Which type of bullet offers a balance between penetration and expansion?

The semi-wad cutter bullet is designed to provide a balance between penetration and expansion. Its flat-nosed design allows for a clean cut through the target, leading to effective penetration while also creating an adequately sized wound channel. This bullet type is often used for target shooting and can perform well in hunting scenarios where both penetration and sufficient expansion are important for a quick, humane kill.

In contrast, full metal jacket bullets are primarily designed for penetration, as they have a solid, full casing that does not expand upon impact, making them less effective for hunting purposes. Hollowpoint bullets are designed specifically for rapid expansion upon impact, which can result in significant damage to the target but may sacrifice some penetration. Pointed soft point bullets offer more expansion than full metal jackets while still providing some level of penetration, but they do not achieve the same balance as semi-wad cutters. Therefore, the semi-wad cutter stands out for its dual capability in both penetration and expansion.