Hollow-point ammunition is designed to expand upon impact. This expansion creates a larger wound cavity compared to standard ammunition, thus increasing the likelihood of rapidly incapacitating a target. For example, a 9mm hollow-point bullet might double in diameter as it travels through soft tissue.
The primary benefit of this design is enhanced stopping power, reducing the risk of over-penetration and collateral damage. This is particularly important in law enforcement and self-defense scenarios where minimizing the risk to bystanders is crucial. Historically, hollow-point ammunition emerged as a refinement to improve the effectiveness of handgun rounds, which often lacked the power to reliably stop threats.