The Most Commonly Asked Ammo Questions

Answers to all of your most commonly asked ammunition questions.

I am passionate about the politics which go hand in hand with protecting the First and Second Amendments. That said, I do think it’s a shame that guns and politics must have anything to do with each other at all. In a perfect world, Washington would be totally agnostic about Americans’ right to bear arms and have no incentive to infringe on it. In a perfect world, loving guns and ammo would mean you’re able to only care about guns and ammo.

I have a special disdain for corporate censorship, and not just because it’s disastrous for any sort of business which refuses to adhere to the woke left’s ideology, but also because it’s an affront to the right to free speech itself – something which no one has any right to violate, even if they’re not the government.

My favorite part about my job is answering new gun owners’ questions about ammunition. In some sense, people who actually know something about guns are less likely to support ridiculous gun control measures. Knowing that suppressors don’t turn pistols into undetectable killing machines, that there’s actually no such thing as an “assault rifle” despite what the “AR” in AR-15 suggests, and that hollow-point bullets actually help to prevent harm to innocent bystanders makes one much less likely to cheer for the efforts of gun-grabbing politicians whose agenda is fueled not by love for public safety but rather by their desire to solidify the government’s control over every facet of private life.

See? You can’t help but get political about ammo, even if all I wanted to do was go over new gun owners’ most commonly asked questions.

Ammo is not intuitive to newcomers. Every cartridge is named after a number, and the numbers don’t tell you very much about the cartridges they name. For example, it flummoxes people that they can fire 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver but not 357 SIG. After answering new gun owners’ questions about ammo for several years, I can safely say these are the ones that pop up most frequently.

Can I Fire 9mm Ammo in a 9mm Handgun?

This is the number one question, hands down. Someone just took home a Taurus G3 or Glock 19 and wants to make sure they’re ordering the right ammo for it. Fair enough! It certainly doesn’t help that 9mm is also called 9mm Luger, or that the Europeans call it 9×19 (the numbers that are stamped on every Austrian-made 9mm Glock’s slide).

The hardest part about answering this question is doing it without making the customer sound silly. “Yes, you can fire 9mm ammunition in a 9mm handgun” sounds a little passive-aggressive, so I usually say something like “Yes indeed, sir or ma’am, your new handgun is designed to safely fire all manufacturers’ 9mm ammunition.”

Can I Fire 9mm +P Ammo in a 9mm Handgun?

This question’s nearly as common. People see the scary “+P” and worry that it’s going to blow the pistol to smithereens in their hands. That’s a fair concern because it would be very unpleasant to have that happen.

Overpressure ammo generates greater chamber pressure than standard ammo. This in turn gives the bullet a flatter trajectory and more energy to transfer to its target on impact. Virtually every modern 9mm handgun is rated to safely fire 9mm +P ammo as well. That added chamber pressure will wear out a semi-auto pistol’s moving parts faster, which is not an issue as far as ammo which you’d only use for self-defense is concerned, but you’d want to avoid doing a lot of training or target shooting with 9mm +P – or any other +P ammo, for that matter, unless you’re talking about a revolver which hasn’t got moving parts that overpressure ammo can accelerate wear and tear too.

Most manufacturers will say right in their firearms’ manuals whether or not they’re rated for +P. Barring that, Googling the name of your handgun plus “+P” will yield the information you’re looking for.

It’s harder to say when it comes to 9mm +P+. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) doesn’t have specifications for “+P+” and virtually no firearm manufacturer will recommend firing ammo that could theoretically be loaded to any conceivable pressure. With +P+ ammo, you want to exercise caution and probably avoid it altogether unless you really know what you’re doing. It’s not going to provide a huge advantage out in the field anyway.

Can I Fire 357 SIG in a 357 Magnum?

I touched on this one earlier. 357 SIG ammunition was developed much more recently than 357 Magnum, and it is designed for a semi-automatic handgun instead of a revolver. 357 SIG is named after the older cartridge because it was designed to emulate its performance, not because it is interchangeable.

Look at a picture of a 357 SIG and 357 Mag round side by side and you’ll see their cases aren’t even shaped the same; the 357 SIG is bottlenecked, so it could never fit in a straight-walled 357 Mag round’s chamber. Basically, if you order 357 SIG ammo for a revolver, you’re going to wind up with an expensive paperweight and nothing else.

To be sure: You can fire 38 Special and 38 Special +P in a 357 Magnum, but you cannot fire 357 SIG 38 Super. A 44 Magnum is also compatible with 44 Special ammo.

Can I Fire 22 WMR in a 22 LR?

Once again, two rounds with the same numbers in their names are often confused for one another. 22 WMR (aka 22 Magnum) is a whole heck of a lot more powerful than 22 LR. Even if it could chamber in a 22 LR pistol or rifle, it would succeed only at blowing up the firearm upon ignition.

You can fire 22 Short in a 22 LR, though. The shorter cartridge probably won’t feed correctly in a semi-automatic firearm, but it’s great for a bolt action 22 LR when you’re just shooting squirrels in your neighborhood or want to teach a very young shooter the ropes.

Can I Fire 300 Winchester Magnum in a 300 AAC Blackout?

Oh my goodness, no. The 300 Win Mag cartridge is way, WAY too big to chamber in a 300 AAC Blackout, and even if it could it would essentially turn your rifle into a claymore mine.

Can I Fire 7.62×51 in a 308 Win?

Yes! These two cartridges share virtually identical dimensions. The commercial 308 cartridge is loaded to a very slightly higher pressure, so a 308 rifle’s chamber is perfectly equipped to absorb the 7.62×51 round’s energy. The difference between the 308 and 7.62×51 is so tiny, as a matter of fact, that SAAMI doesn’t consider it unsafe to fire 308 in a 7.62×51 either. Just take care that the minute differences in cartridge dimensions may give some precision-built semi-auto rifles a hard time cycling the cartridge it wasn’t specifically designed for.

