Can You Make Your Own Hollow Points?

Published on March 22, 2026
Duration: 1:35

This guide details the process of creating DIY hollow point ammunition from FMJ rounds using a drill press, as demonstrated by Civilian Tactical. It covers the modification steps, testing for cycling and accuracy in a Girsan CMX, and evaluating terminal ballistics in ballistic gelatin. The instructor, an experienced firearms expert, advises caution and recommends factory ammunition despite the potential for DIY hollow points to be effective.

Quick Summary

It's possible to create DIY hollow points from FMJ rounds using a drill press, as shown by Civilian Tactical. While these modified bullets can exhibit impressive fragmentation and tumbling in ballistic gelatin, potentially outperforming standard FMJ, they may also cause cycling malfunctions due to reduced mass. Factory ammunition is generally recommended for reliability and safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & DIY Hollow Points
  2. 00:12FMJ Baseline
  3. 00:22DIY Hollow Point Cycling Test
  4. 00:53DIY Hollow Point Accuracy Test
  5. 01:06Ballistic Gel Test
  6. 01:20Performance Comparison & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own hollow point bullets from FMJ rounds?

Yes, it is technically possible to create DIY hollow points from FMJ rounds using tools like a drill press. However, this process requires precision, and the resulting ammunition may exhibit reliability issues or unpredictable performance compared to factory-made hollow points.

What are the risks of using DIY hollow point ammunition?

Using DIY hollow points carries risks such as firearm malfunctions due to altered bullet weight, inconsistent accuracy, and unpredictable terminal ballistics. It is generally recommended to use professionally manufactured ammunition for critical applications.

How do DIY hollow points perform compared to FMJ rounds?

In testing, DIY hollow points made from FMJ rounds demonstrated more devastating effects in ballistic gelatin, showing significant fragmentation and tumbling, outperforming standard FMJ rounds in terminal ballistics.

What tools are needed to make DIY hollow points?

The primary tools demonstrated for making DIY hollow points from FMJ rounds include a drill press and appropriate drill bits. Securing the bullet firmly in a vise on the drill press is crucial for safety and precision.

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