Yes, hollow-point bullets are legal in Texas. Civilians are allowed to buy them, carry them, store them at home, and use them for self-defense or sporting purposes. Texas does not list hollow-points as a restricted ammunition type. The only type of bullet specifically banned in Texas is handgun armor-piercing ammunition, which hollow-points are not.
Extended introduction
Hollow-point ammunition has always generated debate because of what it does on impact. These bullets expand and mushroom once they hit a target, which makes the damage more severe. For many people, especially those who carry guns for personal protection, that is the point: a hollow-point is designed to stop a threat quickly without the bullet continuing to travel through the target or passing into a wall, car door, or crowd. That makes them far safer in many real-world encounters than regular full metal jacket bullets that can keep traveling after hitting someone.
In Texas, the rules around guns and ammunition are often misunderstood by new gun owners. Some people assume that because hollow-point ammunition sounds “dangerous,” it must be restricted. Others believe that Texas has no ammunition laws at all. Neither idea is accurate. Texas gun laws are straightforward: besides federal rules on certain weapons or gear, the state does not regulate most common ammunition types. That means bullets such as soft points, FMJ (full metal jacket) and hollow-points can be bought by anyone legally allowed to purchase ammunition.
Texas only prohibits one specific category: handgun armor-piercing ammunition. These bullets are designed to penetrate protective gear rather than expand, and they serve a completely different purpose than hollow-points. Because hollow-points expand and flatten instead of piercing armor, they do not fall under this restriction. This is why they remain fully legal for Texas citizens, licensed handgun carriers, competitive shooters, law-abiding gun owners and even off-duty law enforcement personnel who are not required to use government-issued ammunition when off duty.
So, while people from other states such as New Jersey or California might associate hollow-points with strict limits or special conditions, Texas does not follow those laws. Here, hollow-point ammo is treated just like any other defensive or sporting round. You can purchase it in nearly every gun store, order it online, take it to the range, or keep it loaded inside a handgun for everyday carry. As long as you are legally allowed to own a firearm, you are legally allowed to own hollow-points in Texas — no extra permit, no special paperwork, no ammunition tax, and no reporting requirement.
What Texas Law Says About Ammunition
Texas law does not restrict ammunition by type, shape or caliber for ordinary citizens. Its only specific ammunition restriction concerns armor-piercing handgun rounds. Since hollow-points are not armor-piercing, they remain legal.
To put it simply: the state cares more about who is using a gun than which bullet they are using. If a person is legally allowed to own a firearm, they are legally allowed to purchase most commonly sold ammunition, including hollow-points.
Important Areas to Pay Attention To
Even though hollow-points are legal, responsible gun owners should know the situations where ammunition rules still matter.
Federal rules still apply
Texas legality doesn’t override federal restrictions. Certain specialty ammunition or advanced armor-piercing designs may fall under national regulations, even if they are not banned by Texas alone.
Hunting laws may differ
If you are hunting, the ammunition used must follow Texas Parks and Wildlife rules. Some game species may have caliber or bullet restrictions. This does not make hollow-points illegal — it only means you must use the correct bullet for the animal you are hunting.
How you use the ammunition matters
Owning hollow-points is legal, but using any ammunition in a criminal act will increase the severity of charges. Prosecutors can point out the type of ammo to argue intent. Legal possession never protects illegal use.
Why Hollow-Points Are Common in Texas
Many Texans choose hollow-points for:
- Home defense (reduced over-penetration)
- Concealed carry (faster stopping ability)
- Law enforcement-style protection
- Range training with self-defense ammo
- Safer use in urban areas where missed shots matter
Because they expand on impact, they help protect innocent bystanders by lowering the risk that a bullet passes through a threat and strikes someone else.
Final Answer: Are Hollow-Point Bullets Legal in Texas in 2025?
Yes. Hollow-point bullets are legal for ordinary citizens in Texas. You can buy them, carry them, keep them at home and use them for self-defense or sport. They are not treated as armor-piercing ammunition and require no special license or paperwork.
