What effect does "hollow-point" ammunition have upon impact?

Prepare for the USCG Gunners Mate SWE Exam with interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Each question is complemented with hints and explanations to support your study efforts. Get ready for success!

Hollow-point ammunition is designed specifically to expand upon impact. This expansion results in a larger wound channel compared to full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which typically penetrate deeply without expanding. When a hollow-point bullet strikes a target, the hollow cavity at its tip fills with fluid from the target, causing the bullet to widen and create a more significant injury. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in self-defense situations, as it increases the likelihood of incapacitating a threat more effectively. The design of the hollow-point round aims to balance effective stopping power with minimal risk of over-penetration, which could endanger bystanders. Thus, the correct answer elucidates the primary purpose of hollow-point ammunition in creating a larger wound channel through its expansion on impact.

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