Hollow point bullets are one of the most commonly used types of ammunition, and for good reason. They are incredibly effective at penetrating targets, and they tend to cause less collateral damage than other types of bullets. But how do they work?
Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact. The hollowed out portion of the bullet allows it to expand in diameter, which increases its surface area and its ability to cause damage. The expanded bullet also causes more tissue damage than a standard bullet, thanks to its larger surface area.
Hollow point bullets are incredibly effective at taking down targets, but they can be controversial. Some people argue that they are inhumane because of the amount of damage they can cause, but others argue that they are simply a more effective way to neutralize a threat.
Advance Tips: How Do Hollow Point Bullets Work?

Hollow point bullets are some of the most popular types of ammunition on the market today. But how do they work?
Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of incapacitation. The hollow point bullet works by creating a hydraulic shock wave upon impact that causes the bullet to expand. The expansion of the bullet causes the bullet to tumble, and the tumbling action creates a larger wound channel.
The hollow point bullet was first patented in the United States by John Barlow in 1866, and the design has been used in a variety of ammunition since. The hollow point bullet has been used in both military and law enforcement applications, and has become increasingly popular in self-defense ammunition.
Hollow point bullets are not without controversy, however. Some argue that the increased stopping power of hollow point bullets makes them more likely to be used in crimes, while others argue that the increased stopping power makes them more effective for self-defense.
Regardless of the controversy, hollow point bullets remain one of the most popular types of ammunition on the market today.
If you are looking for a self-defense round that is effective, but also controversial, hollow point bullets are a good choice.
Hollow Point Bullets Working Guideline
- Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact and cause more damage to the target than traditional bullets.
- Hollow point bullets are typically used for self-defense because they are more likely to stop an attacker than traditional bullets.
- Hollow point bullets are more expensive than traditional bullets.
- You should always practice with the same type of bullet you will use in self-defense.
- Hollow point bullets are not illegal, but some countries have restrictions on their use.
The Science Behind Hollow Point Bullets.
When a hollow point bullet is fired, the initial momentum of the bullet is focused at the hollow cavity in the nose and the bullet begins to expand. The base of the bullet remains relatively the same, and the bullet expands outward in all directions. This expansion causes the bullet to slow down before it reaches its target, so it can transfer more of its energy to the target and cause more damage.
The science behind this is based on Newton’s third law of motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the bullet is fired, it experiences an equal and opposite reaction from the air resistance, causing it to slow down and mushroom. This causes the bullet to transfer more of its energy to the target, which creates a larger wound than a regular bullet.
The Advantages of Using Hollow Point Bullets.

Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, increasing their stopping power and accuracy. This makes them a popular choice for both target shooting and self-defense. There are several advantages to using hollow point bullets, which include:
- Hollow point bullets have an expanded diameter upon impact, which increases their stopping power. This makes them more effective at incapacitating targets, as they cause more tissue damage and are more likely to penetrate vital organs. Additionally, hollow point bullets are less likely to over penetrate and cause collateral damage.
- The hollow point bullet’s aerodynamic design allows it to fly more accurately than a regular bullet. This allows for improved accuracy, especially at longer distances.
- The expanded hollow point bullet is less likely to ricochet than a regular bullet. This reduces the risk of accidental injury or property damage if a round misses its target.
- Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact and not penetrate deeply. This reduces the risk of over penetration and makes them a safer option for home defense.
Overall, hollow point bullets are a great choice for target shooting and self-defense due to their increased stopping power, improved accuracy, reduced ricochet, and reduced penetration.
The Disadvantages of Using Hollow Point Bullets.
Firstly, the design of hollow point bullets makes them more expensive than traditional bullets. This is because the bullet needs to be manufactured to a higher standard in order to ensure that it expands correctly upon impact. As a result, hollow point bullets can be much more expensive than traditional ammunition.
Additionally, the expansion of the bullet upon impact may cause it to fail to penetrate some targets. This is because the expansion of the bullet affects its ability to penetrate. For example, a hollow point bullet may not be able to penetrate a hard surface such as a car door or a wall due to the increased diameter created by the expansion of the bullet.
Lastly, hollow point bullets are generally considered to be inhumane. This is due to the fact that the expansion of the bullet upon impact causes a much larger wound than a traditional bullet. This can result in increased pain and suffering for the target, and as a result, some countries have banned the use of hollow point bullets for use in warfare.
The Legalities of Using Hollow Point Bullets.
Outside of the United States, the use of hollow point bullets is also restricted in some countries. The International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) prohibits the use of hollow point bullets at international shooting competitions and any other type of international shooting event. This ban is due to the increased lethality of these bullets compared to traditional full metal jacket ammunition. Additionally, some countries such as Switzerland have outright bans on the use and manufacture of hollow point bullets due to their increased lethality.
The use of hollow point bullets can be a controversial topic in some jurisdictions, but in general they are seen as being a necessary tool for self-defense and are legally permissible in most places. It is important to be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction when using hollow point bullets, as their use may be restricted in certain areas.
How to Choose the Right Hollow Point Bullet for Your Needs?
First, take into account the size of the target. The size of the hollow point bullet should be suitable for the size of the target. If the target is too large for the hollow point bullet, it will not expand as desired, resulting in less damage. In addition, the bullet diameter should also be considered. The larger the diameter, the more surface area the bullet will have when it expands, resulting in greater damage.
Second, consider the type of hollow point bullet you need. There are two main types of hollow points – soft point and hard point. Soft points expand more quickly than hard points, but they are not as effective at transferring energy to the target. Hard points are more effective at transferring energy to the target and are more suitable for larger targets.
Third, consider the range of the target. Different hollow point bullets are designed for different ranges. If the target is at close range, a softer bullet is more suitable, as it will expand quickly upon impact. If the target is at a longer range, a harder bullet is more suitable, as it will retain its shape and transfer energy more effectively.
Finally, consider the barrel twist rate. The barrel twist rate determines the speed of the bullet when it leaves the barrel and can affect the performance of a hollow point bullet. When selecting a hollow point bullet, choose one with a twist rate that is suitable for the barrel.
By taking these factors into account, you can select the right hollow point bullet for your needs.
Frequently Asked Question [FAQs]
A hollow point bullet is a bullet that has a hollowed out area in the tip of the bullet. This hollowed out area allows the bullet to expand upon impact, causing more damage to the target.
Hollow point bullets work by expanding upon impact. The hollowed out area of the bullet allows it to expand, causing more damage to the target.
Hollow point bullets are designed to cause more damage to the target, making them ideal for self-defense or hunting applications.
Hollow point bullets can sometimes over-penetrate the target, causing damage to objects beyond the target. They are also more expensive than traditional bullets.
Hollow point bullets are available for purchase at most gun stores or online retailers.
Conclusion
Hollow point bullets are some of the most lethal types of bullets available. They are designed to expand upon impact and cause maximum damage to the target. Additionally, hollow point bullets are less likely to pass through the target and cause collateral damage. For these reasons, hollow point bullets are often the choice for self-defense and military applications.

A. Wilcox Head is a lifelong shooter, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Head grew up in a family where firearms were a way of life, and from an early age, he was taught the importance of firearm safety, accuracy, and proper hunting techniques.
1 thought on “How Do Hollow Point Bullets Work”