Brass Vs. Metal Jacket 9mm Ammunition

At the center of most mass-produced bullets is a core of lead. Firing lead through the barrel of a gun causes the gun to become dirty faster. Coating this lead core with brass or a metal jacket keeps the 9mm cleaner longer.

  1. Differences in Weight and Distance

    • A brass bullet will generally be lighter than the same sized bullet jacketed in steel or another metal. The weight of the projectile can make a big difference in the distance the bullet travels after leaving the barrel of the gun. A heavier round will cause a decline in altitude over a long distance.

    Differences in Cost

    • The brass-covered ammunition tends to be cheaper than the full metal jacket option. A comparison of the same brand of 9mm ammunition, as of November 2010, has the full metal jacket version at $25 for 100 rounds. The brass rounds are sold for $14 for the same number.

    Differences in Performance

    • The full metal jacket ammunition is a solid, non-expanding projectile. While the typical 9mm will pack a punch with this type of ammunition, the invention of the hollow point ammunition commonly used with brass jackets allow the lead portion of the bullet to expand rapidly upon impact and create more stopping power against an approaching target.