From the sleek precision of handgun ammo to the big impact of buckshot, the ammunition world is diverse. Understanding the various types of ammunition is crucial for operating your firearm safely and proficiently. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of ammunition, their characteristics, and their uses.
Although it’s common speech to refer to ‘caliber’ as the width of the round or bullet, technically the caliber is the diameter of the gun barrel. A higher caliber means a bigger round. Depending on the manufacturer, this measurement can be in inches (e.g., .45 caliber) or millimeters (e.g., 9mm).
When talking about guns, the term ‘bullet’ describes the metal projectile inside the round’s casing that is propelled toward the target. The weight of bullets is measured in grains, with one grain equaling 1/7000th of a pound. The complete unit that houses the bullet, casing, powder, and primer is known as a cartridge.
Cartridges or rounds are made of many different materials, each with unique performance characteristics. The material you choose depends on your firearm and its intended use.
Steel-cased ammo is commonly used by law enforcement and the military because it can penetrate armor. Due to its high density and hardness, it can maintain its shape even upon impact with hard surfaces. Some areas have restrictions against citizens using steel bullets due to concerns about over-penetration, which could put other nearby individuals in danger.
Brass-cased ammo is popular because it is corrosion-resistant and readily available in most gun and ammunition stores. Often used in handgun and rifle ammunition, brass casings are reloadable, making them cost-effective over time.
In recent years, advancements in polymer technology have led to the development of non-metallic bullets. These bullets are lightweight, inexpensive, and reduce ricochet. Polymer bullets are not widely used because they cannot penetrate targets as well as metal materials.
Now that you understand bullet basics, it’s time to talk about the various types of bullets that are available on the market. Bullets serve different purposes. Learn more about some of the most popular types of bullets below.
Full metal jackets feature a soft core within a harder metal shell. This shell prevents deformation and enables deeper penetration. The hard casing of FMJ bullets also minimizes the deposit of materials into the barrel, contributing to a cleaner shooting experience.
The FMJ design ensures smooth feeding into the chamber from the magazine, making them a preferred choice for semi-automatic firearms. Full metal jackets are favored for target shooting and competitions due to their reliability and performance.
Hollow points feature a cavity in the tip of the bullet that causes it to expand upon impact. This feature increases the bullet’s diameter and stopping power. HP bullets transfer all their kinetic energy to the target to ensure maximum impact and reduce the risk of collateral damage.
Hollow points are favored for self-defense because they reduce the likelihood of the bullet passing through the target and posing a danger to unintended objects.
Soft point bullets are versatile. Due to their expansion and penetration balance, they are suitable for hunting large and small game. They offer more expansion than full metal jackets but better penetration than hollow points, striking a balance between impact and depth.
In regions where hollow points are restricted, soft points provide a close alternative in terms of performance. Their smoother, softer tip makes them safe for use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines. Soft points offer a solution for various shooting needs, from hunting to certain target shooting scenarios where regulations permit.
Ammunition is typically rimfire or centerfire. Both types have pros and cons. For example, rimfire ammo has less recoil and is perfect for teaching beginners how to shoot. On the other hand, centerfire is more reliable and offers experienced shooters better performance.
The production of rimfire ammo involves adding the primer compound to the inside of the hollow rim of the cartridge case, and then adding the propellant and bullet. Centerfire ammunition, however, is made by putting the primer in a center cavity at the base of the cartridge, which is then filled with propellant and capped with a bullet.
When firing rimfire cartridges, the firing pin hits the cartridge rim, compressing the primer compound to ignite the propellant. The firing pin strikes the primer within a metallic disk at the base of the centerfire cartridge, initiating ignition.
Spent rimfire cartridges can be recognized by a pinch mark on the rim, which shows where the firing pin struck. Alternatively, centerfire cartridges show a mark in the center where the primer was hit.
Centerfire ammunition is available in a broader range of calibers and is designed for various uses, from home defense to big game hunting and precision shooting.
Rimfire ammunition is often used for target shooting and small game hunting due to its more straightforward construction and lower cost. However, it is typically only available for .22 caliber guns, meaning it’s not well-suited for self-defense or large game hunting.
When determining whether to purchase a certain caliber of gun or cartridge, it is helpful to look at a comparison between popular types. Take a look at this chart to compare several common calibers.
Common Calibers Compared | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Caliber | Type | Usage | Velocity (approx.) | Muzzle Energy (approx.) |
.22LR |
Rimfire |
Target shooting, small game hunting |
1,200-1,500 fps |
103-118 ft-lbs |
9mm |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, law enforcement, military |
1,200-1,400 fps |
369-443 ft-lbs |
.45 ACP |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, target shooting |
700-1,000 fps |
295-369 ft-lbs |
5.56 NATO |
Centerfire |
Military, law enforcement, target shooting |
2,900-3,200 fps |
959-1,254 ft-lbs |
.308 Winchester |
Centerfire |
Large game hunting, long-range shooting, military |
2,600-2,800 fps |
2,581-2,729 ft-lbs |
.380 ACP |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, close-range shooting |
1,000 fps |
192-216 ft-lbs |
10mm |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, medium game hunting, large game hunting, law enforcement |
1,000-1,300 fps |
600-760 ft-lbs |
5.7 FN |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, law enforcement, military |
2,250-2,800 fps |
220-400 ft-lbs |
.38 SPL |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, target shooting, target competition, small game hunting |
710-1,174 fps |
165-290 ft-lbs |
.357 MAG |
Centerfire |
Self-defense, medium to large game hunting, target shooting |
1,700-2,200 fps |
225-800 ft-lbs |
Various types of ammunition are tailored for specific firearms and shooting purposes, from precision long-distance shooting to hunting and self-defense. Learn more details about the different kinds of ammo below.
Rifles fire ammunition with a single projectile designed for precision and long-distance shooting, often used in hunting and sports shooting.
Rifles come in various calibers and configurations to suit different needs, from varmint hunting to long-range target competition.
Shotgun ammunition offers versatility with different types of shells for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. The types of ammo used for shotguns include birdshot, buckshot, and slugs:
Pistols are popular due to their adaptability. They accommodate various ammunition types.
Primary uses for pistols include self-defense, competitive shooting, and law enforcement.
Revolvers are known for their reliability and ease of use, making them an option for self-defense and hunting.
Primary uses for revolvers include self-defense, target shooting, and hunting small to medium game.
When choosing ammunition, start by considering your firearm’s intended use: target shooting, hunting, self-defense, or competition. Each activity requires a different type of ammunition — for example, hollow points for self-defense or full metal jacket rounds for target shooting.
Next, familiarize yourself with your firearm’s specifications and manufacturer recommendations. Pay attention to factors such as caliber, bullet grain, and maximum pressure levels to ensure your chosen ammunition is compatible with your gun.
Lastly, consider your personal preferences regarding factors like recoil and cost. To safely and effectively fire ammunition, you have to be comfortable using it. You can experiment with different types and brands of ammunition at the shooting range to help you determine what feels right for you.
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