The concept of an exploding rifle caliber bullet is interesting, on a technical level, but doesn't have a lot of value beyond that.
Lots of things have been tried, over the years, and even more things have been "used" in popular fiction (where, they work,
because it is
fiction).
The problem is not that it cannot be done, but I note that it (essentially) is not done, which leads me to believe that it cannot be done with any practicality.
Besides a whole host of laws about explosives, I don't believe that there is any legal hunting you can do with them. And the military isn't interested in rifle caliber exploding bullets, since we operate under rules that generally prohibit such things, and even if we didn't, would the cost and complexity be worth it?
For the kinds of things one shoots rifles at? Regular bullets seem to work well enough.
Added "stopping power?" An explosive bullet might do it better, but, the key to that would be the fuse. And that is something, as far as I know that they haven't figured out.
People talk about putting a primer or a blank in a hollow point bullet and then go and shoot some rocks, or something. Sometimes, these things may even go bang, but its nothing you can count on. For that, you would need a purpose designed detonator. Which can be done, if you are shooting a hard target, like a rock or steel, but what about a person or an animal?
Never heard of anyone doing any design or testing (which doesn mean Q doesn't have some, just that its not common public knowledge).
On a basic level, shooting a person or even a charging buffalo, the detonator has to hit something hard enough to set it off. Otherwise, the effect is about the same as an FMJ.
Add to the problem, that too sensitive a detonator will go off on impact with anything, and while this would make horrific surface wounds, it is doubtful if you would get the penetration needed for a lethal wound, or one that damages vital organs enough to ensure a "stop" To get maximum effect the exploding bullet would need to work like an anti-tank round, penetrating, then exploding.
And that is a difficult thing on a target as variable as a living body. If anyone has done it, they sure are keeping quiet about it.
So, there's no market for it, meaning there's no money in it, a stack of different laws saying you can't use it, and some saying you can't even have it, without prior govt approval.
Probably not a real good idea to brag on the internet if you DO manage to make some explosive bullets on your own.
Might even be considered promoting illegal activities, which I just realized, as I write this. So, to prevent that, I think for now, we will close this discussion.
