How to Buy Bullets: Expert Advice on How to Choose the Right Type

How to Buy Bullets: Expert Advice on How to Choose the Right Type of Bullet for Your Firearm

Author: Anonymous

Bullets, when propelled from many cartridges, travel at staggering speeds, often surpassing the speed of sound. So, what makes a bullet travel that fast?

The answer lies in the precision with which they are chosen and manufactured. Selecting the right bullet for your firearm isn't just about speed; it's an art. This guide will delve into how to buy bullets that align perfectly with your firearm and intended purpose.

Basic Understanding of Bullets and Firearms

Firearms and bullets share a unique relationship, much like a lock and its key. To unlock the true potential of any firearm, you must first understand its core components and how they interact with the bullets.

When people talk about buying ammunition, they often use the term "bullet", but in reality, the bullet is just a part of the whole cartridge.

Think of the bullet as the pointed tip or the projectile. This is the part that gets fired out of the gun. The cartridge, on the other hand, is the complete package which includes:

• The bullet
• The casing
• The powder
• The primer

Now, when you buy ammunition, you're primarily focusing on that projectile part. The choice of bullet can influence many aspects of shooting, from the accuracy to the impact.

Factors to Consider When You Buy Bullets

Buying bullets might seem straightforward at first, but there's more to it than meets the eye. If you're scratching your head wondering how to choose bullets that match your needs, you're not alone. Various elements come into play that can make or break your shooting experience.

Purpose

Why are you shooting? Are you hunting, practicing at the range, or looking for self-defense options?

A bullet for hunting might require different characteristics than one designed for target practice. Recognize your primary need, and it will steer you in the right direction.

Caliber and Compatibility

Every firearm is designed for a specific caliber. Using the wrong size can be dangerous. So, always match the bullet caliber with your firearm's specifications.

Bullet Material

Bullets can be made of various materials like lead, copper, or even a combination of metals. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the intended use. Some shooters choose lead-free bullets due to environmental reasons, while others might pick a specific metal for its performance.

Price and Quantity

Like anything you buy, cost matters. Think about how many bullets you'll need.

If you're just getting started or testing out a new firearm, you might want to buy in smaller amounts. But if you're an avid shooter, buying in bulk can save money. 

Performance and Ballistics

Bullets behave differently based on their design. Some are meant to expand upon impact, while others are built to penetrate deep. Depending on your purpose, understanding the bullet's performance can guide your choices.

Different Types of Bullets and Their Uses

Diving into the world of firearms and ammunition can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the plethora of choices available. Especially when it comes to types of bullets, the options can seem endless. But don't worry! We're here to break it down for you.

First and foremost, bullets come in various shapes and designs, each crafted for a specific purpose. Let's explore some common types:

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

This is a classic choice and likely what many picture when they think of bullets. The core, often made of softer metal like lead, is wrapped in a harder metal. FMJ bullets are popular for target practice and training because they are generally less expensive and provide consistent performance.

Hollow Point (HP)

The bullet tips of HPs have a hollowed-out center. When this type of bullet strikes a target, it expands, creating a larger wound channel.

This makes HPs a top choice for self-defense and law enforcement. Their design aims to stop a threat efficiently without over-penetration.

Soft Point (SP)

These bullets have a soft lead tip exposed from the jacket. When they hit a target, they expand slower than HPs. This characteristic makes SPs popular among hunters, as the bullet provides deep penetration, ensuring a humane kill.

Ballistic Tip

These bullets look a bit like FMJs, but with a colorful plastic tip. The tip improves the bullet's aerodynamics which makes it a favorite for long-range shooters. When it hits a target, the plastic tip pushes into the bullet, causing it to expand like an HP.

Frangible

These bullets are designed to break apart upon impact. They are often used in situations where over-penetration could be dangerous, like in close-quarters training or urban environments.

Importance of Bullet Weight and Shape

When it comes to shooting, the choice of bullet can have a significant impact on performance. Beyond the type of bullet, two crucial factors to consider are its weight and shape. These two elements play a pivotal role in how the bullet behaves, both in flight and upon impact.

Bullet weight, measured in grains, can influence the bullet's trajectory and penetration depth. Lighter bullets generally travel faster but might be more affected by wind and other environmental factors.

On the other hand, heavier bullets might travel slower but can provide deeper penetration. This makes them preferable for certain hunting scenarios. For instance, a shooter might prefer a lighter bullet for target practice but opt for a heavier bullet when hunting larger game.

The shape of the bullet can also affect its performance. Some bullets are designed with aerodynamics in mind which enable them to maintain a straighter trajectory over longer distances.

Others might have a design focused on maximizing damage upon impact. For example, a bullet with a broader, flatter tip might create a larger wound channel, making it more effective for hunting.

However, the weight and shape shouldn't be considered in isolation. They often work hand in hand to achieve a specific purpose.

A bullet's weight can influence how its shape affects its behavior. For instance, a heavy, flat-tipped bullet might not travel as far as a light, pointed one, but it could offer superior stopping power.

