The Future of Hollow Points?

Published on October 19, 2025
Duration: 19:00

This video explores the physics and performance of fluted projectiles, often referred to as External Hollow Points (EHPs), comparing them to traditional hollow points. The presenter details the Venturi effect and hydraulic jump principles theorized to explain their performance without relying on expansion. Personal ballistic gel testing, following FBI barrier test protocols, is presented to demonstrate their consistency through barriers and potential for increased tissue damage.

Quick Summary

Fluted projectiles, or External Hollow Points (EHPs), offer enhanced reliability over traditional hollow points by creating tissue damage through fluid dynamics rather than relying on expansion. This makes them 'barrier blind,' performing consistently through clothing and barriers by theorized Venturi effect and hydraulic jump principles, leading to more predictable self-defense performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Fluted Projectiles
  2. 00:36Terminology: External Hollow Point (EHP)
  3. 01:24Physics Behind Fluted Projectiles
  4. 03:56Venturi Effect and Hydraulic Jump Explained
  5. 06:43Source of Fluid for Projectile Interaction
  6. 08:03Personal Ballistic Gel Testing Setup
  7. 08:45FBI Barrier Test Standards
  8. 10:17HST vs. Honeybadger Gel Test Results
  9. 11:27Honeybadger Performance Analysis
  10. 12:02Consistency of Fluted Projectiles
  11. 13:56Barrier Blind Performance
  12. 14:44Clogging Resistance of Fluted Designs
  13. 15:24Fluted vs. Hollow Point Reliability
  14. 16:16Advantages: Barrier Blind & Over-penetration
  15. 17:05Skepticism on Fluid Sawing Mechanism
  16. 17:44Conclusion: Believer in Fluted Projectiles
  17. 17:57Legal Advantages in Certain States
  18. 18:13Final Thoughts on Defense Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of fluted projectiles like EHPs over traditional hollow points?

The primary advantage of fluted projectiles (EHPs) is their enhanced reliability, especially when encountering barriers. Unlike traditional hollow points that rely on expansion which can fail through clothing or barriers, fluted designs are theorized to create significant tissue damage through fluid dynamics, making them 'barrier blind' and more consistent.

How do fluted projectiles theoretically create damage without expansion?

Fluted projectiles are theorized to interact with the natural liquid content of tissue. Principles like the Venturi effect and hydraulic jump are invoked, suggesting the projectile channels and accelerates fluid, creating pressure spikes and a 'sawing' or tearing effect on surrounding tissue, rather than relying on mechanical expansion.

What are the key components of the FBI barrier test setup used in the video?

The FBI barrier test setup involves a 10% ballistic gel block, a 3/4-inch thick plywood barrier placed 18 inches from the start of the gel, and the gel block positioned 10 feet from the firearm's muzzle. An optional layer of t-shirt material can simulate clothing over the gel.

Are fluted projectiles always more lethal than hollow points?

While fluted projectiles are presented as potentially more lethal due to their consistent performance and theorized tissue interaction, the video acknowledges that in gel testing, properly initiating hollow points can produce similar cavity responses. The key difference lies in the consistency and barrier performance of fluted designs.

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