Can I Fire 7.62×51 in a 7.62×39?

It is truly unfortunate that these two cartridges are named so similarly to one another because it causes a lot of people to mistakenly order the wrong ammo for their AK-47s. Make sure you pay attention when you order ammo online because 7.62×51 is absolutely useless as far as a 7.62×39 rifle is concerned – and vice versa.

Can I Fire 223 Rem in a 5.56×45?

Yes! The commercial 223 Rem does have slightly different dimensions than the military’s 5.56×45, but it’s close enough. The 223 is also loaded to a slightly lower chamber pressure, so a 5.56 chamber can handle it just fine.

But this is important: While a rifle that is exclusively chambered for 223 may safely fire 5.56 as well, we do not recommend it. The more powerful cartridge can damage a 223 rifle, even if it won’t necessarily explode to injure the shooter.

The 5.56 chamber will handle 223 serviceably, but it’s not optimal in terms of accuracy. If you really want the best of both worlds, consider getting a rifle with a 223 Wylde chamber. It’s specifically engineered to deliver the best performance with both types of ammunition!

Will a Certain Type of 22 LR Cycle My Semi-Automatic Firearm?

This one is really hard to say. Different semi-auto 22 LR firearms like different kinds of ammunition. In general, I advise sticking to 22 LR ammo with a supersonic muzzle velocity if you’re concerned about your semi-auto cycling properly. It should generate sufficient chamber pressure to make the gun feed and extract, but as a general rule, you should only assume 22 LR will function correctly if you’ve already tested it out.

Will an AR-15 Magazine Work in My Ruger 556, Danielson Defense DDM4, SIGM400 TREAD, etc.?

Yes. Most commercially available AR-15s may not have “AR-15” in their names, but they are AR-pattern rifles all the same. To be sure, some rifles are selective about which manufacturers’ AR magazines they’ll select. Cheap steel mags from South Korea, for example, are a little bit touch and go, but in general, a reputable American magazine manufacturer like Magpul or Hexmag is always a good bet for an AR-15.

What’s the Difference Between an FMJ and a JHP?

I could write a whole article about this subject. I’ve done it several times, as a matter of fact, but I’ll keep the answer short and simple here. An FMJ is the budget-friendly bullet you want for training and target shooting. It cannot expand as it penetrates soft tissue, however, so its terminal ballistics are not optimal for personal protection.

A JHP bullet costs more, so you would only want to train with JHP ammo if you want to become intimate with its performance. (Cops often do this.) A JHP is designed to expand as it penetrates soft tissue. This ensures the bullet can distribute more of its energy outward instead of only forward, inflicts a much wider wound cavity within its target, and also reduces the chances of dangerous overpenetration.

In short, if you’re looking for handgun ammo for personal protection, you want JHP ammo. There are exceptions to this rule, as some bullets like the ARX and the Honey Badger are designed to inflict wide wound cavities without expanding in the process.

Can I Use Frangible Bullets for Home Defense?

Frangible bullets are made out of sintered metal. The sintering process essentially compresses metal powder into a solid without melting it, which enables a frangible bullet to disintegrate when it collides with a surface harder than itself. Frangible bullets are optimal for shooting steel targets, especially at close range, because they virtually eliminate the chance of dangerous splash-back or a ricochet.

Many people reason that frangible bullets would be safer for home defense, as they wish to avoid penetrating the threat or a wall that could jeopardize innocent bystanders. This is good thinking, as a frangible bullet is indeed less likely to over-penetrate. That said, there is no guarantee a frangible bullet won’t punch through multiple layers of wallboard, so the safer approach is still far from foolproof. Furthermore, frangible bullets are not as effective at neutralizing a threat as solid metal expanding bullets. Stopping a threat as quickly as possible is paramount to your personal safety, which is something to keep in mind whenever you select ammo for personal protection.

Can I Reload Steel Cases?

Yes – but reloading steel cases is so difficult and time-consuming that it’s only worthwhile if there’s literally no other way to get ammo. For example, if you’re defending your desert outpost against Lord Humungus during the apocalypse, reloading steel cases makes sense.

There are two main reasons why you want to avoid reloading steel. First, steel cases have Berdan primers. These have two flash holes instead of one, so they’re a lot harder to line up correctly. Berdan primers sizes are also a lot less standardized than Boxer primers. Second, steel cases are rigid. They won’t return to their original dimensions following ignition like brass would have, so you’ll have to resize them. That is an absolute chore.

The Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Range Training

Using.357 Magnum ammo for range training gives the shooter options regarding the type of weapon. The ammunition switches easily from a handgun to a rifle for a well-rounded test of one’s skills. The .357 cartridge remains popular with trainers, hobbyists, and professionals because of its versatility. Additionally, a .357 Magnum handgun can fire a .38 Special ammo. The cases of the two rounds match each other except for the length. Manufacturers made that deliberate design choice to prevent shooters from firing the .357 from a.38 Special revolver. The .357’s pressure rates higher than a.38 Special and could cause harm to the shooter or damage to the handgun.

History

The .357 Magnum cartridge was designed and developed in the mid-1930s by a team of firearms enthusiasts. The project goal included creating ammunition that could compete with Colt’s .38 Super. Elmer Keith, Phil Sharpe and D.B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson and Winchester joined forces to top Colt’s breadwinner. Criminals began to outsmart police and the police needed to fight back. Colt’s .38 Super was the only ammo on the market that fired at over 1,000 FPS. High velocity gave the ammo the ability to penetrate auto glass and ballistics vests. The gangster era had begun, and the cops couldn’t take down targets when they hid behind their automobiles or wore bulletproof vests. The .357 Magnum ammo allowed law enforcement to retake the streets while providing a versatile round for military, law enforcement, and civilians.

