I recently received a shipment of Brazer Brass 9mm 115gr. FMJRN ammunition from an online site.
When I shoot it in my M&PFS or my Shield, The holes in the target look very ragged and torn. All shots are the same.
It doesn't look to me as if the bullet is, "Keyholing", as I do not see any evidence of the bullet hitting the paper sideways.
It just makes a very large torn hole in the target. This is the same at 7,10, or 15 yds.
Could it be the faster speed, or the lighter weight bullet causing this? I have never experienced this with 124,or 147gr. ammo? As a foot note: The ammo seems to be much dirtier than others. I hate to think I got some bad ammo.

mb

You are using 9mm 115gr FMJ in your M&P FS and your BG380 ??

Yes, I guess I did confuse you! (and many others no doubt)
I meant to say my Shield 9mm.

MB

If your targets are on rather thin paper and / or hanging loose on the backer board that may be a reason for the large tears. Maybe ?

Round nose bullets make sloppy torn holes. Wadcutter or semi-wadcutter bullets shot at the same velocities cut holes like a paper punch.

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S&WHF 366

Dirty ammo has nothing to do with good or bad. Just the powder used.

Blazer Brass is very reasonable range ammo. I've fired thousands of rounds of it.

Yes, heavier ammo (and JHP) make cleaner holes in the target, in my experience.

Here is a picture of plated 115gr 9mm bullet.
They have tears and are not perfect like a WC or FT design.
It just goes with the style of the bullet, no big thing.
( check out the Greed Dot & CFE groups )

If you ever get one to tumble, you are getting TOO LOW in your fps or there is something very wrong with your setup!!
Good shooting.

Thank You, for the info. I guess it is the combination of light weight bullets, higher fps. and the thin paper. I can live with it. Especially at the price for the ammo!
I have found the 124gr. Freedom Munitions TMCRN seem to be
an alternate solution. They shoot straight , clean and are also very economical for ball ammo.

mb

My 20 gauge Howdah pistol makes large ragged holes in anything I shoot with it.
Of course, that may be due to the .61 caliber round balls it launches.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

If the paper is angled or curled slightly, it can string the hole out a little.