When you walk into the gun store to buy ammunition for the first time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options. There are many different types of bullets made in different sizes, firepower, and design features. Which material and type you choose will depend on your gun type and what you’ll be using the bullets for. Below, learn about the most common types of ammo. 

The Basic Types of Ammunition

1. Full-Metal Jacket

A full-metal jacket, commonly referred to as FMJ, has a soft core, often made of lead, within a complete shell of a harder metal. It won’t expand on impact, which means it may pierce the target and completely penetrate. They maintain their trajectory better than other bullet types, which makes them ideal for target shooting at a distance.

2. Jacketed Hollow Point

Hollow-point bullets, or JHP, have the soft core with the shell of harder metal. The very tip of the bullet is open to a hollow center. This makes it expand upon impact, which does more damage to soft tissue. These are ideal for hunting.

3. Semi-Jacketed

A semi-jacketed bullet, or SJHP, has a metal jacket that runs around the back length of the bullet. The entire rounded tip of the soft interior is exposed. This makes the bullet expand upon impact like a hollow point, but with more penetration. The result is something between the FMJ and JHP, which is ideal in defensive use when you want to stop your target but don’t want to risk hitting an accidental target.

4. Lead Round Nose

LRN bullets are made entirely of lead, with no jacket. The soft bullet will expand on impact but provides more penetration than a hollow point. The lack of a jacket makes them more affordable, which is suitable for range practice.  

5. Wad Cutter

The wadcutter bullet has a flat exposed tip. This shape makes a clean circle in a paper target, so they are designed for this purpose. They are ideal for use at the range at a short to moderate distance.

The staff at Northern Security Supply Inc. will help you find the ammunition to fit your firearm and needs in Anchorage, AK. In the past 35 years serving the community, they have come to be known as the region’s one-stop shop. They have an expansive selection of guns, ammo, and gear for sale. View their inventory online, stop by the store, or call (907) 561-5602 for assistance.