Choosing the right ammo for self-defense — AGO (layman’s guide)

AGO keeps things simple so you can learn fast and be ready: we sell pistols & revolvers in FMJ and Hollow Point, and shotguns in Buckshot only. Here’s a plain-English guide to what those words mean and what to do.

Pistols & Revolvers — FMJ (for practice) and Hollow Point (for defense)

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) — Think of these as practice bullets. They’re affordable, reliable, and great for the range. Use them to learn, train, and build confidence.
• Hollow Point (HP) — This is your defensive bullet. It’s designed to expand when it hits a target, which helps stop a threat faster and lowers the chance it goes through and hits something or someone else.
  
  

Easy rule: practice with FMJ, carry Hollow Point when you need protection. Always buy the bullet size (caliber) stamped on your gun.

Other pistols/revolver rounds people hear about: +P (hotter, more powerful rounds) and frangible or specialty bullets — these are niche and not part of our simple self-defense picks.

Shotgun — Buckshot only (what AGO carries)

• Buckshot contains several big pellets in one shell. They spread a little after leaving the barrel, which makes it easier to hit a close threat under stress. For most home-defense situations, buckshot is the practical choice.
  
  

Other shotgun rounds people know of: birdshot (tiny pellets for birds) and slugs (one big projectile for precision or hunting). We don’t carry those because we focus on self-defense.

Skip the hassle — buy AGO

No guessing. AGO’s self-defense kits bundle the right defensive rounds with training ammo so you get everything you need to practice and protect. Want to save money and never run low? Add our ammo subscription — regular deliveries, automatic savings, zero hassle. Train smart, carry what you trust, and let AGO handle the rest.

Short, clear, and practical — that’s how we do self-defense ammo.

Head over and purchase ammo or one of our all-in-one kits (we will help you pick) today - https://www.americangunowners.com/find-me-kit