A Guide to 9mm Hollow Point

As one of the most popular types of ammo in the United States and the world as a whole, 9mm ammo is ubiquitous. From civilians who use a 9mm handgun as their every day carry weapon to police officers and military personnel, you can find this caliber everywhere. Like plenty of other pistol rounds, there are plenty of variations in the bullets, but the two most popular are full metal jacket and hollow point rounds. Traditionally, full metal jacket rounds are the best for target practice because they are cheaper, while 9mm hollow point bullets are most often used for self defense. Whether you're new to firearms or an old-hand shooter, there are plenty of unique aspects about hollow point bullets, and 9mm hollow point ammo in particular, that you should know.

What Are Hollow Point Bullets?

First, we'll start with the basics. A hollow point bullet refers to a round that has a hollowed-out point at the end of the bullet. This leaves an impression or dent in the end, and this style of bullet was originally designed around 1890. The purpose of a hollow point bullet is that the impression allows the bullet to expand in the target and form a mushroom as the pressure pushes inside the impression and ruptures the bullet outward. This is more effective for self defense compared to full metal jacket rounds because the bullet creates a wider wound channel and doesn't just pass through the target. Not only is this a better option for self defense, but it is also safer to use in closed quarters. Even 9mm full metal jacket rounds have a chance of overpenetration and hitting something behind your target, so using 9mm hollow point can protect your surroundings if you're in a self defense situation, especially around other people.

Is Hollow Point 9mm Illegal?

No, 9mm hollow point ammo is not federally illegal in the United States. However, some states have restrictions on hollow point ammunition. For example, some states only allow you to use hollow point ammunition when you are hunting or in a self defense situation. It's always best to check your local and state regulations before purchasing or using ammo to make sure you are following the proper laws.

What Are the Different Types of 9mm Hollow Point Ammo?

There are two main types of hollow point bullets: soft point and jacketed hollow point. Soft point ammunition is fairly self-explanatory, as it leaves the soft metal of the bullet exposed outside the brass or steel casing. Jacketed hollow point ammuntion is by far the more popular option and this type of ammo covers the hollow bullet with a copper jacket, which gives the round more mass and stopping power. We have tons of 9mm jacketed hollow point ammo from the most popular brands in the gun industry, including Winchester, Federal Premium, CCI Ammunition, and plenty more.

What Are 9mm Hollow Points Good For?

The main benefit of 9mm Hollow Points is that they are extremely reliable. In addition to being easy to find, this type of bullet works well and performs at it's best when you need it most, which is crucial in a self-defense situation. Plus, many firearms are chambered in 9mm, so if you like to carry different firearms or just have several in the home for defense, getting them all in 9mm makes it easy to keep them loaded and stay prepared. Plus, you cannot overstate how much better this type of ammo is at preventing overpenetration, which makes it the perfect choice for home and self defense.

What Are the Disadvantages of 9mm Hollow Point Bullets?

Despite the popularity of 9mm hollow point ammunition, there are still some drawbacks. For example, if the rounds are under-pressured, the bullet may not fly fast enough to expand properly when it hits your target, which takes away the primary benefit of using 9mm hollow point ammunition. Another issue that can prevent the bullet from expanding is if the tip becomes clogged before it has a chance to expand, such as by building materials, fabric, or something else the round passes through. However, despite these disadvantages, 9mm hollow point bullets are extremely effective and these issues tend to be rare. This is especially true with 9mm +P ammunition, which are overpressured rounds that are loaded to produce more internal pressure when you fire them.

Check Out Our 9mm Hollow Point Bullets Today!

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