In the world of law enforcement, precision, power, and performance are critical — especially when it comes to ammunition. That’s why the question “what ammo does the FBI use” isn’t just a curious inquiry — it’s a deep dive into the agency’s commitment to tactical excellence. Over the years, the FBI has continuously refined its choice of firearms and ammunition to suit evolving threats and real-world needs. From the days of revolvers to today’s modern semi-automatics, each ammo selection is a carefully considered decision based on rigorous testing and operational demands.
Understanding what ammo does the FBI use provides not just insight into their arsenal, but also lessons for personal defense, law enforcement agencies, and gun enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive article breaks down everything: the exact types of ammo they rely on, why specific rounds were chosen, when changes were made, and how these decisions impact everyday operations. Whether you’re a firearms enthusiast, someone in law enforcement, or simply curious, you’re about to uncover an insider look into one of the most elite agencies’ choices. Let’s get started.
What Ammo Does the FBI Use?
The FBI primarily uses 9mm Luger ammunition, specifically the 147-grain Speer Gold Dot G2 and Hornady Critical Duty rounds. They chose 9mm for its balance of penetration, expansion, reliability, and manageable recoil. The agency’s selection follows extensive testing to ensure optimal performance in diverse field conditions.
Why Did the FBI Change Ammunition Types Over the Years?
The evolution of the FBI’s ammunition choices reveals their commitment to operational excellence. Initially, the agency relied heavily on revolvers chambered in .38 Special, which were considered effective at the time. However, as criminal threats grew more sophisticated and ballistic science advanced, the FBI recognized the need for more powerful, efficient rounds. A critical turning point came with the 1986 Miami shootout, where limitations in stopping power tragically resulted in agent casualties. This event triggered a thorough reevaluation of the FBI’s ammunition needs.
In response, the bureau adopted the 10mm Auto, seeking superior stopping power. Yet, the heavy recoil of the 10mm made it difficult for many agents to handle effectively. To strike a better balance, the FBI transitioned to the .40 S&W caliber, offering improved control without sacrificing much power. However, advancements in 9mm technology soon caught the bureau’s attention. After rigorous testing, they found modern 9mm Luger rounds delivered comparable wound ballistics to .40 S&W while offering reduced recoil, faster follow-up shots, and higher magazine capacity.
Today, this continuous evolution highlights the FBI’s dedication to reliability, adaptability, and agent safety. Every ammunition change reflects meticulous testing, ensuring agents are always equipped with the most effective tools available.
What Ammo Does the FBI Use in 2025?
Choosing the right ammunition is critical for the FBI’s operational success. In 2025, the agency continues to rely on proven rounds tailored for precision, reliability, and stopping power across diverse situations.
Current Standard Issue: 9mm Speer Gold Dot G2
The FBI’s primary choice for duty ammunition remains the 9mm Speer Gold Dot G2, a 147-grain round designed for maximum performance. Known for its reliable expansion and superior penetration through barriers like glass and metal, the Gold Dot G2 ensures agents can maintain effectiveness in unpredictable field conditions. Its dependable terminal ballistics make it a cornerstone of the FBI’s tactical preparedness, balancing power with controllability.
Backup Ammunition: Hornady Critical Duty 9mm
In addition to the Gold Dot G2, the FBI equips agents with Hornady Critical Duty 9mm rounds when necessary. Hornady’s Critical Duty line offers strong barrier penetration and consistent expansion, making it a reliable alternative for a variety of operational demands. The FBI’s flexibility in ammunition choice allows agents to adapt to specific mission needs without sacrificing ballistic performance.
Why the FBI Trusts 9mm Over .40 S&W
The FBI’s shift back to 9mm from .40 S&W reflects advancements in ballistics technology. Modern 9mm rounds now match larger calibers in effectiveness, while offering less recoil, greater magazine capacity, and improved shooting accuracy. These factors collectively enhance agent performance, particularly during high-stress engagements.
Tactical Units Special Ammo Choices
Specialized FBI tactical units, such as the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), often require specialized ammunition tailored for specific missions. Depending on the task, they might deploy 5.56mm NATO rounds for carbines or enhanced 9mm rounds optimized for submachine guns, ensuring elite performance in critical operations.
When Did the FBI Decide to Switch Back to 9mm?
The FBI’s move back to 9mm ammunition wasn’t sudden; it was the result of a careful, multi-year evaluation. Between 2014 and 2016, the agency conducted rigorous testing and analysis to determine the best caliber for its agents. The decision ultimately revolved around advancements in 9mm technology, which made it a far superior option compared to older ammunition types.
Several key factors contributed to the FBI’s decision to officially switch back to 9mm:
- Better Ballistic Performance: Modern 9mm rounds showed significant improvements in expansion and penetration. Ballistic gelatin testing revealed that new 9mm designs could achieve the same — or better — wound channels as larger calibers like .40 S&W or 10mm Auto.
