📌Ammunition 101: Calibers, Types & Tips for New Gun Owners

💥 Ammunition 101: Everything New Gun Owners Need to Know

Let’s face it — walking into an ammo aisle for the first time feels like staring at a foreign language made of numbers, acronyms, and brass. Don’t sweat it — we’ve all been there. This guide breaks it down for you like a range buddy who’s part instructor, part stand-up comic.

🧠 First Things First: What Is Ammunition?

Ammunition is basically a mini rocket for your firearm. It's what your gun eats, and if you're not feeding it the right stuff, you're gonna have a bad time.

Each round consists of four main parts:

• Case (usually brass or steel) – the shell that holds it all together
• Primer – the spark plug
• Powder – the boom maker
• Projectile (aka bullet) – the part that says hello to the target

🔢 What the Heck Do These Numbers Mean?

Ever seen “9mm Luger,” “.45 ACP,” or “.223 Remington” on a box and thought, “Cool, but what do I need?”

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Caliber	Best For	Common Guns
9mm	Self-defense, range	Glock 19, Sig P320
.45 ACP	Slower but powerful	1911, HK45
.223 / 5.56	Rifle ammo	AR-15
.22 LR	Beginners, plinking	Ruger 10/22, Walther P22

👉 Pro Tip: Your gun manual or slide will tell you exactly what caliber it needs. Don’t guess. Guessing with ammo is how guns turn into paperweights.

🆚 FMJ vs Hollow Point — What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down real simple:

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket):
• 🔫 Range ammo
• 🧠 Cheaper
• ❌ Not great for self-defense
• Hollow Point (HP):
• 🛡️ Designed for self-defense
• 💥 Expands on impact
• ✅ Stops threats quicker

💡 Stock up on both: FMJ for practice, HP for carry/home defense.

🛒 Shop FMJ & Hollow Point Ammo

🧼 Clean Ammo In = Clean Gun Out

Dirty, low-quality ammo may save you $3 today but will cost you a cleaning headache later. If your ammo looks like it fell out of a swamp, skip it.

Stick with brands like: Federal, Speer, Hornady, Winchester, or PMC.

🎯 How Much Should I Buy?

A good starting point for beginners:

• Range day: 100–200 rounds of FMJ
• Home defense: 25 rounds of hollow point (keep a box in your safe)
• Training: Grab in bulk = save $$

💰 Bulk Ammo Deals Here

👀 Bonus Tips for Ammo Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Use ammo cans or sealed containers
• Label your boxes like you’re running a mini armory

✅ Quick Recap:

• Know your gun’s caliber
• Use FMJ for training, HP for defense
• Buy quality ammo — your gun (and hands) will thank you
• Stock up smartly and store it right

🔗 Internal Links for You:

• 🔫 Handguns that use 9mm Ammo
• 🎯 Training Classes to Sharpen Your Shot
• 🛒 Ammo, Ready to Ship

🎤 Final Words

Learning about ammo doesn’t have to be complicated — or boring. Think of it like fuel: Use the right type, keep your tank full, and don’t buy the sketchy stuff from that guy in the alley.

🧢 Need help choosing the right ammo for your firearm?
Come visit us at The Riot Firearms or shop online anytime.