Expanding bullets, designed to deform on impact and increase tissue damage, are subject to international humanitarian law. The Hague Declaration of 1899, specifically Declaration III, prohibits the use in international armed conflict of bullets that easily expand or flatten in the human body. This declaration, while not universally ratified, has achieved customary international law status, influencing military practice and legal interpretations globally. A key consideration regarding this type of ammunition is the increased likelihood of severe injury compared to standard full metal jacket projectiles.
The rationale behind the prohibition stems from a desire to limit unnecessary suffering in warfare. While all bullets cause harm, those designed to expand inflict greater damage, potentially leading to more protracted and painful injuries. This concern balances military necessity against humanitarian principles, aiming to minimize suffering while acknowledging the inherent violence of armed conflict. The legal status and ethical implications of these projectiles have been debated extensively since the late 19th century, influencing the development of military doctrine and international humanitarian law.
