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If you are new to handling firearms, you must be confused with the different types of ammunition that you can choose from. With the vast improvements in firearm technology today, a wide selection of ammo has been made available for gun-holders like you.
And if you have just bought your first gun, I’m sure you have a lot of questions like, “Which Ammo Should I Get?” or “What is Ball Ammo?”
Fortunately for you, this article will tackle all the bits and pieces you need to know about the classic ball ammo, as well as other types of ammunition you can use.
The Ball Ammo
The ball ammo, also known as the full metal jacket bullet, is one of the most common bullets used in the firearm industry today. This type of ammunition is the ideal choice if you want to go target shooting since it is specifically designed to go through targets with precision.
Ball ammo bullets are lead bullets completely covered with metal. Unlike hollow point bullets, ball ammo bullets do not expand upon impact. Instead, ball ammo bullets go through a target and possibly even the object behind the target.
There are also several types of ball ammunition ranging from boat tails, flat nose, and truncated cones. Each has a specific use, but is all made for one thing, penetration.
Advantages Of Using A Ball Ammo
There are a couple of benefits you can reap if you choose to arm your gun with a full metal jacket bullet. One of which is that there will be less lead residue left in your gun’s barrel, which means that you wouldn’t have to clean your gun as much as you would if you use a hollow point bullet.
Since ball ammo bullets don’t leave as much residue as other types do, ball ammo increases the shot’s rate of velocity as well as the bullet’s accuracy.
Other Types Of Ammo
It would be wise to stock up on different types of ammo if you handle firearms for protection or leisure. Each type of ammunition comes with its own purpose, as well as its own pros and cons. Here are other types of ammunition you can try:
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
As the name suggests, hollow point bullets are hollow. Since the bullet’s insides are completely empty, it tends to expand upon impact, making for a deadly blow.
Try using a hollow point bullet on a ballistics gel target. You will see that several pieces of the bullet will be spread out around the impacted area of the target.
Though hollow point bullets are a great choice for inflicting large amounts of damage, it’s not great for penetrating hard targets such as those that are made out of steel and concrete.
Soft Point Bullet (also abbreviated as "SP" or "JSP")
The soft point bullet can be considered as a hybrid between the hollow point bullet and the full metal jacket bullet.
One of the features is that it has the exposed lead up. This ammo is made to expand upon impact and leave less residue on the gun’s barrel. This type of bullet is also sometimes called "partially jacketed."
Though unlike hollow point bullets, this type does not inflict as much damage. And unlike full metal jacket bullets, this type does not penetrate targets to the point of going through them.
Semi-Wadcutter (SWC)
The semi-wadcutter bullet is made for inflicting great damage since it can create pretty large holes in targets. This bullet is made with a blunted tip that would easily penetrate a target as its tip rips through the target’s surface upon impact, making for big holes.
The downside to this bullet is that you would have to sacrifice some speed since its blunt tip isn’t great for aerodynamics, therefore slowing down bullet velocity.
Overpressurized Ammunition (+P)
This type of ammo is the one you should choose if you are looking for speed, accuracy, and great penetration.
This ammunition comes with a higher pressure as opposed to other types. Since the bullet is highly pressurized, your shot will get faster muzzle velocity that’s great for effectively hitting moving targets.
However, this type of ammunition may cause greater stress on your gun’s barrel.
A Quick Recap
When getting your gun, a decent amount of ammunition, you can never go wrong with getting a box of ball ammo bullets. Ball ammo bullets are great for penetrating targets, keeping accuracy, and gun maintenance.
But if you have several firearm needs or preferences, you should also try using other types of ammunition to see which one works for you best.
NOTE: This was a guest post, originally published at the site on 12/12/16.
