why can't you shoot hollow points indoor range

[beretta-secksay]

i was at the range and the guy said they don't allow to shoot hallow points indoor?

[The Lone Haranguer]

Perhaps hollowpoints are damaging to their backstop material?

This is not universally true of all ranges. I shot for years at the Scottsdale Gun Club (http://scottsdalegunclub.com) and their only restriction was on steel-jacketed or -cored bullets. You could also shoot rifles up to just short of a .50BMG.

[beretta-secksay]

when i asked why? the guy said they would explode in my face.

[NavyLT]

Nothing more than a range preference. They may think that hollow points have more of a tendency to fragment and ricochet. Not saying that is true, just saying that's what they might think. Did you ask them for the reason? The range I shot at in OKC just checked the bullets with a magnet to ensure no steel jacket/core ammo was being used.

[NavyLT]

when i asked why? the guy said they would explode in my face.

Okey dokey... never heard that one before. Like I said, probably nothing factual, just range preference, and apparently I was correct about the nothing factual part.

[The Lone Haranguer]

when i asked why? the guy said they would explode in my face.
:confused: :scrutiny: :rolleyes:

Unfortunately, if that is in fact the rule, you must play the hand you're dealt.

[Mike the Wolf]

Depends on their backstop. Some actually can do an RTS (return to sender) if you use the wrong ammunition.

[makarovnik]

If you prefer shooting hollowpoints in your autoloader I would:

a) Find a different range. You want to practice with what you will be using away from the range.

b) Shoot hollowpoints at the range anyway. I suppose you might have to put the ammo in a different box or not let the rangemaster see what you are using.

What do they do, watch what kind of ammo you load into your magazine? That sucks.

I went to a range once that insisted you shoot only ammo that was purchased from them. I never went back. Ridiculous!

[twoclones]

I've never seen a rule against shooting hollow points. But two indoor ranges have told me I can't shoot my 500 Magnum there.

[DaveBeal]

I used to go to a range that prohibited hollow points. They said that they tended to fragment and ricochet more. It was a public range; I doubt if many folks observed the rule.

[.38 Special]

I've been hit by HP fragments on several occasions. One of those was at an indoor range where HP is forbidden. Apparently their backstop cannot adequately control ammunition that fragments.

[mgregg85]

For most practice you are better off shooting cheaper FMJ anyways, if you want to test out self defense ammo just go somewhere else.

[wccountryboy]

Air quality may have something to do with it, fragmenting rounds are more likely to produce airborne lead.
I've also been hit by fragments when the fool in the next lane thought the target clip was meant to be hit...
Regardless, the owner makes the rules; you can either abide by them or take your business elsewhere.

[Dirtpile]

Been there. Almost as much fun as hot brass from the next lane going down the back of you shirt.

[mljdeckard]

I went to a range where they asked me if I was shooting rifle or pistol. (Apparently they have some lanes more hardened than others.) I told them I was shooting .30 carbine, and they told me I had to use a rifle lane. Even if the rounds I was using were really more pistol rounds than rifle, house rules.

[chris in va]

I smell a troll.

[CWL]

How short is the range and do they use armor plate? Depending on how the range is built (what angles the backplate is set at), HP can cause excessive splashback of fragments. There was one range I used to go to that was like taking a copper/lead shower.

[krochus]

lemme guess, you didn't have any other ammunition with you so they conveniently sold you some FMJ at a slight markup on their part

[CoRoMo]

After they gave me that explanation as to why, I'd rather find a place where the explanations are more logical.

[bonedust]

b) Shoot hollowpoints at the range anyway. I suppose you might have to put the ammo in a different box or not let the rangemaster see what you are using.

thats both irresponsable and ignorant. if a non-approved bullet for that backstop did RTS and hurt/injure/kill another customer, you would find yourself in a life altering legal battle. its this kind of attitute that gives the anti's facts and statistics. you are a hazard and a danger to the sport.

while i dont see how a hollowpoint could blow up in your face with any backstop system, it is their business, thier insurance, and their right to deny. please, by all means, feel free to find another range who will allow the use od said ammo.

[.38 Special]

My understanding is that some types of backstop are subject to cratering and other damage with age and use, which can sometimes cause this sort of trouble.

[Yo Mama]

Find another range.

[OcelotZ3]

I took a SD class at an outdoor range and a HP fragmented & came back into a guy's cheek. Hot lead in the cheek might change some people's minds. HP's were allowed in the class.

[RPCVYemen]

At one range, I was told that FMJ tended to be less destructive of the rubber backstops.

Mike

[Mike the Wolf]

Some ranges use a room filled with dirt behind a retaining barrier as a backstop. Others use different methods. Hollowpoints and soft points can easily RTS off certain types of backstops. It's probably more of a problem with soft points, though, as that ammo is designed to fragment. Hollowpoints are designed to flatten or blossom, but stay in one piece. Respect the range rules. There's no sense wasting more expensive self-defense ammo at the range, anyway. Not with a handgun, at least.

[bang_bang]

Kinda off topic, but my friend had a ricochet from a 45 ACP FMJ hit him in the leg and REALLY close to his baby maker. The one that hit him in the lower leg/calf area is still in his leg, the one that hit higher didn't go through his blue jeans.

I would think that it's a range preference, they might have the idea that a HP will fragment and ricochet. But, FMJs do it too.

[Mike the Wolf]

Again, it depends on the backstop. If a range uses rules inconsistent with the type of backstop they are using, they're going to have safety issues.

[ACBMWM3]

my range lets me shoot hollow points, how else am i gonna make sure they feed through my gun correctly when i try a new defense round out...

[Moonclip]

.38special,did this happen to be the Firing Line in HB? I rarely/never shoot there aprtly due to no jhp allowed there. I like to function test my jhp in my guns so I found another range as mentioned.

Way to many rules and strange rules at some ranges. My local range disallowes shotguns unless you buy Wolf birdshot from them at like $5 for 10 rounds, no thanks.

[.38 Special]

Yep, that's the place. They've since installed a new backstop, IIRC, and allow all sorts of things, including heavy rifles.

My current range disallows shotguns entirely. They've got signs up to the effect that "not playing by the rules" -- ie. bringing lord-knows-what ammo from home -- ruined the fun for everyone. Personally, as a freepistol shooter, I'm not exactly broken up about not having a guy with a 12 gauge in the lane next to me... :p

[f4t9r]

Never had that problem at a range or have I ever been ask about hollow points

[T Scott P]

The indoor range here in my town also does not allow "non jacketed" ammo, wad cutters etc. Splatter and RTS are the reasons. I respect this due to the fact that I have been shot once, in the leg, and I didn't really like it! :cuss: Also, it his liability ins that dictates this.

[inSight-NEO]

It probably, as stated before, falls within their "explosive" round category...unfortunate as it is. This certainly would be a problem for those who wish to regularly practice with their chosen HD ammo.

Luckily, my local range has no such restrictions.

My advice...save up some $$$$$, buy some land and have fun at your leisure...regardless of ammo type or caliber. :D