Ammo Knowledge: Understanding Bullet Types
When it comes to ammo, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each bullet is specifically designed to hit a target differently. And because loading your gun with the right ammo is necessary for gun safety and optimal performance, it’s crucial to learn the different bullet types available and the purposes for which each is best suited. Get the best ammo online from GrabAGun today!
Lead Round Nose (LRN)
What is it: This is one of the most basic bullets on the market, which also makes it one of the most affordable and readily available. Yet, despite its low price tag, it offers decent performance. Its round nose can better penetrate a target than a flat nose, but with less expansion than a hollow point. And its flight performance is typically better than most because its round tip often creates superior aerodynamics.
When to use: These are good middle-ground bullets. LRNs have a nice balance of expansion and penetration, making them ideal for casual target shooting, plinking, and varmint control.
Considerations: This bullet is made completely out of lead, which is toxic. So every time LRNs are used, a small amount of lead particles are ejected into the air. Because of this, they are restricted in many areas, including public hunting grounds and indoor gun ranges. This bullet may also leave fouling in the barrel, which will impact your accuracy and performance if left uncleaned.
Popular Calibers For LRNs: .22LR, .38 SPL, and .38
Wadcutter (WC) & Semi Wadcutter (SWC)
What is it: A wadcutter is specifically designed with a flat head. This unique shape makes the WC one of the least aerodynamic and most uncommon bullet types out there. And because WCs don’t have metal jackets, they are usually loaded to shoot at low velocities and minimize the deposit of lead into the barrel.
A semi-wadcutter is a combination of a traditional WC and an LRN. It is designed with a conical shape and flat head, allowing it to be fired at a much higher velocity than common WCs.
When to use: Because of their flat heads, WCs leave clean, cookie-cutter holes, perfect for paper targets in competitive shooting. At the same time, their excellent accuracy combined with slow velocity and reduced recoil makes them a great choice for people learning how to shoot.
Considerations: You’ll be limited in terms of what you can shoot due to this bullet’s flat head and low velocity. WCs are not ideal for hunting nor personal defense. Yet, given the extra groove in SWCs, these can be used in more diverse settings.
Popular Calibers For WCs & SWCs: .38 and .45 ACP
Semi-Jacketed (SJ) Soft Point (SJSP)
What is it: SJ or SJSP bullets are partially encased in a hard jacket with an exposed soft lead tip. Because of this design, the bullet will flatten and expand upon impact for a more powerful blow. Plus, an SJSP is known for its ability to deeply penetrate targets — so much so that it’s common for it to bounce around inside a ribcage.
When to use: SJSPs are extremely versatile bullets that can perform in almost any situation, including target shooting, hunting, home defense, varmint control, and more. However, since it’s designed to deform and expand, SJSPs are especially effective at defense and hunting.
Considerations: The only downfall with an SJSP bullet is that its lead tip is exposed, so similar to an LRN, there will likely be a small number of lead particles ejected into the air every time it’s used. So, check to make sure they aren’t banned in your facility.
Popular Calibers For SJSPs: .308, .500 S&W Magnum, and .357 magnum
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
What is it: A FMJ has a soft core, usually lead, which is fully encased (even the tip) in an outer shell made of hard metal. Because of its casing, it doesn’t release any lead particles into the air when fired. Therefore, FMJs are allowed — even mandatory — in certain facilities. Plus, its full metal casing ensures no residue is left in the barrel, allowing for easy cleanup. FMJs are typically inexpensive but with excellent long-distance performance.
When to use: Because FMJs are budget-friendly, they are most commonly used for high-volume shooting, such as competitions or range training. And because they are one of the only bullet types allowed in many public facilities they’re a widely popular choice.
Considerations: FMJs aren’t designed to expand upon impact. They often go completely through a target with little loss of kinetic energy and hit non-targets until friction and gravity finally kick in. With little stopping power, it’s not recommended to use FMJs for self-defense nor hunting.
Popular Calibers For FMJs: 9MM, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38, 7.62X39MM, .56X45MM/.223, and .308.
Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP)
What is it: The semi-jacket hollow point is similar to an SJSP in the sense that it’s partially encased by a metal jacket with its tip exposed. The result is a mushrooming effect that ensures the bullet expands upon impact. Its hollow point helps the bullet expand even more than a soft point, and therefore, gives it greater stopping power.
When to use: SJHPs are a common go-to for self-defense. Its hollow point gives you all the stopping power and penetration needed, while its semi-jacket creates a larger-than-average wound cavity. Ultimately, this bullet is designed to stop an intruder in their tracks.
Considerations: The main thing to keep in mind with hollow points is potential issues penetrating thick fabrics since the design makes the nose cavity susceptible to debris clogs.
Popular Calibers For SJHPs: .380 ACP, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
What is it: The JHP is another type of hollow point bullet, but unlike other varieties, it is entirely encased in a shell. Its full jacket makes it a common choice over other hollow points. For one, it’s easier to feed in semi-automatic pistols. It also leaves less lead fouling in your barrel. And finally, as with all hollow points, it’s great at expanding upon impact for extra damage, as well as preventing over-penetration issues.
When to use: Because JHPs have imitable stopping power and expansion, they’re ideal for both home defense, concealed carry, and hunting. This bullet can almost guarantee that your target will drop immediately — which also makes it a more humane choice for hunting.
Considerations: Like the SJHP, the hollow point may have difficulties penetrating certain fabrics and, in turn, won’t be able to expand to its full potential.
Popular Calibers For JHPs: .22LRs, .380 ACP, 9MM, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .308.
There are many bullets on the market tailored to just about every specific use. It’s important to first determine the purpose of your firearm to determine which type of bullet is best suited for you. Check out GrabAGun for all your ammo needs.