Comparing Factory Loads: Is A Hollow Point Better For Deer Than A Soft?

Choosing the Right Bullet Type

When it comes to hunting deer with a rifle, the type of bullet used can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the shot. Both hollow point and soft point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, but the key differences lie in their construction and behavior.

Hollow Point vs Soft Point: Expansion and Performance

Hollow point bullets have a concave tip that is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and helping to stop the deer quickly. They typically have a more consistent expansion rate than soft point bullets, with many modern hollow point bullets expanding to a diameter of 1.2 to 1.5 times their original size within a few inches of impact. In contrast, soft point bullets have a solid lead core with a jacketed tip that can deform upon impact, but may not expand as consistently or to the same degree as hollow point bullets. This can result in over-penetration and reduced effectiveness in stopping the deer.

Real-World Performance: Cartridges and Bullet Weights

In terms of specific cartridges and bullet weights, hunters have found that hollow point bullets perform well in a variety of common hunting cartridges, including the 30-06 Springfield with a 180-grain hollow point bullet, the 7mm Remington Magnum with a 150-grain hollow point bullet, and the .308 Winchester with a 150-grain hollow point bullet. When choosing a bullet, hunters should consider the specific needs of their hunt, including the range to the target, the size and strength of the deer, and the type of terrain they will be hunting in.