Current specs

The design team modified the original .357 Magnum slightly to incorporate Sharpe’s bullet. Currently, it’s known as the .357 S&W Magnum or 9x33mmR. The rimmed centerfire cartridge houses a .357-inch (9.1mm) diameter bullet housed in a case measuring 1.29-inches in length. The total length of the cartridge is 1.59-inches. According to SAAMI, the ammo’s maximum pressure is 35,000 PSI with an average muzzle velocity of 1,090 FPS.

The 1924 design loaded the .357 load with a bullet weight of 158 grains. The muzzle velocity clocked at an impressive 1,510 FPS. Today’s loads offer less muzzle velocity but enough to make the round effective and deadly when needed.

Shooters chamber light carbines in .357 Mag ammo, often for use in guns similar to the American Old West lever-action rifles. Specs differ in a rifle. The ammo exits a rifle barrel at around 1,800 FPS. The high velocity makes the round more versatile popular guns like the .32-20 Winchester.

Popularity and Use

The .357 Magnum ammunition received notoriety for kicking off the “Magnum Era.” The .357 Magnum revolver sparked the attention of law enforcement and military personnel. Soldiers used the gun and ammo throughout WWII and the Vietnam War. General George S. Patton chose the gun as one of his favorite sidearms. He carried an ivory-handled S&W .357 Magnum revolver on one hip and a single action .45 Long Colt on the other.

Law enforcement, military personnel and members of the U.S. Special Forces still use .357 Magnum handguns, mostly as back up pieces to semi-auto pistols.

Shooters continue to choose the dual-purpose cartridge because it is powerful, inexpensive, and can be used in both.357 Magnum handguns and rifles. Most common uses include range training, plinking, home defense, hunting, target shooting, andself-defense. It offers excellent stopping power with manageable recoil.

Range Training

Seasoned shooters recommend regular range training regardless of the person’s experience. Range training keeps a person sharp and improves skills. It also allows shooters to test drive different guns and ammo to see which works best for their needs.

Shooting ranges operate in rural and urban areas. Rural areas host more outdoor ranges since there isn’t a concern about shooting into a building or street. Urban areas have more indoor shooting galleries due to limited space. The containment dampens noise, prevents collateral damage, and other concerns. Indoor ranges operate despite weather conditions. They often restrict caliber and weapon use where outdoor ranges are more accommodating to unusual requests.

Hunters prefer outdoor ranges because the terrain and atmosphere are similar to what they might encounter in the field. Shooting competitions occur most often at outside ranges.

Using Your Ammo

Shooting .357 ammo deters some users from taking it to the range due to a few downsides. First, firing a .357 indoors causes damage to the shooter’s ears, perhaps even if the shooter is wearing hearing protection. The loud report throws off a person’s accuracy and causes one to hesitate when making a second shot. Some shooters chose a .38+P to make follow up shots to avoid the noise. Second, some find the recoil to be too strong. This is especially true when the ammo is used in a short barrel, orsnubnose, revolver. Third, a bright muzzle flash causes temporary blindness in the dark. The latter proves to be a problem in a self-defense situation at night.

The real problem lies in the fact that many shooters practice with one ammunition and intend to use another. That makes no sense. Shooters must experience a certain comfort level with the gun and the ammo. If the combination causes problems, then the user should switch to another gun, ammunition, or both. Inexperience or discomfort leads to poor aim and inability to pull the trigger. The shooter freezes at the crucial moment, whether it’s in the field, or during a competition when faced with a large animal or intruder.

Performance

People train for many purposes, including hunting. The .357 ammo performs well against medium-size game like whitetail deer, hogs, and coyotes. Heavier loads face-off with large game like elk, caribou, and bear. Some hunters prefer big bore cartridges like .41 Mag, .44 Mag, .454 Casull, 460 S&W Mag or .50 Action Express. While the .357 gives off less energy, its small diameter and high velocity serve up deep penetration. The round is similar to a .45 Colt but with a flatter trajectory. Those specs make it highly versatile ammunition desirable to many hobbyists and professionals.

Bullet Types

Manufacturers develop new ammunition every day for popular calibers like the .357 Magnum. The most common styles include Full Metal Jacket, Jacketed Soft Point, Jacketed Hollow Point. The list below shows three common types of bullets and their uses.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

FMJ bullets cost less than other rounds which makes them ideal for high volume shooting at the range. The bullet houses a soft center metal (often lead), surrounded by a harder metal, usually copper. The ammo cuts small channels upon impact and as they travel into, or through, the target. FMJs work best in short-range shooting, target practice, range training, plinking, and competition shooting.

Hollow Points (HP)

Most people associate hollow points to self-defense and home protection. HPs cost more than FMJ, but the round performs better in face-to-face confrontations. The ballistics of HPs are comparable to the FMJ.

HPs work best as concealed carry for home protection use. The design allows the bullet to expand, creating a larger wound channel than the FMJ. The expansion offers excellent stopping power, halts attackers quickly and therefore, the shooter is protected.

Soft Points (SP)

Hunters choose soft points more than any other ammunition. The SP expands over and above an FMJ, which makes it ideal for stopping the target in its tracks. The round is comparable to an HP, except for the expansion. An SP allows the shooter to have more control. SP ballistics outshine other bullets, especially when they are made with a boat-tail design. Jacketed Soft Points (JSP) are another option.

