What causes a hollow point bullet to expand?

Expansion. When a hollow-point hunting bullet strikes a soft target, the pressure created in the pit forces the material (usually lead) around the inside edge to expand outwards, increasing the axial diameter of the projectile as it passes through.

What happens when a hollow point hits glass?

Some of the consequences of shooting through glass are deformation of the bullet. For example, a soft nose or hollow point bullet, especially from a pistol, will generally result in excessive deformation, which will have a detrimental effect on bullet stability in flight.

How much do hollow point bullets expand?

Expansion and Penetration So, hollow-points are designed to expand, causing their diameter to increase as they pass through the target. Acceptable expansion is considered by many to be 1.7x the original bullet diameter. As an example, a 9mm bullet has a diameter of .

Do bullets expand?

Bullets do not really expand. For something to expand it has to become larger or more extensive. The front end of bullets do seem to get larger as they penetrate, but in truth they are only changing shape.

Can hollow point bullets ricochet?

Reduced ricochet potential is another reason why virtually all of America’s police issue hollow points. It’s a public safety thing. But there are still more street-proven reasons to use hollow points, and we’ll detail them as this series continues.

Does a bullet shatter glass?

Depending upon the thickness of glass depends upon whether a BB or a small caliber bullet will penetrate, or just leave a hollowed out dent, or just leave a hardly noticeable point of impact scar. High quality glass can be incredibly strong.

Do hollow point bullets explode?

Expansion, or hollow point, bullets are specialised bullets designed to deform upon impact because of a collapsible space within the projectile tip. The result is a controlled explosion on impact producing increased damage and less clothing related problems. The tips, however, possess no explosive charge.

What happens if you shoot a bullet through glass?

Some of the consequences of shooting through glass are deformation of the bullet. For example, a soft nose or hollow point bullet, especially from a pistol, will generally result in excessive deformation, which will have a detrimental effect on bullet stability in flight.

Why do hollow point bullets have no extra expansion?

This, combined with the limited velocity and penetration attainable with muzzleloading firearms, meant there was little need for extra expansion. The first hollow-point bullets were marketed in the late 19th century as express bullets, and were hollowed out to reduce the bullet’s mass and provide higher velocities.

What is the difference between a JSP and a hollow point bullet?

JSP is a semi-jacketed round as the jacket does not extend to the tip. A hollow-point bullet is a type of expanding bullet used for controlled penetration, where over-penetration could cause collateral damage (such as aboard an aircraft ). In target shooting, they are used for greater accuracy due to the larger meplat.

When were the first hollow point bullets made?

The first hollow-point bullets were marketed in the late 19th century as express bullets, and were hollowed out to reduce the bullet’s mass and provide higher velocities.