HP Rifle Ammo Vs. Ball Ammo

Hollow points are used by many police departments to prevent pass through shootings.

Rifle ammunition is made from four basic parts. The brass, or case, holds the powder, which is ignited by the primer set into the bottom of the brass. The bullet is the part that sets into the opening of the brass, and is sent down the barrel when the firearm is discharged.

Oldest Style

If the bullet nose is rounded it is considered ball ammo. Ball is the oldest style of rifle ammunition, dating back to the early days of firearms.

Small Dimple

Hollow point (HP) bullets have an opening, or small dimple, at the top of the bullet. The metal around the dimple may be scored in a variety of patterns, and there may even be a small post of plastic or metal inset into the dimple.

Pass Through

Ball ammo does not expand when hitting an object. Because of its streamlined shape, it may pass completely through an object, retaining much of its energy and endangering whatever is in its path after it passes through the target.

Expansion

HP bullets are designed to expand upon hitting something. The scores allow the metal tip to fold back like flower petals, and act like a brake or parachute. This lessens the opportunity for a pass through, and dumps the energy completely into the target. The bullet's expansion also makes it more likely to hit a vital point within the target.

References

• Tactical-life.com: Danger of Hardball Defense Ammo Alert
• Shotgun News: Do Hollow Point Pellets Really Work?
• Spiritus-Temporis: Bullet--History

Resources

• Shooting Times: A Commonsense Approach To Better Marksmanship