Soft point vs hollow point

[JamieC]

I'm starting to look around for some bullets to load for SD, any reason I'd want a soft point or a hollow point? It's for an AR, 1 in 9. I find a lot of hollow point bullets for reloading, realizing most of them are target ammo, not SD.

 

[rcmodel]

No.

HP might feed more reliably, as there is no chance of a soft lead tip being deformed during feeding.

However, my personal choice is the plastic tips.
Either Hornady V-Max, Nosler Ballistic-Tip, or Sierra Blitxking.

See this about that.
Ballistic gel test shown on a tab in each bullet weight.

http://www.hornadyle.com/products/rifle-ammunition/223-remington/55-gr-tap-urban

rc

 

[FROGO207]

I feel it is about the expansion or penetration variations that you seek with the bullet you choose. There are as many choices as there are brands of bullets. Heck there are MANY more choices. I personally like a JSP for SD but the argument for a fast expanding polymer tipped bullet can be made for sure. There are many reviews of various bullet penetration tests to be had on the interweb. If you want to try some to see what you like use gelatin or wet newspaper to test your loads at SD ranges and see the results firsthand for your self.

 

[788Ham]

An example of differences in bullets : The soft point bullet will definitely leave a hole, a hollow point will leave a hole also, about 3 times the size as the soft point. Another example : hunting P-dogs, a soft point will knock 'em off, DRT, a hollow point will also, but will leave parts scattered from hell to lunch time ! Thats the difference.

 

[Dmitri Popov]

Also take into consideration what your aggressor might be wearing. And I'm not nessasarily talking about body armor. While this applies more to pistol, heavy winter clothing versus light summer clothing can effect bullet performance. Also, what is the expected enviroment? Can you afford to over penetrate a soft target? I.E. pass through and enter an adjacent room or building?