When you go shopping for ammunition, you’ll need to come prepared with the knowledge of what type of bullets to buy. Using the wrong ammo for your firearm causes a range of problems that can be dangerous and inconvenient. Use the guide below so you can buy ammo like a seasoned professional.

Beginner’s Guide to Ammunition Shopping

What Size to Get

The most important aspect of ammunition shopping is choosing the right caliber. Caliber refers to the diameter of the barrel; if the ammo is too large it won’t fit in the chamber, and if it’s too small the ammunition could slip through the chamber to get lodged in the barrel and possibly explode. The consequences of using the wrong caliber bullets are dangerous and can damage your firearm. Your owner’s manual should tell you what size caliber your gun is designed to use, or you could have it inspected by a professional at the gun shop to have them tell you.

How to Determine Your Function

There are three reasons you might fire your weapon: for target practice, hunting, or self-defense. Target practice requires a different type of bullet than hunting and self-defense. Practicing will involve shooting numerous rounds, so you want a cost-effective bullet. Look for the affordable FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammunition, which has a metal shell filled with soft lead.

For hunting and self-defense, FMJ is not your best choice. It will go right through your target, possibly hurting anyone standing too close or failing to kill the animal you’ve shot. Hollow point bullets are a good choice; they have a hollow cavity in the tip of the bullet which will make a larger wound and will transfer the energy of the shot into the target, so it doesn’t go straight through.

For almost 150 years, Glauber’s Sports has been the one-stop shop for premium-quality firearms, ammunition and hunting accessories for Carrollton, KY, and the surrounding areas. This family-operated business has a showroom with more than 1,000 gun models and every type of ammo you need. Their experts can help you choose the right bullets for your gun. Browse their inventory online, visit their store on 4th Street, or call them at (502) 732-4005 with any questions you have.