Best .357 Mag Training Ammo

Sellier & Bellot 158 Grain FMJ-FN

889 FPS Muzzle Velocity
158 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
278 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Tula Ammo 158 Grain FMJ

1,280 FPS Muzzle Velocity
158 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Steel Casing
Boxer Primer
464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Fiocchi 142 Grain FMJ-TC

1,420 FPS Muzzle Velocity
142 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
636 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Critical Defense 125 Grain FTX

1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
125 Grain
FlexTip Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
824 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Magtech Ammunition 158 Grain .357 Magnum SJSP

1,235 FPS Muzzle Velocity
125 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
535 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Tula Ammunition 158 Grain FMJ

1,280 FPS Muzzle Velocity
158 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Polymer coated steel Casing
Boxer Primer

CCI Ammunition Blazer 158 Grain JHP

1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
158 Grain
Jacketed Hollow Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
CCI Primer
464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sig Sauer Elite Performance Ammunition 125 Grain FMJ

1,450 FPS Muzzle Velocity
125 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
584 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Magtech Sport Ammunition 125 Grain FMJ

1,405 FPS Muzzle Velocity
125 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
548 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 135 Grain JHP

990 FPS Muzzle Velocity
135 Grain
Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
294 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady LEVERevolution 140 gr FTX

1,440 FPS Muzzle Velocity
140 Grain
Hornady FTX Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
644 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Ruger ARX 86 Grain

1,650 FPS Muzzle Velocity
86 Grain
Injection Molded Copper Polymer ARX Projectile
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
552 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Barnes VOR-TX, XPB HP, 140 Grain

1,170 FPS Muzzle Velocity
140 Grain
Solid Hollow Point Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
429 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal American Eagle Cartridge 158 Grain JSP

1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
158 Grain
Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
530 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Conclusion

.357 Magnum ammunition continues to be a popular round with many uses. Experts recommend extensive range training with any new ammunition or weapon. Situations happen quickly, often leaving the shooter without time to think. Preparing yourself can mean the difference between life or death. Consider trying several types of ammunition in different bullet weights before deciding which works best for your skillset, experience, and end use.

Best 10mm Ammo for Hunting

Hunting With 10mm Auto Ammo

Hunters can take credit for helping to revive the 10mm auto cartridge. The 10mm has suffered through some hard times, but in recent years hunters have discovered its accuracy and efficiency in hunting small to medium-size game. It follows that large game hunters experience the effectiveness on large game such as wild hogs, bears, elk, and even buffalo. The most success with large game comes from using rounds with more than 200 grains. Handloading ammo also gives the advantage to the hunter, not the game.

In field tests, the 10mm outshines the .357 Magnum as a superior and more powerful round. While .45 ACP has been a favorite of handgun hunters, the 10mm auto is more accurate, consistent, and has more stopping power. Tests show the 10mm has deeper penetration and creates a larger permanent wound channel than the .45 ACP. Additionally, the .45 ACP has an arching trajectory which lessens its effectiveness at 50-100 yards.

10mm Ammo History

The 10mm ammunition had a brilliant beginning in the 1980s. The FBI was looking for a round to replace the 9mm. The 9mm had been underserving its agents. Lt. Col Jeff Cooper took up the task. Cooper had worked with Norma and Smith & Wesson. He had dreamed of creating a .40 caliber round using a 200 grain bullet. The ammo would have a muzzle velocity of 1,000 feet per second (FPS) and 444 foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.) of energy. Cooper knew the round would be ideal for law enforcement. The original round contained a 170 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 1,300 fps, muzzle energy of 600 ft.-lbs.

The FBI was eager to try out the new ammunition and adopted it along with the Smith & Wesson 610 10mm pistol. Unfortunately, it was only a short time before the feds realized some of the agents were unable to qualify in field tests. The 10mm was too hard to handle and the recoil affected the agents’ accuracy. The ammo was pared down to a 180 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 950 FPS. Smith & Wesson put the round into a compact cartridge and renamed it as the 40 S&W.

Bren Ten and Glock

Law enforcement embraced the 40 S&W, leaving the 10mm in the rearview mirror. Cooper’s dream nearly faded out. Glock decided to continue manufacturing 10mm pistols as a law enforcement duty round, the 10mm shrunk almost to obscurity except for a small, but dedicated group of followers aided by Glock’s decision to keep their Glock 10mm guns in production. Popular 10mm pistols from Glock include the G20, G29, and G40.

Cooper and his 10mm team partnered with Dornaus & Dixon Enterprises to create the Bren Ten pistol, a gun made specifically for the 10mm. The gun was featured on the mega-hit cop show Miami Vice. The Bren Ten was wielded by fictional detective Sonny Crockett. The popularity of Crockett’s character and the show caused the demand for the Bren Ten to skyrocket overnight. A fatal mistake was made when Dornaus & Dixon rushed the gun into production without sufficient testing. The pistol had reliability and quality control issues. 10mm magazines were in short supply. The company went bankrupt in 1986.

Colt then stepped in and introduced the M1911 Delta Elite for 10mm.

Today, the ammo is making a comeback. Several companies are producing new 10mm handguns, including CZ, Glock, Kimber, Rock Island Armory, and Sig Sauer. Major ammunition manufacturers produce 10mm auto ammo. They include: Barnes, Buffalo Bore, CCI, Corbon, Double Tap, Federal, Fiocchi, Hornady, Remington, Sig Sauer, Speer, Underwood, and Winchester. The rounds range from 90 grain to 220 grain bullets; 180 grain and 220 grain bullet weights are the most popular.

Best 10mm Auto for Hunting

A 10mm cartridge excels as hunting ammunition. The bullets are measured for accuracy, maximum expansion, stopping power, and range in the field. While there are several types of effective handgun hunting ammo, the 10mm auto provides more power than a .357 Magnum. 10mm ammo is also a good all-purpose round that can be used for target practice, plinking and self-defense.

Small to Medium Game

Hunting small to medium game requires less power than if you were targeting a bull elk or grizzly bear. However, even small or medium-size game shouldn’t be underestimated. Using 10mm ammo ensures that your prey will go down the first time and not run off into the woods to suffer and die hours or days later.

While many brands and styles fit the bill, the top rated 10mm auto rounds for hunting small to medium game include:

Barnes: VOR-TX Ammunition 155 Grain XPB Hollow Point Lead-Free

Barnes XPB pistol bullet is new production. The company promises that it will alter handgun hunting forever. Penetration has been increased up to 25% over traditional lead-core bullets. VOR-TX ammunition uses a precise system to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Specifications:

1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
155 Grain
Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
455 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Ammunition: 180 Grain XTP

Hornady offers this 180 grain XTP as a multi-purpose pistol ammo. It’s great for whitetail deer hunting and other small to medium-sized game. This reliable cartridge has excellent expansion, up to 60% of the original diameter.

