Fully Encapsulated Base

Target Indoor

Fully Encapsulated Base (FEB) bullets feature a copper jacket that completely covers the bullet, including the base. Standard FMJ bullets leave the lead core exposed at the base; FEB bullets seal this with copper, preventing vaporized lead from escaping during firing. This makes FEB ammunition preferred for indoor ranges where lead exposure is a health concern. The enclosed base also reduces lead fouling in the barrel. FEB is essentially TMJ (Total Metal Jacket) with emphasis on the base coverage. Speer Lawman and CCI Blazer Brass offer FEB ammunition.

Use Type

Indoor Range

Range Training

Specifications

Core Material: Lead
Jacket Material: Copper (full encapsulation)
Base Coverage: Completely sealed
Lead Exposure: Minimized
Indoor Range: Preferred
Fouling: Reduced vs FMJ
Cost: Slightly higher than FMJ
Common Brands: Speer Lawman, CCI

Comparison

Type	Base Coverage	Lead Exposure
FEB/TMJ	Fully enclosed	Minimal
FMJ	Open base	Some vaporization
Lead	Exposed	High

FAQ

FEB vs FMJ for indoor ranges?

FEB is better for indoor shooting. The enclosed base prevents lead vaporization that occurs when hot gases contact the exposed lead base of FMJ bullets. Many indoor ranges require or strongly recommend FEB/TMJ ammunition for this reason.

Is FEB/TMJ the same thing?

Essentially yes. TMJ (Total Metal Jacket) and FEB (Fully Encapsulated Base) describe the same construction—a bullet where copper covers the entire surface including the base. Different manufacturers use different terms.

Back to Ammopedia