Having Fun With Sports

Everything You Need To Know About Ammo

Many people in America own guns. Whether you have guns for defense or hunting, however, you need to choose the right ammunition for your needs. If you would like to know more about ammunition, so you can choose the right bullets, keep reading.

What Are the Components of Ammo?

Most ammunition contains a case, primer, powder, and a projectile. As the name suggests, the case is the external structure that holds everything else. They can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from steel to paper. The gunpowder and primer make the explosion, and the projectile or "bullet" is a solid piece of metal, such as lead.

Shells, such as those for a shotgun, also contain a wad. This helps adds structural integrity to the shell, but it also prevents gas from escaping as the ammo is fired. Naturally, you can find ammo that is already made (with all the components inside), but many hunters choose to make their own ammo or reload components.

How Does Ammo Work?

When the gun is fired, the firing pin hits the primer at full force. This triggers a spark, which ignites the gunpowder, creating gas. As the gas expands, it expands the cartridge, and the pressure forces the projectile to shoot.

Shells work the same, except the gas and heat from the gunpowder and primer send the wad and the projectiles through the barrel of the gun. The wad immediately opens and falls, and the projectiles continue to fly toward their target.

What Types of Ammo Exist?

There are many types of ammo from which to choose. For example, you'll need to choose between rimfires and centerfires. Rimfires have a primer built into the bottom of the cartridge, so you won't be able to see it if you look at the bottom of the ammunition. Centerfires have a primer inserted in the center, which you can see by inspecting the ammunition.   

The next consideration is the size of the bullet. There are multiple sizes from which to choose, but some are more popular than others. Finally, you must also consider the type of tip you want. A full metal jacket bullet is fully encapsulated with a rounded or pointy tip. They create a small wound channel, and the bullet typically goes straight through.

On the other hand, hollow-point ammo has an indent in the tip. This allows the ammo to expand, making it more likely for the bullet to get stuck and stop the threat. When it comes to shells, you need to consider the projectiles. Some have multiple small projectiles, and others have fewer larger bullets, which are better for defense.

Ammunition comes in many options, so it can be hard to find the right ammo for your needs. If you are unsure, it may be best to talk with an ammunition dealer. For more information, contact a firearm dealer in your area today.