Specifications:

1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain XTP
Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
650 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 180 Grain UMC FMJ

This 10mm auto is a new production round made by Remington. The 180 grain bullet is good for high volume shots and effective against medium game like whitetail deer.

Specifications:

1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
529 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Underwood Ammo: 155 Grain XTP JHP

Underwood Ammo is known for producing power and reliability in its 10mm rounds. The 155 Grain XTP jacketed hollow point uses Hornady eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) bullets for deep penetration, accuracy and maximum controlled expansion.

Specifications:

1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
155 Grain
Hornady XTP Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Nickel-plated Casing
Boxer Primer
774 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Large Game

Diehard fans of handgun hunting rely on few calibers to take down their prey. The top three are: .357, 10mm and .45 ACP. The 10mm is frequently chosen over the .357 for its stopping power, and over the .45ACP because it’s slightly easier to handle. In fact, 10mm auto rounds serve as a good multi-purpose round.

Hunters seeking big game stick to bullets in the area of 150 to 220 grains, with 180 grains on average.

The best 10mm auto ammo for hunting large game includes:

Buffalo Bore: Heavy Outdoorsman 220 grain

Buffalo Bore is a top choice among hunters out for big game. Heavy Outdoorsman 220 grain bullet is ideal for penetrating tough hide and bone in everything from boar to elk to bear. The muzzle energy allows the 10mm load to penetrate even the toughest critter at 25 yards, the maximum distance recommended for a semi-auto pistol.

Specifications:

1,200 FPS Muzzle Velocity
220 Grain Trophy Bonded
Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
651 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Doubletap: 180 Grain Controlled Expansion JHP

Doubletap is relatively new to the scene. Since 2002, Doubletap has been known for creating powerful ammunition using premium bullets. An excellent round for hunting, the Controlled Expansion JHP stands up to big game. The cartridge has deep penetration and impressive controlled expansion.

Specifications:

1,305 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain Trophy Bonded
Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
611 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Double Tap: 180 Grain Bonded Defense® JHP

Doubletap uses high quality components to deliver maximum performance. The company is a top producer of 10mm ammo. It uses a bonded core bullet to offer excellent penetration, maximum expansion, and terminal performance. Each round is tested under strict guidelines by employees.

Specifications:

1,305 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain Trophy Bonded
Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
681 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: 180-grain Trophy Bonded JSP

Federal introduces this new production 10mm round. Its ballistic gel test shows that it offers the power necessary for handgun hunting. Hunting big game requires controlled expansion and deep penetration to be effective. The rounds are loaded into brass casings that are ideal for reloading.

Specifications:

1,275 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain Trophy Bonded
Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
650 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Premium: 180-grain Hydra-Shok JHP

Federal Premium manufactures a Hydra-Shok round that promises to stand up to medium and large game. The power is similar to a 40 S&W with excellent terminal performance. Deep penetration and maximum controlled expansion make this round a great choice for handgun hunting.

Specifications:

1,030 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain Trophy Bonded
Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Nickel-plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
424 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Fiocchi: Defense Dynamics Ammunition 10mm Auto 180 Grain JHP

Fiocchi is known for producing reliable, high quality and consistent handgun ammo. Defense Dynamics 180 Grain JHP is an excellent choice for hunting large game due to its velocity and controlled expansion.

Specifications:

1,250 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain
Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
624 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sig Sauer: V-Crown 180 Grain JHP

SIG V-Crown ammunition offers maximum stopping power. Its V-shaped main cavity is on top of a deep narrow trail giving maximum expansion, deep penetration, and superior weight retention. Reliability and dependability are optimal.

Specifications:

1,250 FPS Muzzle Velocity
180 Grain
Full Metal Jacket Bullet
Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
624 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Speer: Gold Dot Handgun Personal Protection 200 Grain HP

Gold Dot is always at the top with high quality, accurate and reliable ammunition. Speer introduced the 200 Grain HP round at the 2018 SHOT Show. This ammo has excellent terminal performance. The ballistic gel tests show expansion up to .75”. This round is more than powerful enough to take down any prey in its sights.

Specifications:

1,100 FPS Muzzle Velocity
200 Grain
Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
537 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Underwood Ammo: 150 Grain Xtreme Hunter

Underwood refers to 150 grain Xtreme Hunter (XH) as the ultimate hunting round. It is new production from the popular Xtreme Defender line. The copper body and optimized nose flute helps the lightweight ammo reach maximum penetration. It has an expansion rate of 100% and permanent wound cavity. The 150 grain bullet makes it easier to fire with minimal recoil. It’s an excellent round for reloading.

Specifications:

1,425 FPS Muzzle Velocity
150 Grain
Hollow Point Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
677 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Underwood Ammo: 200 Grain Hard Cast Flat Nose

Hard cast flat nose bullets are the top choice for hunting large game as well as fending off wild animals like bear and wild boar. Flat nose bullets pierce tough hide and bone while maintaining a nose forward position which is vital for maximum penetration. Underwood Ammo uses flash suppressed powder to save your vision when firing in low light.

Specifications:

1,250 FPS Muzzle Velocity
200 Grain
Flat Nose Bullet
Brass Casing
Boxer Primer
694 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Conclusion

10mm auto ammo nearly became extinct after the introduction of the 40 S&W. Glock and Colt manufactured 10mm auto pistols which saved the day for Jeff Cooper’s creation. Today, the 10mm cartridge is making a comeback in many areas: hunting, plinking, target shooting, self-defense and range training. It is still used by some law enforcement agencies. The 10mm is a good all-round choice for multiple activities which helps maintain its popularity. Die-hard 10mm shooters swear by it for handgun hunting and have the records to prove that the round is here to stay.

