Everything You Should Know About Ammunition: A Guide

Ammunition is a fundamental component for any shooter, whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or someone interested in firearm safety and maintenance. Understanding how ammunition works, how to store it safely, and how to maintain it can ensure you get the most reliable performance out of your rounds. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about ammunition, from its components and types to safe handling and storage tips.

An Intro. to Ammo

Ammunition is a crucial component of firearms, and understanding its different types and characteristics is essential for any gun owner. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a new gun owner, selecting the right ammunition for your firearm can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of ammunition, exploring its various types, components, and characteristics to help you make informed decisions.

Ammunition isn’t just about pulling the trigger; it’s about knowing what happens when you do. From the casing that holds everything together to the projectile that hits the target, each component plays a vital role in the performance of your firearm. By understanding these elements, you can ensure that you’re using the right ammo for your specific needs, whether it’s for hunting, self-defense, or target practice.

1. Key Components of Ammunition

Ammunition, often referred to as “ammo,” is typically made up of four primary components: the casing, primer, powder, and projectile. Each of these parts plays a crucial role in how the round functions.

Casing

The casing, also called a shell or cartridge case, is the outer container that holds all the components of the round together. It's typically made of brass, steel, or aluminum.

• Brass is the most common material, offering good durability and ease of extraction from the firearm after firing.

• Steel casings are less expensive and are commonly used for training ammunition, but they’re harder to extract and can cause more wear on firearms.

• Aluminum is lighter and often used for lower-cost ammunition but can be less durable than brass.

Primer

The primer is a small, but essential, component at the base of the casing. It contains a sensitive compound that ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.

• Centerfire primers are located at the center of the base of the cartridge and are used in most modern ammunition.

• Rimfire primers are located on the rim of the casing and are typically used in .22 caliber ammunition. These are generally less powerful than centerfire primers.

Powder

The powder (or propellant) is responsible for generating the pressure that propels the projectile out of the barrel. The two primary types are:

• Smokeless powder is the most common type used today. It generates less smoke when fired compared to older black powder.

• Black powder is an older form of propellant still used in some historical or specialty firearms.

Projectile

The projectile is the part of the ammunition that is expelled from the firearm. It is the “bullet” (for firearms) or the “slug” (for shotguns) and can vary greatly in terms of shape, weight, and material depending on its intended use.

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): A bullet type that is fully encased in a metal shell, providing better feeding in semi-automatic firearms.

• Hollow Point Bullet: A bullet designed with a cavity in its tip that enhances expansion upon impact with soft tissue, making it more effective for hunting and self-defense. It contrasts with other bullet types like soft point and full metal jacket.

• Soft Point: Similar to hollow points but with a softer tip that expands upon impact.

• Shotgun Slugs: A single, large projectile designed for greater accuracy and longer range than typical shotgun pellets.

• Armor Piercing Rounds: These rounds are often identified by their color-coded tips, typically black or green, indicating their specific purposes. There are legality issues surrounding civilian ownership of such rounds.

2. Types of Ammunition

Ammunition comes in a variety of types, each suited for specific applications. Understanding the differences will help you select the right ammo for your firearm and purpose.

Practice Ammunition

When selecting ammunition, it's important to distinguish between practice ammunition and service-grade personal-defense ammunition. Practice ammunition is typically more affordable and is designed for training purposes, allowing new shooters to practice without the higher costs associated with personal-defense loads. This distinction is crucial for ensuring you are using the right type of ammunition for your needs.

Centerfire Ammunition

• Revolver Calibers: Revolver calibers are available in both practice loads and personal-defense loads. Lead bullets in revolver calibers are particularly cost-effective for training purposes, while specific loads are designed for optimal performance in personal defense scenarios.

Centerfire Ammunition

Centerfire ammunition uses a primer located at the center of the cartridge base. This is the most common type of ammo used in modern rifles and handguns.

• Common calibers include .223, 9mm, and .308.

• Best for: General use, target shooting, and hunting.

Rimfire Ammunition

Rimfire ammo has a primer located on the rim of the cartridge, and is typically used in smaller calibers, such as .22 caliber.

• Common calibers: .22 Long Rifle (LR), .22 Magnum.

• Best for: Plinking, small game hunting, and training.

Shotgun Ammunition

Shotgun ammunition comes in two main forms: birdshot and slugs.

• Birdshot: Small pellets that scatter upon firing, making it ideal for bird hunting and small game.

• Buckshot: Larger pellets, typically used for hunting larger game like deer.

• Slugs: A single, large projectile, providing increased accuracy and range for bigger game.

Just like rifle rounds, understanding the various types of shotgun shells and their specific applications is crucial for users, highlighting the diverse purposes of different shotgun loads.

Specialty Ammunition

Some ammunition types are designed for specific purposes, such as self-defense, tactical use, or law enforcement.

• Armor-Piercing Ammunition: Designed to penetrate body armor and other tough materials.

• Tracer Ammunition: Contains a pyrotechnic charge that illuminates the projectile’s flight path, allowing shooters to see where the round impacts.

4. Bullet Types

In addition to FMJ and hollow point bullets, there are other bullet types that serve specific purposes.

FMJ Bullets

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are a staple for target practice and training ammunition. These bullets are encased in a hard metal shell, which allows them to penetrate targets more effectively without deforming. This makes them less expensive and ideal for high-volume shooting sessions. However, their lack of expansion upon impact means they are not the best choice for self-defense, as they can over-penetrate and cause unintended damage.

Hollow Point Bullets

Hollow point bullets are engineered for self-defense and hunting. These bullets have a hollowed-out shape at the tip, which causes them to expand upon impact. This expansion increases the bullet’s diameter, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy to the target. This makes hollow point bullets highly effective for stopping threats quickly. However, they are generally more expensive than FMJ bullets and are not typically used for target practice due to their higher cost.

