Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
G2 Research R.I.P. 40 S&W ammunition is a fragmenting hollow point engineered for maximum tissue disruption in defensive encounters. Built around a 115-grain solid copper projectile, the R.I.P. (Radically Invasive Projectile) uses eight machined trocars that separate from the base upon fluid impact. Each trocar creates its own wound channel while the base continues on course, delivering both deep penetration and broad temporary cavity. At 1080 feet per second from a 4-inch barrel, the R.I.P. retains barrier-blind velocity while remaining entirely lead-free—a consideration for indoor ranges and jurisdictions with lead restrictions.
Performance at a Glance
G2 Research machines each projectile from solid copper bar stock, eliminating the core-jacket bond issues common to bi-metal hollow points. The petaled geometry is a departure from traditional expanding designs: instead of mushrooming, the trocars fracture at pre-cut stress points when fluid drag exceeds material tensile strength. Nickel-plated brass cases shed moisture and feed reliably in autoloaders; Boxer primers allow handloaders to reuse the brass once the initial charge is expended.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 40 S&W |
| Bullet weight | 115 Grains |
| Bullet type | Fragmenting Hollow Point (G2 R.I.P.) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1080 fps (4-inch barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 297 ft·lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel Plated Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
The fragmenting mechanism is geometry-dependent: test barriers that clog traditional hollow points—denim, plywood, auto glass—may alter trocar separation timing but typically do not prevent it. Nickel plating reduces case-mouth oxidation in carry magazines; you can store loaded rounds in a defensive pistol for extended periods without corrosion concerns. For additional 40 cal ammo options, review our full catalog of duty and practice loads.
Who It’s For
Defensive shooters who prioritize maximum wound channel count over deep, single-projectile penetration will find the R.I.P. design compelling. The nine-fragment pattern (eight trocars plus base) offers redundancy: even if one or two trocars fail to separate, the remaining fragments still create multiple wound paths. Competitive shooters running major-power-factor divisions may use R.I.P. to meet minimum energy floors at lighter bullet weights, though cost per round makes practice with ball ammunition more economical. Jurisdictions with lead-free mandates—California ranges, some municipal indoor facilities—can run R.I.P. without environmental surcharges or cleanup fees.
Range Notes
Function-test any defensive load in your carry pistol before relying on it. The 115-grain R.I.P. generates lower slide velocity than 180-grain ball; pistols tuned for heavy bullets may short-stroke with light, fast fragmenting rounds. Fire a minimum of fifty rounds to confirm reliable cycling, ejection, and feeding from your carry magazines. The nickel cases will leave less residue in the chamber than uncoated brass, but the copper projectile deposits fouling in the bore—clean your barrel every 200 rounds or after each range session to prevent accuracy degradation. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location; California Proposition 65 warnings apply to all ammunition sold in or shipped to California, but this load contains no lead.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until sights are on target and you have made the decision to fire. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current federal, state, and local laws regarding possession, purchase, and use of defensive ammunition in your jurisdiction. Some municipalities restrict fragmenting projectiles; others impose magazine-capacity limits that may affect how many rounds you can legally carry.
- The trocar design is optimized for fluid targets. Barrier performance—auto glass, plywood, sheet metal—will differ from gel-block testing. Confirm barrier penetration characteristics in controlled environments before adopting R.I.P. for duty or personal defense.
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