I have seen a lot of answers, that are telling that it has more damage area and it fits in auto loaders better. I accept the second one, but not the first. Imagine a 9mm hits a vest and… nothing, probably a couple of broken bones, even though it has a larger damage area. Then the person takes their gun and shoots you. Your shots were probably useless. But if that 9mm was pointy it would, depending on the vest, penetrate it and hit the person, severely damaging the person. You’re now safe. That’s my scenario. So why are low caliber bullets not pointy?
In: Engineering
I’m guessing you’re talking about rifle rounds versus pistol rounds (since there is a rounded tip pistol version of the .50cal). It really boils down to “intended use”:
1. **Distance**: Rifles cover larger distances with pointed projectiles for better aerodynamics and precision. A rounded tip would create more drag. (9mm effective range: 55 yards, 5.56: close to 1,000)
2. **Application**: Pointed rifle tips (**USUALLY**) cause less overall damage. Surprisingly, someone can survive a clean through-and-through if no major organs or arteries are hit. Pistol rounds with rounded tips aim for maximum close range damage, allowing for more accuracy flexibility. (Miss an organ, and the 9mm hollow point can still cause serious damage at 10 yards.)
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