Remington Arms

Remington & Sons was founded in Ilion, New York 1816 by Eliphalet Remington II (1793–1861). Eliphalet Remington knew he had the skill to build a better gun than ones he could find on the market. Remington was 23 when he entered a shooting competition and took second place. Although he didn’t win, his flintlock rifle got a lot of attention. Remington was approached by many of the other shooters by the end of the day, asking to buy one of his guns. His company had become official with the help of his father, a blacksmith.

On March 7, 1888, the company was sold to Marcellus Hartley and Partners. The group included sporting goods chain Hartley and Graham of New York, New York. The company also owned Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the Union Metallic Cartridge Company. The company changed its name to the Remington Arms Company and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Remington Arms Company

Remington is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. Remington is also the largest producer of rifles and shotguns in the U.S. They are the only company that makes firearms and ammunition. The original Ilion, New York plant is still standing and making high quality goods. The site also has a retail store and museum.

During WWI, Remington landed several military contract, including Enfield rifles for Britain M1907-15 Berthier rifles for France, and 1891 Mosin-Nagant rifles for Russia. Remington almost went bankrupt during the war when the Russian Imperial government ordered a large number of guns but had no way to pay for them. They insisted that the guns were faulty and refused to pay. Eventually, the U.S. stepped up and bought the guns, saving the company.

Remington Expands its Catalog

The 1920s saw a new period for Remington. They began making household utensils, cash registers and cutlery like hunting knives and pocketknives. They also began to sell clothing with the Remington logo, something that they discontinued in 1955.

DuPont bought Remington Arms in 1936, during the height of the Great Depression. It was also the year Remington went international, buying an ammunition manufacturer in Brazil.

In 1940, Remington built an ordinance plant in Independence, Missouri. They company opened five plants during WWII, one of which manufactured their legendary M1903 .30-06 Springfield bolt action rifle.

In the 1990s, Remington returned to making handguns.

Remington Ammo Today

Remington continued to build on its product line in the 21st Century. It began to make security and surveillance systems along with firearms and ammo. Remington created Spartan Gunworks, a subsidiary tasked with making an affordable high-quality shotgun.

In 2007, Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity company, bought Remington. The company’s name changed, ending with its current name – the Remington Outdoor Company.

The company had several good years until it saw a drop in sales and profitability. They filed for in March 2018.

Concealed Carry Tips and Safety

People carry concealed weapons (CCW) for various reasons, the most common of which is for personal protection. Gun owners must be trained and pass a test before they’re allowed to have a concealed firearm. States vary on their laws regarding CCW, so you shouldn’t assume that you can carry in any state. Some states, such as Virginia and California ban concealed weapons altogether, while others, such as Massachusetts and Illinois, ban them in specific areas of the state. Know your laws before you travel. If at any time you are pulled over by the police, you must tell the officer immediately if you have a loaded weapon in your vehicle. Otherwise, the consequences could be dire.

Choosing Your Gun

Gun owners must pick a gun that suits them regarding cost, weight, grip, caliber, and recoil. Common guns for concealed carry include .22, .357, .380, 9mm, and .45 ACP. You shouldn’t take advice from anyone other than a trained professional on which gun is best suited for you. It must feel comfortable; powerful enough to do the job but not so powerful that you won’t hit the target. Gun choices depend on what will work for you. There isn’t a certain type of gun for men and one for women.

Tips & Safety

Choose the Right Holster

Experts know that there is no one-size-fits-all holster. A holster should be made for the gun you use. The holster should fit snugly on the gun and be comfortable to wear, without blocking the safety or sights. Some people like to carry on the hip, while others prefer to use an inside the waistband or ankle holster. If people want their weapons to be hidden, chances are that the gun will be inside the waistband of their pants. Movies and TV shows often show people carrying a gun in the waistband of their pants, with or without a holster. A holster is the smarter way to go as it keeps the gun close to the body. Companies like Sneaky Pete and EAA make holsters for belts that look like phone or device cases. Since most people carry a phone, the holster blends into the background.

Carry-Friendly Clothes

Some clothes make it impossible to carry concealed, especially in the summertime. If you want your gun to remain hidden, consider wearing shorts with a firm waistband, a light overshirt, or lightweight pants. Whatever you choose, make sure your access to the gun isn’t hindered.

Carry Position

Most people carry a gun on their hip, so it’s the first place someone will look. You can move the gun to a slightly different position, such as two or four o’clock, which changes your silhouette and makes the gun less obvious.

Correct Posture

Standing up straight is good for your body, and for carrying a concealed weapon. It helps to hide the gun because your clothes will hang straight and not show off the outline of the holster or firearm. Good posture will also help with your shooting technique.

Conclusion

People often get shot due to the unsafe handling of their guns. Follow these safety tips and be careful. Also, remember that pulling a gun should be the last resort; if you pull it, be prepared to use it.

The Iconic .22 LR

In 1857, Smith & Wesson introduced the .22 LR, which became the most popular rimfire cartridge in history. Enthusiasts use it for target practice, training, plinking, sporting events, and varmint control. Shooters love the economical price and the fact that it is easy to buy in bulk. Shooters use the round in a variety of guns including handguns, shotguns, rifles, and submachine guns. Users appreciate the low recoil and small muzzle flash, which also makes it desirable for young and novice shooters.

.22LR ammo has four velocity ranges: subsonic, standard velocity, high velocity, and hyper velocity.

A Brief History

The .22 was designed for Smith & Wesson’s First Model. Designers modeled it after the 1845 Flobert BB cap. Weapons manufacturer J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. had combined a .22 Long casing with a 40-grain bullet used for the .22 Extra Long. Manufacturers have modified the bullet to accommodate additional grains of powder; currently, there are three types: .22 Short, .22 Long, and.22 Extra Long. The .22 Short is not often seen on the market although it can be purchased through online sources.

The .22 LR is interchangeable between guns which is a benefit for those using a variety of weapons. The round is not recommended for self-defense or large game hunting due to its lack of power.

Currently, the .22 LR is the only .22 rimfire cartridge seen on the market. The .22 Short is rare and in most circles has become scarce.

