How do hollow-point bullets work?

Answer 1

The hollow in the tip of the bullet allows soft tissue to enter into the bullet causing rapid expantion.

The hole in the center of the bullet allows for the bullet to expand to a wider diameter upon impact. Thusfore causing greater damage to the target


A hollow point has a pit or hollowed out shape in its tip, generally intended to cause the bullet to expand upon entering a target in order to decrease penetration and disrupt more tissue as it travels through the target. They are also used to control penetration, such as in situations where over penetration could cause collateral damage (such as on an airplane). Jacketed hollow points (JHPs) or plated hollow points are covered in a coating of harder metal to increase bullet strength and to prevent fouling the barrel with lead stripped from the bullet. The term hollow-cavity bullet is used to describe a hollow point where the hollow is unusually large, sometimes dominating the volume of the bullet, and causes extreme expansion or fragmentation on impact.

Answer 2

Hollow-point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, causing the bullet to mushroom and create a larger wound cavity. This expansion increases the bullet's stopping power and effectiveness. Hollow-point bullets are commonly used in self-defense situations because they are less likely to over-penetrate the target, reducing the risk of injuring bystanders.