Choosing the proper ammunition for your firearm can be one of the most intimidating aspects of gun ownership. This is especially true for new shooters.
The caliber of your gun is engraved on it somewhere (typically in the barrel). Using a different caliber than intended could damage the weapon and cause injury to you.
Caliber
Choosing the correct ammunition for your firearm can be intimidating, especially for novice shooters. There are so many calibers, names, and designations out there that it can be confusing and downright daunting!
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that caliber refers to the size of the barrel, not the bullet. The word “bullet” is a common misnomer, and it’s important to know that it only makes up a small part of the entire cartridge.
When selecting the right ammo for your gun, caliber plays a significant role in everything from stopping power to recoil. Your firearm’s owner manual should include a list of the types and calibers it accepts. It’s essential to take the time to find this information so that you can buy the right ammo for your firearm. Using ammunition not designed for your gun could damage or even cause it to explode.
Grain
The weight of the bullet is significant to consider, especially if you are a new shooter. Most handgun ammunition comes in standard FMJ (full metal jacket) bullet weights like 115, 124, and 147 grain. You’ll want to make sure the ammo you purchase fits your gun and will feed reliably.
Heavier weights offer greater power and effectiveness, making them ideal for defense, hunting, and combat. However, they may also produce more recoil than lighter weights.
Competitive shooters often choose hollow point ammo, as these rounds are designed to expand on impact with softer targets and deliver more significant damage than non-expanding ammo. However, you must test different ammo in your weapon before choosing the best load. You can learn about the performance of a particular bag by reading customer reviews. The more research you do, the better choice you’ll make regarding the right handgun ammo Charlotte for your purpose and application.
Purpose
Many types of handgun ammunition are available, each designed for a different purpose. Most gun owners choose the ammo they need based on the intended application, including training and target shooting, personal and home defense, or hunting.
For example, if you plan to use your handgun for target practice, you’ll want ball ammo that is less expensive and functions reliably in your firearm. Look for ammo with the abbreviation FMJ on the box or for a number such as 115, 124, or 147 grain, which refers to the bullet weight.
More advanced shooters may opt for match ammo made with premium components and held to higher quality standards. This ammunition tends to have a higher muzzle velocity and power factor that can result in tighter shot groups, which is ideal for competitive shooting. However, you must ensure your handgun is rated for +P loads and understand the increased recoil.
Safety
The final factor to consider when choosing handgun ammo for sale is safety. If you aim at paper or steel targets, then ball ammo like FMJ (full metal jacket) is ideal. It is relatively inexpensive and functions reliably in your pistol. However, it can lead to ricochets when shooting against steel. For this reason, you should always maintain minimum safe distances from the target.
Hollow-point ammunition is a better choice for hunting or self-defense as it expands and transfers more energy to the target. The bullet weight is also essential, as lighter bullets have higher velocity and heavier ones have lower rate. Ensure that the load you select is appropriate for your intended purpose, as failure to do so can result in severe injuries. For example, a 125-grain works well for target practice but is ineffective against a human attacker. For this reason, you should always consult with a trained expert to ensure that the handgun ammo for sale you purchase will work well with your firearm.
