Why Use Hollow Point Ammo In Self Defense Carry Guns

I've had quite a few people ask why I use hollow point ammo instead of ball or target ammo in my everyday carry (EDC) gun. For one, hollow points work better to stop bad guys.

But I think I'll take the time to explain each one in better detail to make sure we don't leave anything out.

The Misconception – Hollow Point Ammo is —

It is a common misconception that hollow point ammunition is dangerous and less humane for an attacker.

That makes sense if you don't think about it. Let me explain.

Hollow point ammunition is more dangerous —

Hollow point ammunition expands upon contact with an object, like the human body.

Here is a top-down view of Hornady .38 special on the left, SIG 9mm on the right.

When the bullet expands, its diameter and surface area increase. As a result, the expanded hollow point projectile quickly slows, dissipating its kinetic energy inside the attacker's body. The result is a projectile that does not pass through the attacker's body.

When full metal jacket (FMJ) projectiles, also called ball ammunition, impact human tissue, they don't expand as much, if at all.

Before law enforcement transitioned to HP ammunition, it wasn't uncommon for officers' bullets to pass through a suspect's body and strike an innocent person.

The public isn't safer when anyone uses FMJ ammunition in an environment where innocent people are all around.

Pictured here are a hollow point (HP) and projectiles on the left and a full metal jacket (FMJ) round and projectiles on the right.

Hollow point ammunition is inhumane for the attacker —

What about the attacker? Don't hollow point (HP) bullets damage more than FMJ bullets?

An expanded hollow point projectile creates a larger hole and wound channel than a jacketed bullet of the same caliber fired from the same gun. So, a hollow point projectile can cause more tissue damage as it travels into the attacker's body.

However, this doesn't always mean a hollow point will cause more damage.

Remember, an HP projectile doesn't travel through the body but is designed to penetrate the desired depth and then stop. The full metal jacket bullet moving through the entire body could strike a vital organ on the way out, whereas a hollowpoint may have not. Additionally, FMJ bullets can create entry and exit wounds that complicate treatment.

No matter how you slice it, bullets aren't good for the body. The more bullets that enter the body, the worse it gets, regardless of the type.

Please keep in mind that it's never our goal to kill someone; our goal is to stop the attack and keep from being killed.

This photo from the website Thomas Binger is a fantastic visual aid in understanding penetration differences between FMJ and HP projectiles.

The ‘hollow point ammunition explodes' myth —

Yes, people sometimes say that hollow point ammunition “explodes” inside the body. The prosecutor in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, Thomas Binger used this myth to make it seem as though Rittenhouse sadistically used hollow point ammunition that explodes.

The problem is that statement is entirely untrue.

Some projectiles are “frangible” and designed to fragment or break apart on contact. People wrongly think the projectiles are “exploding,” but they aren't. People use frangible ammunition in specific applications where minimizing potential ricochets and large chunks of lead and copper jackets are of high importance.

Of course, it should go without saying that any misses from any ammo can go through walls. Hollow points expand upon the impact of something like a human body. The problem with an HP projectile is that the recessed area is essential for proper expansion.

When the hollow point passes through something that clogs the recessed area, it may not expand as it should. Materials like thick denim or drywall can plug the hollow point. If the projectile doesn't expand, it penetrates deeper than it should. For this reason, some manufacturers insert a polymer “plug” into the hollow point that limits this possibility.

Understanding that hollow points may over-penetrate if clogged by drywall leads some to choose frangible ammo in home defense guns.

Does hollow point ammunition penetrate body armor —

New Jersey prohibits non-law enforcement possession of hollow point ammunition. The justification for this is an erroneous idea that hollow points are ‘cop-killers' because they will penetrate body armor. It is wholly false. Actually, hollow point ammunition is less likely to penetrate soft body armor.

Laying down is a 115 grain 9mm reload. Standing up is a .357 Sig S&B round.

Body armor spreads the bullet's force over a larger surface area to keep it from penetrating the vest. The HP projectile also expands to increase its surface area. So if you take a moment to think about the physics, it's clear hollow points would have a harder time penetrating a bulletproof vest.

In addition to extreme velocity, armor-piercing projectiles have a hardened tip that can maintain form to penetrate the vest's design.

New Jersey's hollow point ammunition ban is a perfect example of ignorant legislation. Criminals use hollow points regardless of any law. All NJ has done is make it harder for good folks to protect themselves and more dangerous for anyone in the area when someone defends themselves with a gun.

Ball, FMJ, Target, etc.:

So what is ball ammo good for?

This ammunition is suitable for training because it's comparatively less expensive than hollow point or frangible ammunition.

Don't forget that you must occasionally run your self-defense, hollow points through your guns to ensure everything works properly.

While some guns have no issues with any ammo, others do. Therefore, it's always the BEST idea to try out your chosen self-defense ammo before carrying it. If your hollow point ammunition doesn't cycle, you should use a different manufacturer.

Here is a top-down view of 9mm on the left, .357 Sig on the right.

I want to know: Why do YOU carry hollow points in your gun? Tell me in the comments below.

Oh, and this reminds me, should you ever need to defend yourself, it's a good idea to have legal coverage before the fact. Check out our self-defense legal protection comparison chart to evaluate which company works best for your needs. Push this link, or click the below picture, which is at the top of our chart:

*This post is revised and originally published in May 2019 by Josh Gilliem.