Choosing a Bullet for Hunting

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, a large percentage of ammunition purchased worldwide is bought for the purpose of some type of hunting. Now, the biggest question when it comes to preparing for a hunt is "What type of bullet do I need?". While it might seem like a relatively simple question, the truth of the matter is that there are quite a lot of factors to consider.

We can really narrow this discussion down to three different areas. Hunting small, medium, and large game. 

1. Small Game:
When discussing bullet and caliber choices for hunting small game like rabbits, raccoons, or larger game birds such as pheasants and small turkeys, your choice of ammunition is very important.

When hunting small game, like mammals, the best and easiest options are smaller cartridges like a .22 or .17 HMR. These will provide enough punch to take down your target, while not ruining the meat or completely destroying the animal 

Now, when it comes to birds, things get interesting. In most cases, shotguns are essential and highly recommended. Such instances would be when you're hunting upland game birds, where we would recommend either a 12 or 20-gauge shotgun with a shot somewhere between #7.5 to #9, or when you're hunting turkey and waterfowl, for which we recommend a 12 or 10-gauge shotguns with somewhere between #2 and #4 shot.

2. Medium Game Hunting:
The next step up would be your medium-game rounds. When hunting medium-sized game, such as smaller deer or coyotes, you will undoubtedly need rounds larger than the .22 we recommend for small game.

Medium-caliber rifles like the .270 Winchester or the .243 Winchester offer the right balance of accuracy while still providing enough stopping power to bring down your target. These cartridges ensure both efficient and ethical hunting, allowing clean kills and a quick death all while ensuring minimal meat loss and damage to the trophy.

3. Large Game Hunting:
Now, once you get into the world of hunting large game, the different types of rounds you can use begin to vary drastically. This is due to the wide range of animal sizes in the "large game" division. So, while the largest species you can find while big game hunting in Argentina is likely the water buffalo or the red stag, that trophy is still anywhere from 5x-10x smaller than Africa's biggest offering, the elephant. 

With that being said, hunters will likely do well with a general, larger caliber rifle like .30-06 Springfield or .300 Winchester Magnum when pursuing most big game species. These types of cartridges provide the necessary force for proper penetration and power for humane and effective hunting, minimizing suffering for the animal as well as preserving the animal's meat.

Legal Aspects and Safety Precautions

Navigating the world of firearms means more than just knowing how to choose ammunition or buying the right bullets. It's also essential to be aware of the legal aspects surrounding bullets and firearms and to understand the importance of safety precautions.

Navigating Legal Waters

In the United States, the laws related to ammunition can vary widely from state to state. While federal laws set a baseline, many states have their own additional restrictions and requirements.

For example, some states might limit the sale of certain types of bullets, while others might have age restrictions in place. Before making any purchase, always ensure that you are adhering to your state's specific regulations.

In addition to state laws, there are also federal restrictions to consider. For instance, armor-piercing ammunition is restricted at the federal level. While you might be able to find this type of bullet for sale, possessing it can be illegal in many circumstances.

The key is to stay informed and always check both state and federal laws before acquiring any ammunition.

Safety First: Proper Storage of Ammunition

Legality is just one side of the coin. Safety is the other, and it's equally vital.

Storage is one of the main safety concerns. It's crucial to keep ammo in a dry and cool place. Humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect the gunpowder inside the ammo and potentially lead to misfires or other issues.

And remember, ammo should be stored separately from firearms, especially if there are children in the house. This step reduces the chance of any accidental discharges.

The Golden Rule of Firearm Handling

Another critical aspect of safety is handling. When you're loading or unloading a firearm, ensure that the gun is always pointed in a safe direction. Even if you believe the firearm is unloaded, treating every gun as if it's loaded is a fundamental rule to live by.

Mishaps often happen when people get complacent or think they're familiar enough with their weapon to take shortcuts.

The Precision of Reloading

Moreover, if you're a reloader, making your own ammunition from purchased components, be extremely cautious. Reloading requires precision as an incorrectly loaded cartridge can be dangerous.

Following recommended load data and double-checking everything is a must. Also, wear safety goggles and ensure you're working in a well-ventilated area.

Protective Gear: An Essential Precaution

Finally, when using your ammo, whether at a shooting range or in a hunting scenario, always wear appropriate protective gear. This includes eye and ear protection. Bullets can ricochet, and firearms are loud.

Protecting your eyes and ears is a simple step that can prevent long-term issues.

Precision in Every Shot

Every bullet is a testament to precision and engineering, aimed to deliver unmatched performance. But the right bullet doesn't just enhance a firearm's potential; it ensures safety, reliability, and optimal efficiency. As you ponder on how to buy bullets best suited for your firearm, remember that choosing quality and expertise makes all the difference.

At US Reloading Supply, we've honed our skills to offer the very best. So, as you embark on your journey for the perfect bullet, we invite you to explore our extensive range to ensure every shot counts.