How to Choose Ammo by Application

There are lots of different types of ammunition, and the differences aren't always obvious when you try to compare rounds. While matching the cartridge on the box to what is marked on the barrel of your firearm should ensure that it functions properly and safely, it does not mean that you are using the best ammo for your application. Changing the components in a given cartridge can affect:

• Internal ballistics: What happens inside the barrel of the firearm

• External ballistics: What happens to the bullet while in flight

• Terminal ballistics: What happens to the bullet when it hits the target

In this guide, we will explain what features gun owners should look for when buying ammo so that you get the best performance possible in every shooting activity.

How to Choose Ammo for Target Shooting

For rifle ammo or handgun ammo, ball ammunition is ideal for target practice. Since your target is likely paper or steel, terminal ballistics aren't really a factor. You want relatively inexpensive ammo that still functions reliably in your firearm. The FMJ/TMJ (full metal jacket/total metal jacket) bullet type is preferred as it feeds reliably and is usually cheaper than other options, allowing you to get more practice for less money. If you are shooting steel targets, maintain minimum safe distances to avoid injuries from ricochets. This distance depends on your caliber, so check with the manufacturer. Frangible ammo is designed to fragment, or break apart into small pieces, upon impact, so it is safer to use on steel at close distances.

The ideal bullet weight for a given caliber can vary depending on the barrel length and twist rate, which is how many inches it takes for the projectile to rotate. However, most of the time, switching between bullet weights does not affect function. If possible, having the same bullet weight in your training ammo as your competition or self-defense ammo is a good idea to reduce the differences in your point of aim vs. point of impact.

For shotgun ammo, target loads or birdshot will be perfectly fine for knocking down steel or busting clay pigeons. The "Shot Size" dictates the number of pellets per shell. The bigger the "Shot Size" number, the higher the pellet count but the smaller the pellet diameter.

How to Choose Ammo for Competitive Shooting

Ammunition for competitive shooters can be the same as your practice ammo, but as you become a more serious competitor, you may want to consider "match grade" or "OTM" (Open Tip Match) ammo. This ammunition is typically made with premium components and held to higher quality control standards which provides "tighter groups" (greater accuracy). Some match ammo is loaded to a specific muzzle velocity or "power factor" in order to meet different competition requirements. They also generally have more powder in them to ensure optimal muzzle velocity.

How to Choose Ammo for Self-Defense

For pistols, hollow point ammunition is ideal for home defense. You want the projectile to penetrate common barriers like clothing and expand upon impact in order to be the most effective at stopping the target. The expansion or "mushrooming" of hollow point bullets helps prevent them from overpentrating your target and going through your walls and hitting someone or something you're not aiming at. Some people prefer higher pressure/velocity rounds (commonly labeled "P" or "+P") for personal defense. There are some hollow point designs that are better suited for short barrel firearms since the open tip design can cause feeding issues. Get an extra box or two of hollow points to test/practice with before you commit to carrying it. Some of the most popular concealed carry choices are 9mm ammo and 45 ACP ammo.

For rifles, soft point ammunition is commonly used instead of a hollow point. These types of bullets have a mostly jacketed projectile with an exposed tip that deforms and expands on impact, similar to a hollow point bullet. Traditional hollow point designs are also available and are very effective defensive rounds.

A bonded bullet is when the core is fused to the jacket, which can be done through various means. This reduces the chances of the jacket separating upon impact, which provides better penetration. These are available for both pistol and rifle bullets. However, be careful using this type of ammo, as overpenetration can result in your hitting a target you aren't necessarily aiming at.

For shotguns, buckshot is ideal. You'll want to "pattern" the load, which means shooting at paper at various distances to see how the pellets disperse. Some loads will be tighter or wider than others at the same distance, largely due to the design of the wad (one of the shell components). You want a consistent, very tight pattern at close distances (about 3 yards) because it will only get wider the more you increase distance. Shotgun slugs are another great choice as they offer greater penetration and greater maximum effective distance than buckshot. However, be aware that slugs have a greater potential of over-penetration.

How to Choose Ammo for Hunting

The size of your game and the average distance you intend to shoot should determine what caliber ammunition you need. The smaller the animal, the smaller the caliber typically used. The longer the average distance of the shot, the more velocity you need. Similar to personal defense ammunition, a bonded bullet offers a deeper and cleaner wound channel which means less lead fragments. Lead-free ammo is also an option if you want to reduce lead exposure in the meat, and it may be legally required in certain areas due to environmental concerns. Generally, waterfowl hunting requires lead-free ammo so that any pellets that fall into the water don't contaminate it. All copper bullets are a popular lead-free option for centerfire rifles. Steel shot is a lead-free option for shotguns, but make sure your shotgun and any choke tubes you may use are rated for steel shot.

Selecting the Right Ammo for You

Knowing what ammunition features are best suited for your shooting activity helps you invest wisely in your ammo purchases. There are a lot of options on the market, so don't be afraid to try different brands or types of bullets but also be confident to buy bulk ammo when you find what works for you.