What are "soft-tipped" ammunition types used for?

Soft-tipped ammunition is specifically designed to provide controlled expansion upon impact. This is achieved through the design of the bullet, which features a soft material at the tip that allows it to expand when it strikes a target. This controlled expansion increases the bullet's diameter, enhancing its ability to create a larger wound channel, which can result in more effective terminal ballistics.

This property makes soft-tipped ammunition particularly useful for hunting and self-defense situations, as it maximizes lethality while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. By creating a wider wound, it can incapacitate an animal or assailant more efficiently without passing through and potentially harming bystanders.

In contrast, ammunition types intended for maximum penetration would typically have a more solid tip or design, prioritizing the ability to go through barriers rather than expanding upon impact. On the other hand, practice ammunition often lacks expansion capabilities, as it is designed for training purposes and therefore prioritizes cost-effectiveness and safety over performance. Soft-tipped ammunition strikes a particular balance that makes it advantageous for scenarios that require effective stopping power while managing potential risks associated with bullet performance.