Self-Defense

Despite the fact that the .22 LR doesn’t have a great deal of stopping power, it is still a common choice for self-defense and concealed carry. The round can be chambered in small and lightweight pocket guns, easily carried in a purse or jacket. Experts say that the cartridge will work well in most up-close situations, as long as the shooter has good aim. Shooters can fire the bullet fast and accurately so multiple shots are a possibility if they are needed. Since many people shoot to scare away their target, the .22 will work just fine.

Experts say that the brand of ammo is important when choosing a .22 LR. While many brands work well, you will find, on occasion, some that jam or misfire. Shooters should test different brands to find the one that works the best with their weapon of choice.

Popularity

Novice shooters use a .22 for target practice and training. The lack of power makes it safer for new users. The low recoil keeps the round from startling the shooter, thereby disrupting his posture and aim at the target. Countries restricting larger caliber bullets tend to permit the use of a .22 caliber.

It remains the bullet of choice for various organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and 4H Clubs. Military cadets use .22 LR cadet rifles for basic weapons and marksmanship training. The .22 LR is widely used in competition shooting, including the Olympic games, pistol and precision rifle competitions.

The .25 ACP Survives Test of Time

The .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is a straight-walled, semi-rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by John Browning in 1905. The ammo was released along with the Fabrique Nationale M1905 pistol. Introduced in Belgium in 1906, the Fabrique Nationale is a vest pocket pistol intended for use by gentlemen of the era. The 25 caliber ammo came to the U.S. in 1908 alongside the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket.

Often referred to as .25 Auto, .25 ACP ammo measures 6.35 x 16mmSR. It features a 50-grain bullet that feeds into the chamber through a removable magazine. The projectile is .251 inch, has a rim diameter of .302 inch, and a .043 inch rim thickness. The case is .615 inch with the full cartridge measuring .91 inch. While a .25 caliber ammo is a low power cartridge, it has an average penetration of 7-11 inches. Estimates say that with proper placement, 25% of .25 ACP rounds can incapacitate a threat.

Popular names include:

.25 Automatic Colt Pistol
.25 ACP
.25 Auto
.25 Automatic
35mm
35mm Browning
35 x 16mmSR

The .25 ACP for Self Defense

Famed Marine and gun enthusiast Lt. Col. John Dean “Jeff” Cooper commented on the .25 ACP: “If you do shoot someone with it, and they find out, they will be very upset.”

Despite Cooper’s comments, many people continue to choose .25 caliber weapons for self-defense.

In the early 1900s, vest or “belly pistols” were popular among civilians. The lure was that they were easy to conceal and ideal for self-defense. People don’t take the pistols seriously due to low power and lack of penetration. Some called them “mouse guns.” Despite their inadequate performance except at close distances, many small handguns are modeled after this style.

Because of the round’s small size, the guns chambered for .25 caliber ammo are smaller than a man’s hand. Although it’s small, it addresses several common problems that face other small caliber bullets. The .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, and .17 HMR have experienced reliability problems due to the rimfire design. The .25 ACP is more reliable because it used centerfire primer. An additional improvement is the use of hollow point bullets, which improves on the stopping ability of the round.

Experts often discount the .25 caliber ammo as being insufficient for self-defense. The ammo accomplished the job as long as there is proper placement. The important thing is stopping the threat.

Types of .25 ACP Ammo

The .25 caliber isn’t as popular as 9mm or other larger calibers, but it comes in some variations. Styles include:

Full metal jacket (FMJ): FMJ is the most common .25 Auto ammo found on the market. It’s ideal for training and target shooting. It is not well-suited to self-defense.

Jacketed hollow point (JHP): The JHP bullet narrows to a lead center. The bullet expands on impact. This creates a higher level of damage and improves stopping power. JHP is the most popular type of self-defense .25 ACP ammo.

Gold Dot hollow point (GDHP): Gold Dot designed the GDHP for self-defense purposes. It is a hollow point round with a pre-fluted core with fault lines to control the bullet’s expansion.

Hornady Extreme terminal performance (XTP): Hornady designed XTP bullets for self-defense. The basic JHP contains serrations to divide the round’s outer cover into equal parts. These serrations allow for controlled expansion, despite the cartridge’s low velocity.

Popular Firearms Chambered in .25 Auto

Modern handguns are more effective than the .25 ACP which was part of the ammo’s decline. However, there are European companies that still manufacture the weapons. Companies manufacturing guns chambered for the .25 caliber ammo include Ruby, Sig Sauer, HK, Raven, Bauer, Taurus, Phoenix Arms, Sterling, and Kel-Tec.

Buyers in search of vintage or antique arms can find weapons manufactured in Italy, Germany, Belgium, and the former Soviet Union.

Colt 1903 Hammerless
Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket
Beretta 950 Jetfire
Walther TP & TPH
Standard Manufacturing S-333 Volleyfire
Phoenix Arms HP25A
Kel-Tech P32
Raven MP-25
Baby Browning
Beretta Bobcat
Taurus PLY25
Astra Model 2000 “Cub”
Vaclav Holek’s vz 21

Get the Most from Your Suppressor with the Right Ammunition

When it comes to using a suppressor, more than just the suppressor impacts the volume of your gun fire. The ammunition you choose to fire also alters the sound and the decibels.

See, when you fire a bullet, three distinct sounds occur:

Muzzle blast: When a bullet leaves your gun’s muzzle, high temperature and high pressure gases closely follow it, escaping. These gases cause both a bright flash and a loud blast.
Sonic boom: Many bullets travel faster than the speed of sound (1,126 feet per second), causing a loud crack as the bullet forces its way through the air.
Mechanical noise: All firearms make mechanical noises when your fire them. This includes the movement of the slide or blot action.

The Right Ammunition for Your Suppressor

When you use a suppressor, you quiet the muzzle blast. A suppressor essentially captures gases that escape your gun’s muzzle, forcing them into baffles where they cool and dissipate before their release. This works great to lower the volume of the muzzle blast, and in many cases, can allow shooters to forego hearing protection.

