Are Hollow Points Illegal? Understanding When & Where You Can Use HP Bullets

Are hollow points illegal? The answer depends on where you live. In every state except one, HP bullets are legal. However, in New Jersey, they are restricted.

It is a common misconception that HP bullets were deemed unlawful at the 1899 Hague Convention and Geneva Convention for use in combat, which is why many people believe hollow point bullets are illegal for civilians to own and use.

And as many gun laws try to be as vague as possible, it creates a lot of confusion around the topic. But don’t worry. This article is here to help clear the air around the use of hollow point ammunition.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. I am not qualified to give legal advice. No information presented by Ammo.com is intended to be construed as legal advice.

Are Hollow Points Illegal?

No, hollow points are not illegal in most states in the United States. Countless civilians use them for self-defense, hunting, and target practice. The hollow point bullet is the primary choice for law enforcement officers (LEO) nationwide due to its increased stopping power and reduced risk of over-penetration.

In Which States Are Hollow Points Illegal?

As of this writing, there is only one state where hollow point projectiles are illegal: New Jersey. And it’s not completely outlawed in NJ- “‘According to the New Jersey State Police, it is legal to purchase and possess HP ammo, but you can only have it in your home, at a gun range, when hunting, or when ‘traveling to and from such places.’”

However, some states and public lands might restrict specific projectiles and ammunition, so it’s always best to consult local laws before purchasing ammo.

California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, and New Jersey have some of the strictest laws concerning bullets and ammunition restrictions.

Are Hollow Points Illegal In War?

Hollow points are not specifically mentioned as illegal for combat. The Hague Convention of 1899 mentions “bullets which expand or flatten easily in the human body.” However, the U.S. did not agree to these terms and could still use HPs and soft point projectiles in war.

In 1907, the U.S. ratified the second Hague Convention, in which it agreed not "to employ arms, projectiles, or material calculated to cause unnecessary suffering.” So, the American military refrained from using this type of ammunition and opted to use full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets for many years.

Today, there are much more dangerous weapons (nuclear and chemical) that militaries are concerned about, so the use of HPs isn’t under as much scrutiny as it used to be.

Are Hollow Points Legal For Concealed Carry?

Yes, hollow points are legal for concealed carry in most states. The state of New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. that restricts the use of HP projectiles for concealed carry. Gun owners will need to use FMJs for some shooting applications in NJ.

Hunters can use HPs in New Jersey if they provide a valid hunting license.

Illegal Bullet Types

There are a few other unlawful types of bullets in various states, including Texas (which will surprise many). They are:

• Armor-piercing rounds
• Bolo ammunition
• Dragon’s Breath
• Flechette bullets
• Hollow point (JHP, hollow nose, dum-dum ammo)
• Incendiary rounds (exploding ammunition)

Armor-piercing rounds are designed for punching through body armor (worn by law enforcement agencies and the military), which many people believe no civilian needs. It does not provide any sporting benefit, as game animals do not wear armor.

Bolo ammo is loaded with two or more projectiles connected by a wire. According to state law, it’s illegal in Florida and Illinois.

Dragon’s Breath is shotgun ammo that fires sparks or flames up to 100 feet. It’s illegal in Florida, Illinois, and Iowa.

Flechette ammo is loaded with two or more dart-style or metal wire projectiles. It’s illegal in California, Florida, and Illinois.

Hollow point ammo is loaded with a bullet that has a concave nose, which aids in expansion after entering the target and helps reduce the risk of over-penetration and striking innocent bystanders as collateral damage. At the time of writing, it is only illegal in New Jersey.

Incendiary rounds explode on impact with the target and are unlawful in many states.

Parting Shots: Are Hollow Points Illegal?

Now that we know hollow points are not illegal in most states, you can confidently purchase them for home defense, target shooting, and hunting situations.

At Ammo.com, we have a large selection of HP bullets and other handgun ammunition at excellent prices in various calibers (45 ACP, 9mm Luger, 44 Mag, and 357 Magnum). Be sure to check out your favorite caliber today!

Written by

Wes Littlefield