Other Bullet Types

Beyond FMJ and hollow point bullets, there are several other types of bullets designed for specific applications:

• Soft Point Bullets: These bullets have a soft lead tip that allows for controlled expansion upon impact. They offer a balance between the penetration of FMJ bullets and the expansion of hollow point bullets, making them suitable for hunting medium to large game.

• Ballistic Tip Bullets: Featuring a polymer tip, these bullets are designed for flat shooting and high accuracy. The tip helps to streamline the bullet, improving its ballistic coefficient and making it ideal for long-range shooting.

• Open Tip Match (OTM) Bullets: These bullets are designed for precision and are commonly used in competitive shooting. The open tip design enhances accuracy, making them suitable for long-range target competitions.

By understanding the different types of bullets and their specific uses, you can make more informed decisions about which ammunition is best suited for your needs, whether it’s for self-defense, hunting, or target practice.

3. How to Choose the Right Ammunition

Selecting the right ammunition for your needs is critical for both performance and safety. The choice of ammunition depends on the type of firearm you are using, your intended purpose, and the environment.

For Hunting

• Caliber: Choose a caliber that is appropriate for the game you’re targeting. Larger calibers like .308 or .30-06 are suitable for large game, while smaller calibers like .223 are ideal for varmint hunting.

• Projectile Type: Hollow point or soft point bullets are often preferred for hunting because they expand upon impact, causing more damage to the target.

For Self-Defense

• Stopping Power: Hollow point ammunition is often recommended for self-defense because it expands upon impact, delivering more energy and causing more tissue damage while minimizing the risk of over-penetration.

• Reliability: Look for high-quality, trusted brands with a reputation for reliability and consistent performance. When selecting self defense ammo, ensure it is both reliable and accurate to effectively stop an attacker, distinguishing it from target and hunting ammo, which have different performance criteria.

For Target Shooting

• Cost: For practice, you’ll want to use affordable, reliable ammo. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are generally the go-to for target shooting due to their cost-effectiveness and consistent performance.

• Precision: For competitions or precision shooting, match-grade ammunition or hand-loaded ammo may be preferable for tighter groups and more accuracy.

For Shotguns

• Shot Size: Choose the appropriate shot size based on what you're hunting. Smaller shot sizes (like #8 or #7.5) are ideal for small game birds, while larger shot sizes (like #4 or #00 buckshot) are used for bigger game.

4. Storing Ammunition Safely

Proper ammunition storage is critical to ensuring its longevity, safety, and effectiveness. Here’s how to store ammo correctly:

Keep Ammo in a Cool, Dry Place

• Ideal Temperature: Store ammo in a temperature-controlled environment, ideally between 50 and 70°F (10 to 21°C), and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat.

• Humidity Control: High humidity can lead to rust and corrosion on the metal casings. Store ammo in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent degradation.

Use Airtight Containers

• Ammunition Cans: Use an airtight, waterproof ammunition can to protect your ammo from moisture, dust, and accidental impacts. Military-style cans are a good option for long-term storage.

• Vacuum-Sealed Bags: For even more protection, especially if you're storing a large quantity of ammunition, vacuum-sealing is a reliable option to ensure moisture stays out.

Keep Ammo Away from Heat Sources

• Avoid Storing Ammo in Hot Areas: Ammo stored in hot places (such as in a vehicle or near a furnace) can degrade faster and may become unsafe. Always store ammunition away from heat sources.

5. Ammunition Safety Tips

Handling ammunition safely is crucial to preventing accidents. Here are some tips for handling and using ammunition responsibly:

Inspect Ammunition Regularly

• Check for Damage: Before using any ammo, inspect it for damage, such as cracked casings, rust, or corrosion. Discard any ammo that appears compromised.

• Avoid Reusing Old Ammo: If ammunition has been stored improperly or has exceeded its shelf life, it’s best to dispose of it safely rather than risk using it.

Store Ammo Separately from Firearms

• Safe Storage: Ammunition should always be stored in a separate, secure location from firearms. This helps prevent accidents, especially in homes with children or others who may have access to firearms.

Follow Local Regulations

• Legal Considerations: Be aware of your local laws and regulations regarding ammunition storage and transportation. Many areas have strict requirements for how ammunition should be stored and transported, especially in the case of bulk purchases.

Conclusion

Understanding ammunition—its components, types, and proper storage methods—is vital for anyone who handles firearms. By selecting the right ammo for your needs, storing it properly, and following safety guidelines, you’ll ensure reliable performance and maximize the lifespan of your ammunition. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or preparing for self-defense, proper ammo care and handling are essential for both safety and success.

FAQs

How should I store ammunition for long-term use?

Store ammunition in a cool, dry place, in airtight containers such as ammo cans or vacuum-sealed bags, away from heat sources and high humidity.

Can ammunition go bad?

Ammunition can last for many years if stored properly. However, exposure to moisture, extreme heat, or improper handling can cause deterioration, making it unsafe to use.

What are the differences between hollow point and full metal jacket ammunition?

Hollow point ammunition expands upon impact, causing more damage to the target, making it ideal for self-defense and hunting. Full metal jacket rounds are designed to penetrate deeper and are commonly used for target shooting.

How can I tell if my ammunition is still safe to use?

Inspect ammo for signs of corrosion, rust, or physical damage. If the primer is dented or the casing is cracked, it’s best to dispose of the round safely.

How long does ammunition last?

With proper storage, ammunition can last 10-15 years or more, depending on the type. However, it’s important to periodically check for any visible signs of damage.