Ammo 101
Become an ammo expert. Learn to select the right ammunition, understand its components, and get practical tips for hunting, sport shooting, and personal defense. This series, brought to you by Valkyrie Tribe owner and firearms instructor Callie Farill and Winchester brand manager Ben Frank, simplifies ammo basics to empower you to make confident, informed choices.
Episodes
Identifying the correct ammunition for your firearm
3:17
To identify the correct ammunition for your firearm, first consult your owner’s manual and check the markings on the barrel or chamber. Match these details with the ammunition box and verify the headstamp on the ammo. For specialized rounds like +P or specific shotgun shell lengths, ensure your firearm can handle them by checking both the manual and barrel or chamber markings.
Ammo Anatomy: Bullet, Case, Powder, and Primer
2:18
Ammunition consists of four main components: the bullet, case, powder, and primer. The bullet is the projectile that travels through the barrel, the case holds everything together, powder provides the propellant for the bullet, and the primer ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin. Each part plays a crucial role in making the ammunition work correctly.
Caliber vs. Gauge: Understanding Firearm and Ammunition Measurements
2:23
Caliber and gauge are two ways to measure firearms. For handguns and rifles, caliber is determined by the inside diameter of the firearm barrel, measured in inches or millimeters. Shotguns are measured and referred to by gauge, determined by the number of lead balls of a particular diameter it would take to equal a pound, so a higher gauge number means a smaller barrel diameter.
Understanding Rifle Ammunition: Caliber, Use, and Bullet Weight
2:13
Rifle ammunition is typically centerfire, meaning the primer is at the center of the cartridge base. It’s designed for precise, long-distance shooting in activities like hunting and sport shooting. Rifle ammo comes in different calibers for various uses, such as the .223 Rem for smaller game and the 350 Legend for larger game, with bullet weight measured in grains to suit different purposes.
Pistol Ammunition Basics
2:32
Pistol ammunition is typically centerfire and is mainly used for sport shooting and personal defense, though some varieties are suitable for hunting. It is categorized by caliber and offers a range of bullet weights to match different applications.
Shotshell Ammunition Essentials
6:56
Shotshell ammunition is centerfire and versatile, used for hunting, sport shooting, and personal defense. It is categorized by gauge, shot size, shot weight, and shot material. Shot size determines pellet diameter, with larger numbers indicating smaller pellets for smaller game and sport shooting, while buckshot and slugs are used for larger game and defense.
Rimfire Ammunition Overview
3:26
Rimfire ammunition is used in small-caliber pistols and rifles and features a primer located around the cartridge’s rim instead of the center. Common calibers include .22 Long Rifle and .17 HMR, with rimfire ammo being ideal for small game hunting and target shooting due to its low cost and minimal recoil.
Bullet Weight Explained
2:55
Bullet weight, measured in grains, reflects the bullet’s mass rather than the powder amount. Heavier bullets are ideal for hunting due to their impact and wind resistance, while for pistols, heavier bullets improve performance in shorter barrels, enhancing personal defense capabilities.
Types of Ammo: Hollow Point, FMJ, and Polymer Tipped
2:16
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammo is a cost-effective option for target shooting. Hollow Point ammo expands upon impact, making it suitable for personal defense and hunting by transferring energy effectively. Polymer Tipped ammo offers enhanced accuracy and controlled expansion, ideal for hunting.
Subsonic vs. Supersonic Ammo
2:09
Subsonic ammunition travels slower than the speed of sound (under 1,125 fps), making it ideal for use with suppressors to minimize noise, though it has less kinetic energy upon impact and faster bullet drop than supersonic ammo. Most ammo is supersonic, meaning it travels faster than 1,125 fps, resulting in a loud ‘crack’ sound when a firearm is fired. While subsonic ammo is less effective for hunting, it’s an excellent option for target shooting.
Bullet Ballistics: Velocity, Energy, and Trajectory
2:03
Bullet ballistics involves understanding how velocity, energy, and trajectory affect performance. Velocity influences how fast a bullet travels, impacting its energy and trajectory. Energy is crucial for hunting to ensure effective impact, while trajectory describes the bullet’s path, affected by factors like velocity, weight, and environmental conditions.
A Guide to Ammo Materials: Bullets, Shots, and Cases
3:56
Modern bullets often feature a lead core encased in copper for high velocity and controlled expansion, with lead-free options like solid copper available where lead is restricted. Shotshells come in various materials: lead for affordability, steel for waterfowl and lead-free needs, bismuth for high-density performance, and tungsten for premium payloads. Casings are typically brass for durability, steel for cost-effectiveness, and nickel-plated for enhanced corrosion resistance and reliability.
How to Shop for Ammunition
1:38
Before buying ammunition, check local, state, and federal laws for purchasing requirements and restrictions. Determine the correct caliber or gauge for your firearm, then choose a retailer, which can include online stores or local shops like shooting ranges and big box stores. Pay close attention to details on the ammo box, such as caliber, gauge, grain weight, and shot size.
Choosing Ammo for Different Uses: Hunting, Recreation, and Defense
1:47
To select the right ammunition, first consider your intended use: hunting, recreational shooting, or personal defense. For hunting, choose ammo based on your firearm and game type, while recreational shooting often uses full metal jacket rounds or target loads. For personal defense, opt for hollow point ammo for pistols and rifles, and buckshot or slugs for shotguns.
Resources
Find resources in your community to help you get started in recreational or competitive shooting. Find shooting ranges near you, learn where and how to buy ammunition and more.
