Gun ammunition is the type of bullet or shot that is used in a firearm. Choosing the right ammunition for your gun is important because it can affect the gun’s performance and your accuracy when shooting.
Types of Ammo
There are different types of gun ammunition depending on the type of firearm you are using.
- Rifle ammunition
- Handgun ammunition
- Shotgun ammunition
- Specialty ammunition
All three are different sizes and shapes to fit the specific type of gun they are used in. There are also specialty types of ammunition, such as rimfire or metallic cartridges, that are used in specific types of firearms.
Rifle Ammunition
There are many different types of rifle ammunition available, and the type of bullet you choose will depend on the specific needs of your rifle and the purpose for which you are using it. Some common types of rifle ammunition include:
- Full metal jacket (FMJ) rifle ammo: FMJ bullets are made with a hard outer casing that encases the lead core. These bullets are designed to maintain their shape upon impact and are often used for target shooting and training. Here are a few examples of Full metal jacket (FMJ) rifle ammunition:
- Federal American Eagle .223 Remington FMJ
- Winchester USA .308 Winchester FMJ
- Remington .30-06 Springfield FMJ
- Hornady .22-250 Remington FMJ
- Federal Premium .270 Winchester FMJ
- Hollow point rifle ammo: Hollow point bullets have a cavity in the tip that expands upon impact, which can create a larger wound and increase the bullet’s stopping power. These bullets are often used for self defense and hunting.
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok .270 Winchester Hollow Point
- Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded .30-06 Springfield Hollow Point
- Hornady American Whitetail .308 Winchester Hollow Point
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok .243 Winchester Hollow Point
- Nosler AccuBond .270 Winchester Hollow Point
- Soft point rifle ammo: Soft point bullets have a partially exposed lead core that expands upon impact, which can create a larger wound and increase the bullet’s stopping power. These bullets are often used for hunting and self defense.
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok .30-30 Winchester Soft Point
- Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded .300 Winchester Magnum Soft Point
- Hornady American Whitetail .30-06 Springfield Soft Point
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok .270 Winchester Soft Point
- Nosler AccuBond .30-06 Springfield Soft Point
- Boat-tail rifle ammo: Boat-tail bullets have a tapered base that helps reduce drag and improve accuracy at long distances. These bullets are often used for long-range shooting.
- Federal Premium Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing .308 Winchester Boat-Tail
- Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded .300 Winchester Magnum Boat-Tail
- Hornady American Whitetail .30-06 Springfield Boat-Tail
- Federal Premium Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing .243 Winchester Boat-Tail
- Nosler Custom Competition .308 Winchester Boat-Tail
- Armor-piercing rifle ammo: Armor-piercing bullets are designed to penetrate armor and hard surfaces. These bullets are typically used by military and law enforcement personnel.
- M993 Armor-Piercing: This is a 5.56mm caliber bullet that is used by the US military.
- M993 Armor-Piercing Incendiary: This is a 5.56mm caliber bullet that is used by the US military. It has an incendiary tip that can ignite flammable materials upon impact.
- M995 Armor-Piercing: This is a 5.56mm caliber bullet that is used by the US military. It has a steel core that increases its penetration capabilities.
- M61 Armor-Piercing: This is a 7.62mm caliber bullet that is used by the US military. It has a tungsten carbide core that increases its penetration capabilities.
- M993 Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot: This is a 5.56mm caliber bullet that is used by the US military. It uses a sabot (a lightweight carrier) to improve accuracy and penetration at longer ranges.
It’s important to note that FMJ bullets are not typically recommended for self defense or hunting, as they are designed to maintain their shape upon impact and may not expand or create as large a wound as other types of bullets. FMJ bullets are typically used for target shooting and training.
Note: State and local laws may have restrictions on the types of rifle ammunition that can be used or purchased. Additionally, different types of rifle ammunition may have different requirements for storage and handling
Handgun Ammo
- Full metal jacket (FMJ): FMJ bullets are made with a hard outer casing that encases the lead core. These bullets are designed to maintain their shape upon impact and are often used for target shooting and training.
- Hollow point: Hollow point bullets have a cavity in the tip that expands upon impact, which can create a larger wound and increase the bullet’s stopping power. These bullets are often used for self defense and hunting.
