Which bullet type is designed for maximum penetration without mushrooming?

The bullet type that is designed for maximum penetration without mushrooming is the full metal jacket. Full metal jacket bullets are encased in a hard metal shell, which helps maintain the bullet's shape as it travels through a target. This design allows the bullet to penetrate deeply without expanding or deforming upon impact, making it effective for various applications, particularly in military and law enforcement situations where consistent penetration is critical.

In contrast, other bullet types, such as hollowpoints, are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel but sacrificing penetration. Pointed soft points may provide some penetration while allowing for controlled expansion, but they do not focus on maximum penetration like full metal jackets do. Semi-wad cutters are primarily designed for accuracy and a clean cut in paper targets rather than for penetration purposes.