Safety and Legalities of Hollow Point Ammo: Red Plastic Tip Explained

When dealing with hollow point ammunition, one question often arises: 'Does the red plastic tip need to be removed?' This tip does not serve a purely decorative purpose; it plays a critical role in the safety and functionality of the ammunition.

Understanding Red Tipped Ammunition

Red tipped ammunition is often mistaken for tracer ammunition. However, these red tips are not designed to ignite upon impact. Instead, they are an integral part of the design of hollow point rounds. Tracer ammunition, on the other hand, has a magnesium core that, when ignited, allows the round to be seen in the air. In the United States, tracer rounds are restricted and marked with a distinctive red tip for easy identification.

The red tip on hollow point ammunition, specifically hollow point rounds like the 7.5×55mm Swiss, serves multiple purposes. It is typically a cannelure or a thin ridge that ensures better feeding in semi-automatic firearms, and it can also aid in proper expansion upon impact, especially through clothing.

Traceability and Safety Precautions

Given the potential dangers and legal implications, it is crucial to understand how to handle and dispose of ammunition safely. If you find yourself in possession of red tipped ammunition that is not fully understood, it is important to handle it within the legal boundaries:

Unload and set the bullets aside. Ensure the firearm and magazines, if applicable, are in a secure container that complies with state laws. Visit a local gun store to sell the firearm, if necessary, and then proceed to a police station to turn in the ammunition. Important: Amateurs and individuals who do not understand the nuances of firearms should neither possess nor handle ammunition without proper guidance.

These steps not only ensure safety but also comply with legal requirements, ensuring that firearms and ammunition are disposed of responsibly.

The Red Tip for Safety and Performance

The red plastic tip is not a safety mechanism to be removed. It is a crucial component of the ammunition's design, preventing accidental detonation when using tubular magazines. Removing this tip could result in the bullet detonating prematurely, leading to severe injury or even fatal outcomes.

Furthermore, the red tip helps in the feeding process and ensures proper expansion upon impact, particularly when penetrating through clothing. This is especially important in real-world scenarios where proper ammunition performance can mean the difference between life and death.

For those who are unsure, it is highly recommended to consult a firearm expert or a firearm safety course. Understanding the proper use and disposal of ammunition is not only a matter of safety but also a matter of upholding legal and ethical standards in firearm ownership.