Different Types Of Ammunition For What You Hunt

The type of ammunition you pick is just as important as the type of gun you choose.  Now, when I first started shooting, I knew a shotgun shell wouldn’t fit in my Ruger 357, a round was a single shot and that was about all I knew.  I was issued hollow point bullets for my job.  There was no explanation of why that type of bullet or what it would do to a target.  I think a hollow point bullet is pretty commonly known as the bullet that expands upon entering the target, causing more internal damage.  Now, as I think about hunting and/or target shooting, I know there are many different types of ammo; each specific to its use.

Choosing ammunition can be very difficult. You must take into account the weapon being used and the target you will be shooting at.  If you are target shooting, there is ammo specifically made for that.   Since buying ammo can get pricey, many target shooters buy ammo that can be reloaded.  Rifles, not handguns, are typically used for hunting, so let’s talk about ammo for rifles.  Each situation would require a different type of ammo.  Rifles are used by law enforcement for protection, sport shooters shoot at clay or other targets and hunters use them to hunt a variety of animals.  Buckshot is used for large game or self-protection.  Buckshot is loaded with large diameter lead balls.  Shot size will depend on the type of animal you are hunting.  There wouldn’t be much of a bird left if shot with buckshot.  Birdshot has a smaller lead ball and is used for hunting birds.

Not only is shot size considered when you are hunting, but also how far the ammo will have to travel to still penetrate the animal and kill it must also be considered.   Because of this, there are several important aspects of your ammo you will need to know.  You will want to know about ballistics.  This tells you how low or high the bullet will be at any distance.  You’ll need to know if the bullet is prone to going through walls, cars or tissue.  For safety reasons you will want to know where every bullet you’ve fired has gone.  And you will need to keep its use in mind.  Hollow points are not practical for target shooting.  Yes, that ammo will perform better, but unless you are independently wealthy, why spend the extra on target shooting.  Choose a slug instead.

If all this is too confusing and you still aren’t sure what to buy for your specific need, ask the experts.  Check with your local sporting goods store or gun shop.  These guys know about guns and ammo.