Hi,

Are hollow base round nose bullets (.40S&W) considered a self defense round? (i.e. - do they expand like a HP for good stopping power?)

I found a box (1000 count) of Berrys .40S&W Hollow Point Round Nose for a good price .... and was hoping I could use them both at the range & for SD.

Any info would be very helpful and appreciated. Thanks!

No to all of the above. A hollow base is made to better conform to the bore to maximize accuracy. I suspect in a .40SW load it might help reduce chamber pressure with more area to expand but I may be incorrect in that guess. And NO round nose is good for defense in that any hollow point will better expend all energy in the target and have less chance penetrating walls and such.

But they might make great range ammo.

Welcome to the site......

History as proved that the round nose is at the bottom of the list for SD use,since it just makes a small hole that closes up after it while over penetrating and exits with its energy not "Spent" inside the target. They do make good target loads but even the SWC style bullet makes a nice round hole that is a lot easier to see at 25 yards vs the RN bullets.

Best SD bullets of today are usually JHP or lead swcHP bullets
unless the very small calibers that use RN jacket bullets to get penetration, since a JHP usually can't penetrate enough to get to the vitals.

As a note...."Plated bullets" are ment to be used as target bullts. SD bullets have a quality copper jacket tested to do the job at higher velositys.

Good shooting,stay safe.

Thank you very much ..... I really appreciate the info.

Thank you very much for that information...... I really appreciate it.