What is the purpose of a hollowpoint bullet?

A hollowpoint bullet is designed with a cavity in its tip, which allows the bullet to expand upon impact. This expansion creates a larger wound channel compared to a full metal jacket bullet, which tends to penetrate more without expanding. The primary purpose of this structure is to increase the effectiveness of the bullet by maximizing the amount of tissue damage it causes, which is particularly important for hunting, as it can lead to quicker, more humane kills by delivering greater energy transfer to the target.

In hunting scenarios, this quality is invaluable because it can enhance stopping power, making it more likely that the animal will be incapacitated quickly. The design contrasts sharply with other bullet types that focus primarily on penetration or maintaining aerodynamic stability in flight. Thus, the primary function of a hollowpoint bullet is to promote high expansion on impact, making it an essential choice for hunters seeking efficiency and effectiveness in their shooting.