Shooter's Glossary: Soft Point (SP)

Soft Point (SP) ammunition features a bullet with a partially exposed lead tip and a jacketed base. This design allows for controlled expansion upon impact while still maintaining structural integrity.

SP bullets are commonly associated with hunting due to their balance of penetration and expansion.

Soft Point bullets are designed to deliver effective terminal performance while maintaining accuracy and reliability:

Controlled Expansion

The exposed lead tip initiates expansion on impact, increasing bullet diameter and improving energy transfer

Deep Penetration

The jacketed portion helps the bullet hold together, allowing it to penetrate deeper than more aggressive expanding rounds

Improved Accuracy

The streamlined design provides stable flight characteristics for consistent shot placement

Reliable Feeding

The partially jacketed design feeds more smoothly than some hollow point designs, especially in rifles

Soft Point ammunition is widely used in scenarios where balanced performance is important:

• Hunting Medium Game: Ideal for deer, hogs, and similar animals due to effective expansion and penetration
• Varmint Control: Suitable for pest and predator hunting with controlled expansion
• Rifle Shooting: Common in bolt-action and lever-action rifles for field use
• General Outdoor Use: Preferred by hunters needing dependable performance across varying distances

Soft Point bullets are available in many popular hunting and rifle calibers:

• 223 Remington Ammo: Used for varmint hunting and small to medium game
• 243 Win Ammo: Known for versatility in both varmint and deer hunting
• 270 Win Ammo: Popular for deer and larger game due to flat trajectory and power
• 308 Win Ammo: A widely used hunting caliber offering strong performance and availability
• 30-30 Win Ammo: A classic lever-action cartridge commonly paired with SP bullets for deer hunting
  
  

Soft Point bullets come in several variations, each designed for specific performance goals:

Spitzer Soft Point (SSP)

A pointed design for improved aerodynamics and longer-range accuracy

Round Nose Soft Point (RNSP)

A traditional shape often used in lever-action rifles for safe feeding

Bonded Soft Point

The core is bonded to the jacket for better weight retention and deeper penetration

Semi-Jacketed Soft Point (SJSP)

A more exposed lead tip for increased expansion on impact

While Soft Point ammunition is highly effective, it does have some drawbacks:

• Less Expansion Than Hollow Points: May not expand as rapidly or dramatically in some scenarios
• Potential Overpenetration: Especially at higher velocities or with larger calibers
• Deformation in Storage: The exposed lead tip can be damaged if handled roughly
• Not Ideal for Target Practice: Typically more expensive than FMJ rounds

Soft Point (SP) ammunition offers a balanced combination of expansion and penetration, making it a top choice for hunting applications. Its reliable performance and versatility across calibers make it a trusted option for shooters who need consistent results in the field.