Hollow Point Bullets

An individual who takes keen interest in arms and ammunition may not need any introduction to hollow point bullets. The problem though, is that very few people take interest in such things, and even few are interested in knowing how a bullet works or what role its design have to play. Talking about the role the design has to play in the performance a bullet, the hollow points are best-known for this.

What are Hollow Point Bullets?

As their name suggests, these are bullets which are typically characterized by a hollow space at the tip. The hollow space in these bullets is of strategic importance as it makes the bullet expand when it comes in contact with the target. Those bullets which have a coating of harder metal are referred to as jacketed or plated hollow point bullets. The metal coating on these bullets adds to their strength, thus making them more destructive. There also exist some hollow points wherein the cavity is larger than the normal standards. Such bullets are called hollow cavity bullets. In fact, the hollow space in these bullets is abnormally large in relation to its size. The advantage of using these bullets is that they can expand incredibly, and cause much more damage than a standard bullet.

How do these Bullets Work?

When the hollow point bullet comes into contact with the target, tremendous pressure is generated within the hollow area of the bullet. This pressure causes the material of the bullet to expand in a process known as mushrooming. When the front portion of the bullet expands, it invariably limits its penetration into the target. This is exactly opposite to the process followed in controlled expansion bullets, wherein the design of the bullet ensures that it doesn't come apart. Simply put, the mechanism used in these bullets facilitates two motives, destruction of more tissues and utilization of entire kinetic energy of the bullet, thus making the shot more efficient. Due to this, these bullets tend to cause more damage to the body as compared to a normal bullet which enters the target, and moves out swiftly. As far as bullet size is concerned these bullets come in various sizes, with some being large enough to be used by snipers.

Why Use Hollow Points?

Most of the uses of these bullets revolve around the controlled penetration factor which these bullets boast of. In certain cases, over penetration of bullet can result in collateral damage to the target. The fact that these bullets don't penetrate deep into the target makes them an ideal bet when it comes to hunting as well. These bullets are also believed to be safe option when it comes to self defense. Even though the uses of these expandable bullets are few, they are very important and hence, cannot be ignored.

There is absolutely no doubt about the destructive power of these bullets. More recently, however, their use has come under the scanner for numerous wrong reasons. Several state jurisdictions in the US itself prohibits the use or possession of hollow point bullets by civilians. Similarly, the use of such expandable bullets is prohibited in the military as per the stipulations of the Hague Conventions (1899). However, the use of these bullets by law enforcement agencies still continues. In fact, controlled penetration of these bullets makes them ideal bet when it comes to use of firearms in crowded environment wherein a controlled expansion bullet can easily penetrate through the target and hit other people in the vicinity.