- Soft point: Soft point bullets have a partially exposed lead core that expands upon impact, which can create a larger wound and increase the bullet’s stopping power. These bullets are often used for hunting and self defense.
- Frangible: Frangible bullets are made with a special type of material that breaks apart upon impact, making them less likely to ricochet or pass through walls. These bullets are often used in indoor shooting ranges and for training.
- +P: +P bullets are designed to be loaded with a higher pressure than standard ammunition. This can increase the bullet’s velocity and stopping power, but it can also put more strain on the gun and the shooter. These bullets are typically used for self defense.
- +P+: +P+ bullets are similar to +P bullets, but they are loaded with an even higher pressure. These bullets are typically used for self defense and are not recommended for use in all handguns.
- Rimfire: Rimfire bullets have a special type of primer that is located around the rim of the cartridge instead of in the center. These bullets are typically used in smaller caliber handguns and are not as powerful as centerfire bullets.
Note: State and local laws may have restrictions on the types of handgun ammunition that can be used or purchased. Additionally, different types of handgun ammunition may have different requirements for storage and handling. It’s also important to make sure that you are using the correct caliber of ammunition for your handgun to ensure proper functioning and avoid any potential accidents.
Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun ammunition is a type of bullet or shot that is used in shotguns. Shotguns are long guns that are designed to be fired from the shoulder and have a barrel that is smooth on the inside. Shotguns are unique in that they can fire a variety of different types of ammunition, including pellets, slugs, and specialty rounds.
- Birdshot: Birdshot is a type of shotgun ammunition that consists of small pellets that are used for hunting birds and small game. Birdshot is available in a variety of sizes, with smaller sizes being used for smaller game and larger sizes being used for larger game.
- Buckshot: Buckshot is a type of shotgun ammunition that consists of larger pellets that are used for hunting larger game and for self defense. Buckshot is available in a variety of sizes, with smaller sizes being used for closer range shooting and larger sizes being used for longer range shooting.
- Slugs: Slugs are a type of shotgun ammunition that consists of a single, large bullet that is designed for accuracy and penetration. Slugs are typically used for hunting large game or for self defense.
- Specialty rounds: There are many different types of specialty shotgun rounds available, including rounds that contain non-lethal projectiles such as bean bags or rubber bullets. These rounds are often used by law enforcement or for crowd control. There are also rounds available that contain multiple projectiles, such as flechettes or dragon’s breath, which are designed to have a wider spread upon impact.
State and local laws may have restrictions on the types of shotgun ammunition that can be used or purchased. Additionally, different types of shotgun ammunition may have different requirements for storage and handling. It’s also important to make sure that you are using the correct caliber of ammunition for your shotgun to ensure proper functioning and avoid any potential accidents.
Choosing the Right Ammunition
When selecting gun ammunition, there are a few factors to consider. Caliber is the size of the bullet and is important because it determines the gun’s power. The type of bullet can also affect the gun’s performance. For example, hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact and may be more effective for self defense. Velocity, or the speed at which the bullet travels, can also affect the gun’s accuracy and power.
Where to Buy Ammo
There are several places where you can buy gun ammunition. Local gun stores and online retailers are popular options, and there are also specialty stores that focus specifically on selling ammunition.
How to Store Ammo
Storing and handling gun ammunition safely is important. Make sure to follow guidelines for safe storage, such as keeping it away from children and in a cool, dry place. When handling ammunition, always make sure to point the gun in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Ammunition vs Artillery
Ammunition is different form artillery. Artillery refers to larger caliber weapons that are designed to fire heavy projectiles over long distances. Artillery includes weapons such as cannons, mortars, and rocket launchers. Artillery is typically used in military or tactical situations, and it is generally not available to the general public.
One key difference between ammunition and artillery is the size and power of the projectiles they are designed to fire. Ammunition is typically smaller and less powerful than artillery, and it is designed to be used with firearms that are portable and easy to handle. Artillery is typically much larger and more powerful, and it is designed to be used with weapons that are mounted on a fixed platform or vehicle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gun ammunition is important for the performance and accuracy of your firearm. Consider factors such as caliber, bullet type, velocity, and accuracy when selecting ammunition. You can buy gun ammunition at local stores, online retailers, or specialty stores, and it’s important to follow safe storage and handling guidelines. To learn more about gun ammunition, consider seeking out additional resources and training.