Types Of Ammo And Their Uses
Ammunition comes in many different forms, each with its own unique properties and uses. Here are some common types of ammo and their uses.
Rifle Ammo
Rifle ammo is used in long guns such as rifles and shotguns. It is typically larger and more powerful than handgun ammo and is available in a variety of calibers (sizes). Some types of rifle ammo are:
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): FMJ ammo is commonly used for target shooting and plinking. It is inexpensive and widely available but is not recommended for hunting because the bullet does not expand upon impact.
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Soft Point (SP): SPf ammo is a compromise between FMJ and hollow-point ammo. It is more expensive than FMJ, but not as expensive as hollow-point. It is designed to expand upon impact, making it a good choice for hunting.
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Hollow-Point (HP): HP ammo is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel. It is more expensive than FMJ and SP but is considered well-suited for hunting large game because the bullet is more likely to arrest an animal.
Handgun Ammo
Handgun ammo is designed to be used in handguns such as pistols and revolvers. It is smaller and less powerful than rifle ammo and is available in a variety of calibers. The most common types of handgun ammo are:
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Full metal jacket (FMJ): See above.
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Jacketed hollow-point (JHP): JHP ammo is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel. It is more expensive than FMJ but is good for shooting small, slow game. JHP is similar to HP that's used for rifles, but JHP is primarily for handguns.
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Frangible: Frangible ammo is designed to disintegrate upon impact, minimizing the risk of over-penetration and ricochet. It's widely used in indoor ranges and training scenarios, where ricochets could have devastating effects. Because it disintegrates and doesn't penetrate well, frangible isn't recommended for hunting.
Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun ammo is for use in shotguns, which are long guns that fire multiple pellets at once. They scatter shots for times when aiming at a target is especially difficult. The ammo is available in a variety of gauges and loads and is typically used for hunting. The main types of shotgun ammo are:
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Birdshot: Birdshot ammo is designed for hunting small game such as birds and squirrels. It is available in a variety of sizes and is generally considered non-lethal for people (but should still be handled with care).
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Buckshot: Buckshot of ammo is designed for hunting larger game such as deer and hogs. It's available in a variety of sizes and is generally considered lethal.
- Slug: Slug ammo is designed for hunting large game such as bears and moose. This is one shotgun ammo that's a single large projectile, instead of multiple smaller pellets.
For more info about ammo, contact a local company.
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