Why is it so hard to find Non-Lethal Ammo? Is it really better to use "Less-than-lethal" over live ammo?

A lot of folks tell me that it is more trouble than it is worth to buy and use "Less than lethal" ammunition and I should just use live rounds for self defense. Is this really true? Which is more likely to keep you out of court trouble if used in self defense, live ammo or non-lethal stuff?

Well, if your attacker is dead, you're much less likely to get sued, or any accusations of unwarranted force.

And I'm not sure what sort of ammo is "less than lethal." I know that beanbag ammo is available for shotguns, and rubber bullets are available for pistols, but neither of those are available for purchase by the general public.

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What is hollow-point ammunition usually used for?

Just curious; I understand that hollow-point ammunition "scatters" upon impact, but what is the purpose for buying it commercially? It doesn't really make sense to use for self-defense... nor does it make sense to use for hunting (unless you're willing to remove all the tiny bits of metal from your food). So... what's it used for?
Crap, I most definitely didn't mean to post this in "hobbies and crafts," but rather "sports" in general.
Thanks for the info., Ox, taking it in. Please note though that I did put "scatters" in quotes for a reason though.
Still, it doesn't make sense to me that it's sold for self-defense purposes to the "average joe," for the same reason you pointed out in #2.
*pardon the lack of knowledge I have on the subject matter; just trying to get informed.*
A little unclear on the "mushrooming."
Hey, thanks. Checking in a bit.

A lot of things wrong from your opinion over hollow-point ammunition.

1. Hollow-points do not scatter into pieces upon impact, that would be a frangible round (which are useless).

2. Hollow-points make perfect sense for self defense because if you have to shoot a threat, you don't want a full metal jacket round because it will over penetrate and possibly hit another person (you don't want that) - Hollow-points will go into your target and STAY in your target...also doing more damage.

What hollow-points do is on impact it "mushrooms", not break into pieces, but it spreads out making a bigger wound.

Hope this helps.

EDIT:

Law enforcement would prefer you use Hollow points over full metal jacket - if you ever needed to shoot somebody in a defensive situation, it is better that the round stay in them - after all you are shooting to "stop" them. You don't want a regular full metal jacket round because if you shot it and it went through your house into your neighbors house killing somebody, you would be in a world of trouble and guilt.

Mushrooming - Type "mushroomed .45 round" in google and view the images it brings up. It just takes form of a mushroom from it's previous round shape. When the bullet makes impact, it "squishes" and flattens the bullet making it bigger.

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