What type of bullet is typically recommended for tubular magazines?

The rounded soft point bullet is typically recommended for use in tubular magazines due to its design, which minimizes the risk of accidental detonation when the bullets are stacked closely together. Tubular magazines, often found in lever-action rifles, load ammunition by sliding rounds into a tube that can contain multiple cartridges.

The rounded shape of the soft point bullet helps prevent the tip of one bullet from striking the primer of another bullet, a situation that could lead to a dangerous misfire or chain reaction. This design feature is crucial for maintaining safety when handling and firing from a tubular magazine. The soft point also provides more controlled expansion upon impact, enhancing the bullet's effectiveness for hunting game, while still being safe for use in this type of magazine.

In contrast, other types of bullets have designs or characteristics that may not be ideal for tubular magazines. For example, pointed soft point bullets can pose a greater risk of unintended ignition, while hollowpoints are not as structurally stable when stacked in a tube. Full metal jackets are generally used for target shooting or military applications where expansion upon impact is not critical, and their design does not align with the safety considerations for tubular magazines.