Page 36 of 37 - Firearm Ammunition
What is Firearm Ammo?
Firearm ammo is a combination of the elements that propel a shot from a firearm. This includes the bullet, casing, powder, and primer. When the primer is struck, it ignites the powder, which provides a small explosion that forces the bullet out of the barrel at a high rate of speed. Ammunition is made for each caliber of firearm and is specifically designed for use in rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The right ammunition is extremely important for safe and effective shooting, regardless of whether the shooting is for hunting, self-defense, competition, or training.
Choosing the Right Firearm Ammo
Picking the correct firearm ammunition involves two primary considerations: what gun you are using and what purpose you intend to use it for.
Match the Ammunition to the Firearm
Make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions and/or the markings stamped on the barrel to confirm the correct caliber of ammunition. To illustrate, a .308 Winchester rifle can only be shot using .308 Winchester ammunition, and a 9mm handgun can only fire 9mm cartridges. Using the wrong caliber of ammunition to shoot can be extremely unsafe for the individual engaged in shooting and can cause damage to the firearm itself.
Firearm ammo, a reliable companion for your shooting needs, comes in various types to suit different firearms and shooting purposes:
- Centerfire ammunition, with its primer located in the center of the cartridge case, ensures easy reloading and increased reliability.
- Rimfire ammunition, with its primer distributed around the rim of the case, is commonly used in smaller calibers like 22LR, offering a trusted choice for your shooting experiences.
- Handgun ammo is specifically designed for handguns and comes in different calibers. 9mm is one of the most popular choices due to its versatility and widespread use. It offers a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it a common selection for both defense and target shooting. Shooters often opt to purchase bulk ammo for cost-effectiveness, especially when they shoot often, and it offers significant savings.
- Shotshells are cartridges used in shotguns for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. These cartridges contain pellets, offering a wide dispersal for hunting birds, or a slug for larger game.
- Reloading bullets are components used by shooters to reload the ammunition, allowing for customization of rounds to suit specific needs or preferences, such as adjusting the bullet weight or design for improved accuracy or performance.