Expanding ammunition, designed to deform on impact and cause greater tissue damage than full metal jacket projectiles, is subject to international agreements regarding its use in armed conflict. The Hague Convention of 1899, specifically Declaration III, prohibits the use in international warfare of bullets that easily expand or flatten in the human body.
This restriction stems from humanitarian concerns, aiming to minimize suffering and ensure that wounds inflicted during warfare are more readily treatable. While the original intent of the Hague Declaration may have been focused on perceived inhumane effects, the practical implications involve increased lethality and potentially reduced need for follow-up shots, which could arguably be viewed as a benefit on the battlefield. The historical context reveals a complex interplay between military necessity and ethical considerations in the conduct of war.