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

By Cassandra McBride

Last Updated: Dec 25, 2025

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Cassandra McBride

With a Criminology and Sociology background, Cassandra blends advocacy and research to write data-driven articles on the outdoors, politics, and firearms. A staunch Second Amendment supporter, she empowers women through firearm training. At Ammo.com, her work sheds light on gun deaths, ownership trends, and overlooked angles in gun debates.

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Hollow point bullets (also known as hollow nose bullets) aren’t illegal federally or in most states.

These bullets are often the topic of controversy, confusion, and myth. The following sections examine the legality of hollow point ammunition in the United States, as well as the Hague Conventions’ moratorium on its use during international warfare.

Disclaimer: Ammo.com articles are neither written nor reviewed by attorneys. We are not qualified to provide legal advice. No information presented by this website is intended to be construed as legal advice.

Are Hollow Points Illegal?

Hollow point (HP) bullets are legal in the United States and most jurisdictions. Although they’re heavily restricted in New Jersey, even that state has exceptions for purchase and possession.

Countless civilians use HP ammo for self-defense, hunting, and target practice. The hollow point bullet is the primary choice for law enforcement officers (LEOs) nationwide due to its potential for increased stopping power and reduced risk of over-penetration.

In Which States Are Hollow Points Illegal?

At the time of writing, there is only one state where hollow point projectiles are restricted: New Jersey. They are not completely outlawed in NJ, however: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.

New Jersey law states:

f. Dum-dum or armor piercing ammunition. (1) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet, or (2) any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who knowingly has in his possession any armor piercing ammunition, as defined in subsection gg. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color.

Some local jurisdictions and public lands restrict specific projectiles and ammunition. 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.

New Jersey Hollow Point Exceptions

New Jersey doesn’t ban hollow points outright. State law does not explicitly prohibit possession of such ammunition under the following conditions/circumstances:

• Possession at home or on personal property
• Use at licensed ranges for target practice
• For lawful hunting (licensed, and only when hunting)
• Traveling to and from authorized locations (place of purchase, the shooting range, or hunting)
• Active law enforcement officers
• Active U.S. military or National Guard

Violation of New Jersey’s hollow point restrictions can result in a 4th degree felony, with 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 for each cartridge.

Are Hollow Points Illegal in War?

No government explicitly bans HP ammo in warfare. The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which multiple countries have obliged to honor, place a moratorium on “bullets which expand or flatten easily in the human body.” The U.S. did not initially agree to these terms, and therefore allowed its military to continue using HP and soft point (SP) projectiles in war.

The U.S. eventually would ratify multiple Hague Conventions, by which it agreed not "to employ arms, projectiles, or material calculated to cause unnecessary suffering.” As such, the American military has refrained from using several types of ammunition in favor of full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets for many years.

Several more dangerous weapons (nuclear and chemical) have been developed since the turn of the 20th century, so the use of HPs isn’t under as much scrutiny as it once was.

Are Hollow Points Legal for Concealed Carry?

Yes, hollow points are legal for concealed carry in most states. New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. that restricts the use of HP projectiles for concealed carry. Gun owners there are obligated to use FMJs for certain applications.

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

Illegal Bullet Types

Here are a few other unlawful types of bullets and ammunition in various states (including Texas which will surprise many):

• Armor-piercing
• Bolo
• Dragon’s Breath
• Flechette
• Hollow point (aka HP, or hollow nose, dum-dum ammo)
• Incendiary/exploding

Armor-piercing rounds are designed for punching through the same body armor utilized 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 wire. It’s illegal under Florida and Illinois state law.

Dragon’s Breath is a brand of 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 in order to (A) maximize damage to the target, and (B) mitigate the risk of over-penetration that could jeopardize innocent bystanders. At the time of writing, it is only restricted in New Jersey.

Incendiary rounds fire projectiles that explode and/or combust on impact, and are unlawful in many states.

Parting Shots: Are Hollow Points Illegal?

Now that you know hollow points are not restricted in most states, you can confidently purchase them for home defense, target shooting, and hunting situations (unless you live in New Jersey).

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

Written by

Cassandra McBride