Hollow Point Rounds for Concealed Carry: Required or Recommended?

When considering the use of a concealed pistol for self-defense in the United States, one of the most common questions revolves around the necessity of using hollow point (HP) ammunition. Here, we delve into the legal, practical, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of HP rounds.

State-Specific Laws and Recommendations

There are no federal laws mandating the use of hollow points in the U.S., and this policy extends to concealed carry. However, in many states, mandatory training for concealed carry permits often includes recommendations from government-approved trainers to use HP rounds. The rationale behind this recommendation is based on the superior stopping power and reduced risk of collateral damage that HP rounds offer.

For instance, if you do not use an expanding bullet and a bullet exits the attacker's body, potentially harming a bystander, a lawsuit might argue that you were negligent in your choice of ammunition. On the other hand, traditional full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets might require more hits to effectively stop an attacker, thereby increasing the likelihood of fatal outcomes. This is another reason why hollow point rounds are nearly always provided to law enforcement officers.

Legal and Practical Considerations

In New Jersey, the use of hollow point ammunition is prohibited for anyone except law enforcement officers and certain security personnel. This makes it crucial for concealed carry permit holders in New Jersey to use alternative ammunition if they choose not to use HP rounds.

Using hollow points is generally not required, but it is highly recommended for several practical reasons. Modern hollow point designs work exceptionally well, expanding even after passing through multiple layers of denim and rarely causing issues with jamming. In the 1980s, a firearms magazine published an article detailing a study where hollow points outperformed FMJ bullets in one-shot stops. The article, "The Great Goat Shoot," showed that a 45 Colt Auto in FMJ had a 21% one-shot-stop success rate, while the same 45 Colt Auto with a hollow point had a 99% one-shot-stop success rate. Similar results were observed with a .380 auto and hollow point ammunition, with a 60% success rate compared to the 21% success rate of FMJ ammunition.

Personal Choice and Defensive Strategy

Selecting the right handgun and ammunition for concealed carry involves balancing personal preferences, safety, and practical effectiveness. For concealed carry, the .380 auto with the Hornady XTP hollow point is a popular choice. It is compact and sufficiently powerful, with a proven track record of effectiveness. The pistol is small enough to be easily carried, and the XTP ammunition provides significant protection.

Most defensive shots are taken within 10 feet, with approximately 90% of shots being misses. However, the ability to accurately place the shot is crucial for effective self-defense. Utilizing a laser pointer with fire discipline can enhance both accuracy and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

In conclusion, while there are no legally mandated requirements to use hollow point rounds, doing so is widely recommended for its superior stopping power and reduced risk of collateral damage. However, it is important to note that the choice of ammunition should align with one's personal preferences and strategy, while also adhering to state-specific regulations.

Keywords: hollow point rounds, concealed carry, self-defense