Reading

• Hornady FBI Test Protocol with videos
• FBI Training Division’s “Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness” Report
  • Author: Urey W. Patrick
  • Year: 1989
  • Summary: Discusses the physiological factors in handgun bullet performance.
• FBI Ballistic Test Protocol Overview
  • Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Description: Outlines the procedures and standards for ammunition testing.
  • Access: Available through law enforcement training materials and the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility publications.
• “FBI 9mm Justification, FBI Training Division”
  • Year: 2014
  • Summary: Explains the FBI’s decision to return to 9mm caliber handguns and the justification based on ballistic performance.
  • Access: PDF via The Firearm Blog
• “A History of the FBI Handgun Ammunition Testing Protocol”
  • Author: Special Agent Buford Boone
  • Publication: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
  • Year: 2018
• FBI Training Division
• “9mm Ammunition Selection”, Special Agent in Charge John W. Hall, FBI Training Bulletin
• “The FBI’s Return to 9mm”, American Rifleman Magazine, 2015