Hollow Points in New Jersey

Police, prosecutors and many others have trouble understanding New Jersey law as it applies to hollow point ammunition. In New Jersey “hollow point” “dum-dum” and “armor piercing ammunition” mean the same thing.

Hollow-point bullets are a type of expanding bullet which expands on impact, causing a more lethal hit without penetrating further than necessary.

Hollow-point bullets are used for controlled penetration, where overpenetration could result in collateral damage such as in confined spaces. In target shooting, they are used for greater accuracy due to the larger meplat. They are more accurate and predictable compared to pointed bullets which, despite having a higher ballistic coefficient (BC), are more sensitive to bullet harmonic characteristics and wind deflection.

The “grey area” are fragmented bullets (i.e. Glaser Safety Slug, Magsafe). Technically Glaser’s noses are solid,  however on some Magsafe they are concave and this is questionable.

HOLLOW POINTS At Home

NJSA 2C:39-3 subsection (g)2 a person may keep[] such ammunition at his dwelling premises or other land owned or possessed by him, or from carrying such ammunition from the place of purchase to said dwelling or land.”

HOLLOW POINTS OutSIDE of the home

NJSA 2C:39-3(f) prohibits the possession of hollow point ammunition unless a person is “engaged in” certain activities listed under NJSA 2C:39-6f - which include target shooting & hunting (assuming you are also in possession of a valid hunting license and an “appropriate firearm”). Or transporting directly to or from “any place for the purpose of hunting or fishing, provided the person has in his possession a valid hunting license.” Or “directly to or from any target range…” as long as the ammunition is transported “in the manner specified in subsection g.”

Notwithstanding the law, many clients are arrested and charged with unlawful possession of hollow point ammunition in New Jersey under the mistaken belief that they are illegal to posses under any circumstance.

THEORY BEHIND THE LAW

When this law was enacted, politically it was believed that hollow points were more dangerous than solid nose ammunition. It is unclear what information was actually relied upon in enacting this law, since it is well known that when hollow points hit a target they are designed to stop. On the other hand, solid nose ammunition will typically go through the target and into as many other objects and people behind the initial target as possible. Further, it is also recognized that many rifle rounds will pierce so-called bullet proof vests and therefore are more dangerous.

If you or a friend has been charged with possession or transportation of hollow point ammunition, call us today for a free and confidential consultation.