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Handgun Ammo: What You Need To Know

If you’re like most gun enthusiasts, you constantly want to expand your knowledge of firearms. Collecting them is what you like to do, but knowing about them gives you an edge over your competition. And nothing is better than having bragging rights among your fellow marksmen. Knowledge and understanding of your firearms is not limited to just the weapon itself: it extends to everything your weapon needs to function successfully. A major part of that is its ammunition. With a well-rounded understanding, you can be confident when you buy ammo, reload supplies, or reload bullets.

The Anatomy of Firearm Ammo

Because ammo plays such an outsized factor in accurate firings, let’s take a look at some of the handgun ammo for sale. Most handgun ammo can be broken down into four major components: case, bullet, powder charge, and primer. The case holds the bullet in front of the powder charge so that once the primer ignites the powder it will be positioned to exit the barrel of the weapon in a straight and accurate path.

The caliber of ammo correlates directly to the firearm it will be shot from. The internal diameter of a weapon’s barrel is referred to as the caliber, just as the external diameter of a bullet is.

If you’ve been around several types of firearms, you’ve probably noticed that each uses a slightly different variation of bullet. Shotguns use shells or slugs, rifle bullets tend to be long and thin, and handgun rounds tend to be shorter and wider than rifle ammunition. Though rifle ammunition can be found in the same caliber, the barrel length and the amount of pressure each gun uses to operate changes what type of ammunition you need.

Factors That Determine Force of Ammo

The barrel and gas pressure from combustion are critical to the firing process. The pressure from ignition of the gun powder creates the force propelling the bullet. There are two key velocities to keep in mind: muzzle velocity and bullet velocity. Muzzle velocity is the rate at which ammunition leaves the muzzle. The mass of the bullet, its drop in elevation, and velocity when leaving the firearm calculated together equal bullet velocity. The type of ammo that can, and should, be used for each weapon depend on these and other variables.

In general, muzzle velocity for a handgun is less feet per second (FPS) than for a rifle. Due to this issue, bullets often have to make up their effectiveness another way.

Increase Weight of Bullet

To increase the weight, you need to elongate the bullet. The issue with this is muzzle velocity will often drop. Though longer, heavier bullets sound effective, they have the potential to come out too slow.

Increase Length of Barrel

When this happens, the convenience of an easy-to-carry side arm diminishes. Keeping its size to something with a barrel eight inches or smaller tends to be most efficient.

Increase The Bullet Caliber

Increasing the bullet caliber makes the pressure generated from firing exert more pounds per square inch on the bullet. Remember that the caliber must be able to fit within the barrel of your weapon. This method will create larger holes in your targets and might not be a viable option if you are hunting small game, since you may completely destroy it.

Alternative Bullet Designs

Manufacturers offer a variety of case and shell designs that alter how ammunition reacts on impact.

Increase Operating Pressure

Increase the operating pressure of the cartridge. There are plenty of variables that go into this; be sure to check with your state’s regulations on what is acceptable.

Gunpowder

Improve the gunpowder used with your bullet. Technology is constantly advancing, and our firearms and ammunition are no exception. Perhaps with further advances, we might start to see a shift from the traditional short and fat style of handgun ammunition.

Ammo at GrabAGun

Handgun ammo for sale will continue to change as the industry makes new developments. As of now, handgun rounds tend to be smaller and wider than rifle rounds. Remember to always consider the type of shooting you most often do, then try some rounds out at the range to see how you like firing them. Of course, firearm safety should always be a top priority. Be safe and enjoy discovering your own personal preferences for handgun ammunition. Check out GrabAGun for all of your ammo needs.

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