Hollowpoint

A hollow-point is a type of bullet designed to expand upon impact. By having a hollow cavity at the tip, the bullet is intended to deform and increase its frontal area, transferring more energy to the target and reducing penetration depth. This expansion aims to improve stopping power while decreasing the likelihood of overpenetration or ricochet.

Most hollow-point bullets are jacketed, known as jacketed hollow-points (JHP). They typically have a lead core encased in a harder outer jacket. When the bullet hits a target, the cavity promotes controlled expansion; some designs place polymer inserts, scored channels, or controlled-pressure features to initiate expansion at specific velocities.

Common calibers for hollow-points include handgun rounds such as 9 mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .380 ACP, with specialized rifle hollow-points representing a smaller portion of the market. They are widely used by law enforcement agencies in many countries and are also marketed for civilian self-defense and hunting where legal.

History and use: The idea of expanding projectiles dates back to the late 19th century, with modern jacketed hollow-points becoming prominent in the 20th century as a means to balance expansion, weight retention, and penetration. Today, selection of a hollow-point involves considerations of velocity, terminal performance, and local regulations.

Performance and limitations: Expansion depends on bullet design, velocity, and target material. Some designs may fail to expand at very low velocities or against hard targets, and reliability varies by product. Users weigh concerns about effectiveness, safety, and legal restrictions when selecting ammunition.

See also: bullet, terminal ballistics, self-defense ammunition, overpenetration.