No, Hollow Point bullets are not illegal in the United States. You can easily buy them and use them for different purposes, whether it is for self-defense, hunting, or anything like that. Though we get it, like, why you might be asking this question. It is because the hollow point bullets have a larger impact area, so the entire force of the bullet is transferred to the object, and it doesn’t pierce through the object. But in actuality, whatever you might think about these hollow-point bullets, these are perfectly legal in the country.
So, What Exactly Are Hollow Point Bullets?
For those who know little to nothing about these, well, Hollow-point bullets contain a small hole at the front. If such bullets were to be used against a target, the part of their tip that protrudes or “mushrooms” would be that which slows the bullet down and, therefore, causes that place to have a greater impact.
It is a main reason why police officers and common people, who use them for self-defense, are in favor of such kind of weapons; they make a threat stop very quickly and do not go through walls or injure someone who is behind the target. To be sure, hunters employ them as well, because they are able to kill animals fast and in a humane manner.
In simplest words and shortest sense possible, hollow point cartridges are typically associated with their ability to stop and limited expansion, thus being their main choices for defense, hunting, and also target shooting.
Why the Big Debate About Hollow Points?
Well, to be honest, much of the misunderstanding is due to old rules of war. In 1899, the Hague Convention prohibited the use of expanding bullets such as hollow points in the military. There are people who think that this implies that they are forbidden in every place, but it is not the case at all in actuality!
Such a regulation is limited to battle situations and does not extend to the actions of civilians or the police within the U. S. Hence, hollow points as a product are perfectly legal, and they, in fact, make up a significant part of the ammunition market in the USA.
The Main Question: Are Hollow Points Illegal in the U.S.?
The simple answer is that hollow-point bullets are in no way illegal in the United States.
Almost everywhere, you’re free to purchase and carry these bullets for self-defense, shooting at the range, hunting or anything like that. The state of New Jersey is the only one that places some restrictions on them, but even there, they are not banned altogether.
State-Specific Rules on Hollow Points
- New Jersey: Unless you are carrying a gun loaded with hollow points in public, it is not that you cannot own and use them at home, at a shooting range, or while hunting with the right license. But putting them loaded in your carry-on in public? That’s where it gets a little messy because it is not allowed in that sense.
- California: Hollow points are allowed; however, California has additional ammunition regulations. Like, just to be specific here, one must purchase ammunition only from a licensed dealer, go through a background check, and abide by the transport regulations. There is no problem with normal hollow points; just do not use armor-piercing or explosive ammunition.
- Everywhere Else: Hollow points are totally legal in the other 48 states as long as you adhere to your local gun and ammunition laws. Plain and simple! Though it is also important for you to check back on the local rules or state laws regarding these hollow point bullets. Just to stay out of any legal mess down the line.
