Rifle Ammo Buying Guide
You may have bought a gun for self-defense, hunting, or target shooting. Whatever your reasons for becoming a gun owner, you need the right ammunition for your gun to function accordingly. However, the market offers different ammunition types, and you may not know the option to choose. If you're shopping for rifle ammo, here is a useful ammunition buying guide to help you purchase the correct ammunition.
Consider the Use of Your Gun
The following are the types of rifle ammo for different uses:
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Target ammunition. If you use your rifle for range shooting or practice, full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are ideal. These bullets have a soft lead core but are enclosed in a hard metal, usually copper. Also, this rifle ammo is easily available and affordable. However, the ammo doesn't expand when hitting a target and is not ideal for self-defense. Therefore, use it strictly for training.
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Self Defense. If your gun is mainly for self-defense, jacket hollow point (JHP) ammo is ideal. The bullets have an opening in the bullet's top middle that displays the bullet's metal core. The bullets also have a hard metal enclosure. JHP bullets have a greater impact when hitting the target. Also, the ammunition reduces speed upon hitting the target, which prevents overpenetration. This prevents the bullet from penetrating the target and hitting other unintended targets, such as innocent bystanders.
You should determine the use of your rifle to choose the correct ammunition.
Consider the Caliber
Before buying rifle ammo, ensure that you match the bullet size or caliber to your firearm. Manufacturers usually prepare a manual that you can use to identify the correct ammo for your gun. If you misplace your manual, you can search for the manual online on the manufacturer's website. Additionally, manufacturers engrave the caliber on the gun, so you can match the bullet size to your gun easily. Moreover, ammo manufacturers specify the caliber on the box of ammunition. Manufacturers also specify the caliber on the gun's headstamp. Checking the caliber specifications in these areas can help you know the correct bullet size for your rifle fast.
Consider the Grain Weight
The grain refers to the bullet's weight and influences the speed of your rifle ammo. Heavier grains travel slower but have a high knock-down force. These are ideal for hunting big game. In contrast, lighter grains travel faster, but the knock-down force will be small. This rifle ammo is ideal for long-range shooting and hunting small game.
This rifle ammo buying guide advises you to consider your gun's use, caliber, and grain weight when purchasing ammunition. Follow this guide to purchase the ideal rifle ammunition.
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