JS>VH>SH>There is nothing in the round that actually "explodes" the ball.  It 
i
JS>VH>SH>just physics.
JS>VH>This is probably a myth -- based on the description of the assassin's
JS>VH>.22 Hornet ammunition in "The Day of the Jackal."  I've never seen such
JS>VH>a bullet -- and seriously doubt anyone has ever used such ammunition --
JS>VH>ordinary soft points or hollowpoints would work just as well.
JS>.22 hornet?  Hrumph.  I never thought to consider the chambering.  I'll
JS>have to go dig out my old Forsyth paperbacks again...
The rifle was designed to be broken down and concealed as an aluminium
crutch.  The mercury bit was a major part of the plot -- and the Jackal
went out and sighted the rifle in with ordinary ammo, then fired one
round of mercury-filled ammo -- and hit the same point of impact. :-)
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