It may surprise you to learn that over 66% of Montana’s population owns at least one firearm. This makes it the state with the largest percentage of gun ownership, followed closely by Wyoming.
While there are many nuances about gun ownership people need to stay aware of, people should also educate themselves on the different types of ammunition. We’ve put together a brief guide on the different types of ammo to clear things up. Let’s get started.
Full Metal Jacket
You may have heard this term in media before. Full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets have a metal casing that allows them to achieve higher velocity than bullets without one.
Notably, they can do so without depositing substantial amounts of metal inside of the bullet. The jacket also serves to protect the integrity of the bullet.
Hollow Points
As the name suggests, these bullets have a hollow segment toward the tip. Upon impact, this tip expands and increases with value without increasing penetration. So, they are often used for self-defense.
They are also used in situations where over-penetration could cause issues. Other types of bullets are likely to travel through multiple walls if the shooter misses the target, for example.
Soft Points
These are highly similar to hollow point bullets. They have a soft tip that is intended to expand upon making an impact with the target.
This allows it to cause damage greater than the radius of the bullet’s diameter. You can check out what the professionals over at targetsportsusa.com have to say to learn more.
Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun ammo comes in the form of slugs, birdshot, and buckshot. Birdshot/buckshot are comprised of metallic pellets. A slug is a single metal projectile usually made of copper or lead.
The type of shot you use will vary depending on your needs. Birdshot and buckshot are used during hunting, as the pellets allow the shooter to kill the animal without destroying its body.
Slugs, on the other hand, are typically used for self-defense.
Handgun and Rifle Ammo
Handgun and rifle ammunition can be broken down into two main groups: centerfire or rimfire.
The difference here depends on where the primer strike occurs on the bullet casing. The primer is around the base of the cartridge with rimfire ammo. In contrast, the primer is on the center of the cartridge with centerfire ammo.
There are also different types of ammo related to the type of handgun or rifle you use. This is known as caliber, and it refers to the overall size of the bullet. For practical use, bullets range from approximately the height of a quarter to substantially longer and thicker.
Understand the Types of Ammo
Consider the above information about the different types of ammo available to consumers. This will help ensure that you choose the right bullets for your intended use.
Our blog has plenty of other lifestyle articles like this one that can help you out later on. Be sure to check them today to see what you can learn!
