Skuddspissen

Skuddspissen is the forward end of a bullet, the projectile used in firearms, and is a key factor in the overall performance of ammunition. The shape and material of the tip influence how a bullet cuts through air, how it yawns in flight, and how it behaves upon impact. In many languages, the term refers specifically to the nose of the bullet, which can vary widely between designs.

Design and materials commonly found in skuddspissen include round-nose, pointed (spitzer) and hollow or truncated-nose configurations. The tip is typically part of a jacketed bullet—where a harder metal jacket surrounds a softer core, often lead—which helps control deformation and penetration, and can also affect accuracy. Some tips are hollow-point or truncated to promote expansion or fragmentation on impact, while others are solid for uniform penetration and higher ballistic efficiency. The choice of tip shape and terminal design is driven by intended use, such as target shooting, hunting, or military applications.

The performance of a bullet is heavily influenced by the tip design through the ballistic coefficient, stability in flight, and terminal behavior. Pointed tips generally offer better aerodynamics and longer range, whereas expanded or hollow-point tips are designed to transfer more energy to the target and reduce overpenetration in hunting or self-defense contexts. The tip’s geometry also interacts with the overall cartridge design, including seating depth and powder charge, to produce consistent muzzle velocity.

See also: Ammunition, Bullet, Ballistics, Full metal jacket, Hollow point.