Radically Invasive Projectiles, or RIP rounds, have a reputation that makes politicians nervous and gun enthusiasts curious. Developed by G2 Research, these aren’t your typical bullets. They’re a type of fragmenting hollow-point ammunition designed to cause devastating internal damage. But are they legal, and should you even use them?
What Are RIP Rounds?
Imagine a bullet designed like a Swiss Army knife. The RIP round has a solid copper base and eight sharp, claw-like “trocars” that break off on impact. As the base continues to penetrate, the fragments fan out, creating multiple wound channels and maximum internal trauma.
This isn’t your granddad’s ammunition; it’s a mix of science, fear, and clever marketing. Made from lightweight copper, RIP rounds are also fast, reducing the risk of overpenetration, a key concern for home defense.
The Downsides
While they sound formidable, RIP rounds aren’t without their drawbacks.
- Price: At $1.50 to $2.00 or more per round, they’re expensive. This isn’t bulk ammo for target practice.
- Overhyped Marketing: Some ballistics experts argue that RIP rounds are just a flashy version of standard fragmenting hollow-point ammo. The “radically invasive” name is more for marketing than a true scientific description.
- Questionable Performance: Despite the marketing, real-world testing has shown mixed results, including inconsistent penetration and unreliable fragmentation.
Are They Legal?
The short answer is yes—mostly.
Federally, RIP rounds are legal because they are not classified as armor-piercing, explosive, or incendiary. In most U.S. states, including Texas, Florida, and Arizona, you can own and carry them without issue.
However, some states and cities have their own restrictions.
- New Jersey: Hollow-point ammo is heavily restricted, making RIP rounds a definite no-go.
- San Francisco, CA: The city has a ban on “enhanced lethality ammunition,” which includes RIP rounds.
- New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts: While not explicitly banned, these states have laws and local ordinances that can cause significant legal trouble for those carrying “non-traditional” or hollow-point ammunition.
Should You Use RIP Rounds?
The truth is, while RIP rounds are legal in most places, they might not be the smartest choice. They have a cool factor and can be psychologically intimidating, but their real-world reliability is a gamble. If you’re betting your life on a round, do your research and stick with what’s proven.
Remember: in a crisis, real-world reliability beats flashy ammo every time.
