FMJ versus soft tips and hollow points, are FMJ bullets a safety hazard?

[His lordship.]

Just moved to Austin, TX a few weeks ago and am checking out the local gun ranges.  There is one here that prohibits the use of full metal jacketed bullets at their outdoor rifle facility.  I cannot understand that reasoning.  If penetration is the issue for safety, it seems to me that dirt for a back drop would not know the difference between the two bullets. 

I have heard of some ranges not wanting jacketed bullets used at their handgun sections due to richochet and fire risks, has anyone heard of a rifle range that does not like FMJ bullets?

Thanks.

[Zachary]

Austin is a great town.  You are definitely in the right place when it comes to deer hunting.  The "Texas hill country" is hard to beat.

As related to your question, no, I have not heard of an outdoor range that prohibits FMJ bullets.  I would think that the actual shooting range would offer you the answer to your question but, even then, if that's their policy, then why even ask? lol  I would just go to the next range...and there are several in the Austin area.

Zachary

[SHOOTALL]

In Va. ( yes i know it is not in Tx. ) the county that lic. the ranges set the types of ammo that can be used . FMj bullets are often said to have more of a chance to richochet due to construction .
It seems Iowa or some other state in the midwest had a law suit that forced them to look at shotgun slugs , rifle bullets and handgun bullets with regard to richochet and the old rules were found in error. So we may see changes take place like rifles using handgun rounds replace slug guns . If you do a search , you can find the results on the bullets that were the most prone to deflect and keep going.

[Coyote Hunter]

The rationale is probably that FMJ's will tend to ricochet more.

Wonder how they feel about lead-free bullets like the TSX???