- Reduced Recoil: One of the major advantages of 9mm ammunition is its lighter recoil. This made it much easier for agents to fire rapid, accurate follow-up shots during high-stress encounters.
- Higher Magazine Capacity: 9mm handguns typically hold more rounds than their .40 S&W counterparts. More ammunition in a firefight means a greater chance of neutralizing threats without reloading under pressure.
- Lower Training Costs: 9mm rounds are more affordable than .40 S&W, allowing the FBI to conduct more extensive firearms training without drastically increasing budgets.
- Improved Agent Accuracy: The reduced recoil and lighter handling of 9mm directly resulted in improved marksmanship among agents, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
The combination of these factors made 9mm the logical and strategic choice, aligning with the FBI’s goals for agent safety, efficiency, and long-term operational success.
How the FBI Tests and Selects Their Ammunition
The FBI follows one of the most rigorous ammunition testing protocols in the world. Every potential duty round must prove its reliability, accuracy, and performance under real-world conditions. To start, agents test fire the ammunition through various barriers, such as auto glass, sheet metal, heavy clothing, and drywall, assessing how consistently the rounds penetrate and perform.
After barrier testing, they analyze the wound channels created in ballistic gelatin to measure expansion, penetration depth, and effectiveness in mimicking real-life engagements. In addition to lab testing, FBI agents conduct live-fire exercises, simulating high-stress environments to assess control, accuracy, and reload speed under pressure.
Reliability is non-negotiable. Ammunition must perform flawlessly over thousands of rounds without misfires or failures, even in extreme conditions like freezing cold, intense heat, heavy moisture, or dusty environments. A single malfunction could mean the difference between life and death.
Only after passing these exhaustive tests can a round earn its place as standard-issue ammunition for FBI agents nationwide.
What Ammo Does the FBI Use for Rifles and Special Operations?
The FBI issues specialized ammunition for rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns to meet the demanding needs of various operations. Each selection is based on achieving maximum effectiveness for different tactical scenarios. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Carbine Usage with 5.56x45mm NATO: The FBI widely uses the 5.56x45mm NATO round for its patrol carbines. This lightweight, high-velocity round offers an excellent balance of range, lethality, and minimal recoil, making it perfect for dynamic situations where versatility and rapid response are crucial.
- Sniper Ammunition with 308 Winchester: For long-range precision missions, FBI snipers rely on the .308 Winchester. Known for its consistent accuracy and formidable stopping power, this caliber allows snipers to engage targets at extended distances with a high degree of confidence and reliability.
- Special Units Using Custom Loads: Elite divisions like the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) often deploy custom-tailored ammunition suited to specific mission profiles. Whether the goal is improved penetration or reduced over-penetration, the rounds are carefully selected to meet the operational needs without compromising agent or civilian safety.
- Shotgun Ammunition with 12 Gauge Slugs and Buckshot: For breaching doors or handling close-quarters threats, the FBI depends on 12-gauge shotguns loaded with either slugs or buckshot. Slugs provide direct impact force ideal for barrier breaching, while buckshot delivers a spread pattern effective for short-range dominance.
By matching the right ammunition to the mission, the FBI ensures its agents are always prepared for the wide variety of challenges they may face in the field.
Conclusion
The question of what ammo does the FBI use goes far beyond curiosity — it opens a deeper understanding of how precision, readiness, and responsibility intersect in federal law enforcement. Each round carried by an FBI agent is not chosen at random but forged through research, field testing, and decades of real-world lessons. From standard-issue 9mm loads to mission-specific sniper and breaching rounds, the bureau’s selections reflect a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. Their ammo strategy evolves with threats, technology, and tactical needs, ensuring agents are equipped for whatever tomorrow brings. For those seeking to understand modern defense, the FBI’s ammunition policy offers a compelling example of performance-driven decision-making at the highest level.
FAQ’s
What ammo does the FBI use for handguns?
The FBI primarily issues the Speer Gold Dot G2 9mm 147-grain hollow point round for its agents. This ammunition is known for its consistent expansion, deep penetration, and high performance across various barriers.
Why did the FBI stop using .40 S&W?
The FBI transitioned away from the .40 S&W because modern 9mm ammunition offers nearly identical stopping power with less recoil, faster follow-up shots, and increased magazine capacity, making it a more efficient option for agents.
Is 9mm enough for law enforcement purposes?
Yes, advancements in bullet technology have made 9mm extremely reliable. It provides excellent terminal ballistics, controlled expansion, and sufficient penetration, making it highly suitable for police and federal agencies.
What is the FBI’s rifle caliber of choice?
The standard rifle round used by the FBI is 5.56x45mm NATO, which balances accuracy, low recoil, and effectiveness at medium ranges, making it ideal for tactical and patrol operations.
Does the FBI use custom ammo for special operations?
Yes, elite units like the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) often deploy with specialized or custom-loaded ammunition tailored to specific mission needs, including suppressed weapons or high-precision engagements.
