Bullet Types: Handgun Ammo Explained

Online   Oct 27, 2023

Ammo

In the fascinating world of firearms, the variety of ammunition types often appears bewildering, especially to the novices. The term "ammo" or ammunition often becomes synonymous with bullets, although technically, a bullet is merely a component of ammunition. When it comes to handguns, understanding the diverse types of ammo available is crucial for a well-rounded and safe shooting experience. In this guide, we will delve into the various types of handgun ammo and bullet types, shedding light on common terminology and helping you make an informed choice. 

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Understanding Different Bullet Types

The core of ammunition bullet types are predominantly categorized based on their construction and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of some common bullet types you will come across:

Full Metal Jacket Bullets (FMJ)

Full metal jacket bullets are characterized by a soft lead core encased in a shell of harder metal, typically copper. FMJ bullets are known for their ability to penetrate targets effectively, making them an excellent choice for target shooting and military applications.

Hollow Point Bullets (HP)

In contrast to FMJ, hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel. They are preferred for self-defense due to their stopping power and less chance of over-penetration, making hollow point ammo a popular choice among concealed carriers.

Open Tip Match Ammo (OTM)

While they may resemble hollow point bullets, OTM bullets are not designed for expansion. They are typically used for precision shooting, offering better accuracy over long distances.

Soft Point Ammo (SP)

Soft point bullets have a portion of the lead core exposed at the tip, designed to provide better expansion than FMJ bullets. This design makes them a popular choice for hunting and some self-defense scenarios.

Additional Bullet Types

There are other bullet types like Ballistic Tip, Bonded Bullet, Steel Core, Truncated Cone Bullet, Flat Nose, and Boat Tail, each designed for specific scenarios ranging from hunting to target shooting and self-defense.

Exploring Bullet Shapes and Tips

A deeper understanding of ammunition necessitates an examination of bullet shapes and tips, as these features dramatically affect a bullet's aerodynamics, impact behavior, and suitability for various shooting scenarios.

Types of Bullet Tips

• Rounded Tips: Common in FMJ bullets for smooth feeding and penetration. Pointed Tips: Reduce air resistance, enhancing stability and range, typically found in match-grade and some hunting ammo.
• Hollow/Indented Tips: Feature of hollow point bullets, designed to promote expansion on impact for greater stopping power.
• Flat Tips: Seen in some hunting and revolver ammunition, designed to strike a balance between penetration and impact force.

Bullet Shapes

• Boat Tail: A tapered rear end minimizes air drag, ideal for long-range accuracy.
• Truncated Cone: Offers a mix of aerodynamic efficiency and stopping power, often chosen for self-defense rounds.
• Aerodynamic Sleekness: Specialized for minimal air resistance, maximizing accuracy over distance, common in match-grade ammunition.

Types of Handgun Ammo: Matching Caliber with Purpose

The caliber of handgun ammo refers to the diameter of the bullet, and consequently, the diameter of the barrel it's fired from. Here's a brief look at popular handgun calibers:

.22 LR (Long Rifle)

This small, low-recoil caliber is suitable for target practice and small-game hunting, making it a popular choice for beginners.

9mm Luger

One of the most popular calibers, the 9mm Luger strikes a balance between recoil and stopping power, extensively used in self-defense and by law enforcement agencies.

.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

Known for its significant stopping power, the .45 ACP is a classic choice for self-defense.

380 ACP

A lighter caliber often chosen for concealed carry, providing a reasonable balance between stopping power and recoil.

357 Magnum

Renowned for its stopping power and versatility, the .357 Magnum is a popular choice among revolver enthusiasts for self-defense and hunting.

 

Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, understanding the different bullet types and types of handgun ammo is crucial. It not only ensures the correct ammo is chosen for a specific purpose but also enriches the gun handling experience. The next time you find yourself amidst a conversation about full metal jacket bullets or hollow point ammo, you'll find yourself well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to navigate through. Your choice of ammo significantly affects your shooting experience, so take the time to explore, learn, and choose wisely.