AMMO

Your Go-To Guide for Ammunition: Understanding Types, Storage, and Online Purchase

Navigating the world of ammunition can feel complex, whether you're a seasoned shooter, a new firearm owner, or just curious about how different types of ammo work. This guide answers common questions about ammunition, explaining key terms, specific types, proper storage, and how you can legally purchase it online.

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What Exactly Is Ammunition?

Ammunition refers to the materials and components launched, dispersed, or ignited from weapons and their associated systems. It's designed to direct force towards a specific target to achieve a desired outcome, which is often, but not always, lethal.

Common examples of ammunition include:

• Rounds or Cartridges: These are what you typically think of for firearms, embodying all necessary elements (bullet, casing, primer, propellant) in one unit.
• Disposable Ordnance: This category includes items like bombs, rockets, grenades, and mines.
• Missile Heads: The active component of a missile designed to impact a target.

Historically, black powder was the primary propellant, but modern ammunition predominantly uses more contemporary mixtures for improved performance and safety. Ammunition varies significantly in size and type, usually custom-designed for specific weapon systems. However, some types, like the 5.56x45mm NATO, adhere to global standards, enabling their use across civilian, law enforcement, and military applications. Specialized variants, such as armor-piercing or illuminating rounds, are crafted for unique effects and often feature distinct labels or color codes for easy identification and safety.

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Understanding Specific Ammunition Types

When you're looking at different kinds of ammo, you might come across terms like "green tip" or "+P." What do these mean for your shooting needs?

What is Green Tip Ammo?

Green tip ammo, such as Winchester's M855 5.56 NATO rounds, is specifically engineered for enhanced penetration. These cartridges are designed to penetrate body armor and, in some scenarios, vehicle armor. If you're wondering about the capabilities of certain military-grade ammunition, "green tip" refers to this specialized penetrating power.

What is +P Ammo?

+P ammunition (often pronounced "plus P") indicates that the ammo generates overpressure. Manufacturers produce +P rounds to achieve a higher Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) than the standard pressure for the same cartridge. A prime example is .38 Special +P ammunition, which produces greater muzzle velocity and energy from the same cartridge size compared to a standard .38 Special round. Shooters looking for increased performance from specific calibers might consider +P, but always ensure your firearm is rated to handle these higher pressures.

What is Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammo?

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) refers to a type of bullet with a soft metal core (typically lead) fully enclosed within a harder metal jacket (usually copper). The outer jacket completely covers the inner core. This differs from a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet, which has a visible cavity and exposed core in the middle designed for expansion upon impact.

FMJ rounds are most commonly found in handgun and rifle ammunition and are highly recommended for:

• Target practice
• Range days
• General training

For self-defense and hunting purposes, JHP and similar expanding cartridges are generally preferred due to their terminal performance characteristics.

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Ammunition Measurements and Lifespan

Understanding ammunition extends beyond its type to its characteristics and longevity.

What Does Ammo Grain Mean?

The "grain" of ammo refers to the weight of each bullet. Grain is a standard unit of measurement used to classify bullets. For instance, 9mm bullets are commonly measured in weights like 115 grains, 124 grains, and 147 grains. Understanding grain weight is essential for buying the right kind of ammunition for your specific firearm and intended use, as it impacts recoil, velocity, and trajectory.

How Long Does Ammo Last?

Modern ammunition is designed for impressive longevity. Today's ammo can last over a decade if stored under the proper conditions. This means keeping cartridges in a dry storage environment with low humidity. There have even been documented instances of ammunition being fired successfully 30-40 years after removal from long-term storage, highlighting its robust shelf life when properly maintained.

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Buying Ammunition Online: What You Need to Know

The convenience of purchasing ammunition online has grown significantly, but there are important legal considerations.

Can I Buy Ammo Online?

Yes, you can absolutely buy ammo online! You generally do not need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to purchase ammunition. You can buy and have cartridges shipped directly to your address, depending on the state you live in.

Before making a purchase, it's crucial to:

• Check your local and state laws to confirm that ammunition can be shipped to your specific address.
• Be aware that state-specific armament taxes may apply at checkout during your ammunition purchase.

Reputable online retailers, like Deguns.net, facilitate this process by often accounting for applicable laws and taxes at checkout. This ensures a compliant and straightforward purchasing experience, allowing you to get the ammunition you need conveniently and legally.