But a suppressor does nothing for the shockwave sound created from a sonic boom. That means if you shoot a bullet with a velocity greater than 1,126 f/s, the loud crack that accompanies firing a gun still occurs. Sometimes called the sonic signature, this sound lasts as long as the bullet travels faster than sound.

To rid yourself of the sonic boom, you must increase the bullet’s weight to lower the velocity of your ammunition. Because of the added weight, these bullets slow down and the velocity falls below the sound barrier threshold. Called subsonic ammunition, these cartridges only make a slight change when shooting an unmodified firearm, but from a gun with a suppressor, subsonic ammo can make all the difference.

With a quality suppressor and the right ammunition, you only hear a few decibels of mechanical noise, which you can’t eliminate.

And while a suppressor can’t really silence a firearm the way the movies do suppressed sniper rifles, with subsonic ammunition, it may not make it silent, but it sure makes it quiet.

Choosing the Best Handgun Ammo for Home Defense

One of the most commonly asked firearm related question is, ‘which is the best handgun ammo for home defense?’ There is no clear or right answer to that question. The truth is different calibers behave differently. Each caliber has unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Preference of a particular ammo also depends on the shooters experience. A new shooter may prefer a gun which is comfortable, accurate, and has less recoil while some shooters like the high caliber hand-cannon rounds. Now, a gun enthusiast can spend a lot of money buying different guns with different calibers in the pursuit of finding the right ammo.

However, for a family that can afford to buy only one handgun, this choice becomes much more crucial. To help you to take the right decision, here’s our list of the most popular types of ammo available in the market along with their advantages and shortcomings.

.22LR

This is one of the lightest and smallest rounds you can fire from a handgun. Thanks to its light weight it tends to tumble after hitting a target which can be lethal at close quarters. Being the smallest round it also has no recoil which in turn enables you to hit the target accurately and swiftly fire multiple rounds without straining your hands. However, this round has very little stopping power making it unfit for personal protection.

.32 ACP

The .32 ACP does have significantly more stopping power than the .22 and are often fired from super-compact concealable pistols. Several gun manufacturers have introduced series of compact pistols which are easily concealable and can be carried around without drawing any attention.

Therefore, if you want a very small pistol for concealed carrying, the .32 ACP rounded pistols might serve the purpose. Now, most people think that .32s are not good for home defense as it lack the power of a high caliber bullet. However, keep in mind that policemen used the .32 round extensively not that far back.

In fact, it continues to be popular among law enforcement officers in Europe.

.38 Special

Most gun experts and enthusiasts consider this round to be the minimum when it comes to serving as a personal protection weapon. The Special round manufactured specifically for revolvers and is undoubtedly one of the most popular rounds in the world. The round is good for most home defense situations and has decent stopping power. This is a well balanced round which delivers a perfect mix of stopping power and accuracy.

.357 Magnum

Consider the .357 Magnum round as the turbocharged .38. The rounds are more or less the same size but the .357 magnum has a lot more powder enabling it to reach higher velocities. However, more power comes at a price as .357 Magnum handguns are known have quite a kick. The significantly higher recoil may not be a trouble for experienced shooter but can be uncomfortable for new gun owners.

.380 ACP

This semi automatic pistol round was pretty popular in Europe before it came to America. John Browning designed and introduced it in 1912 in Belgium. Since then it’s considered to be a practical round for compact pistols. If you are looking to buy a pistol for the first time, the .380ACP is surely a strong contender.

9mm

Slightly more powerful than the .380s, the 9mm is easily the most inexpensive defensive rounds available in the US market. There are literally endless varieties of pistols that fire this round ranging from super compact pistols to full sized handguns giving you enough options if you are comfortable with the round. Overall the 9mm is hugely popular, has relatively less recoil, and adequately powerful for most defensive situations.

.40 S&W

Developed jointly by Smith & Wesson and Winchester, this round was aimed deliver a similar stopping power that of a 10mm rounds used briefly by FBI officers. However the .40 S&W does have shorter case which in turns means more tamed recoil. Law enforcement often uses this round in the US and has more than enough power to be part of any home.

.45 ACP

American soldiers have used his round every single war we’ve participated in in the past 70 years. Fired by historic M1911 pistol, this is a sturdy and reliable round that has proven itself in the battlegrounds of World War 2. .45ACP rounds are significantly heavier than the 9mm and deliver a more lethal punch. However, it also has higher recoil which means new users have to get used to it at first. The round is also cheaply available as most stores have a healthy stock of discount 45 auto ammo brands. Most experts believe that going anything above the .45 for defensive purposes is overkill and impractical.

The higher caliber rounds like the monstrous. 500 S&W significantly impacts the accuracy of a weapon and should only bought for recreational purposes.

.38 Special: The Most Accurate Handgun Cartridge

Cartridge .38 Special may speak wonders. It’s praised as one of the most accurate handgun calibers in the world. The first appearance of the caliber.38 Special in the international scene goes back to the year 1902. This new ammo came into the world in the hands of Smith & Wesson. They embarked on the adventure of developing a new gauge for the weapons of the American troops.

.45 ACP

While the .45 ACP in the end won the game, .38 Special earned the blessing of many members of the armed forces. The .38 Special has always offered its best results since the drum of a revolver. Given its popularity, large arms manufacturers opted for designing revolvers prepared to fire this ammunition. The Springfield Company took almost all the limelight, with models as emblematic as the series J (small-frame revolvers).

.38 Special

.38 Special ammunition became the gauge most widely used by the revolvers of police. Until the end of the second world war until the arrival of the semiautomatic pistols and the 9mm Parabellum, this was the round of choice. This fact marked the end of the reign of the .38 Special as ammunition for defense. Although in recent years it seems to be living a second youth thanks to the variant + P (increased load). In this sense, the latest venture of Smith & Wesson in the sector of weapons of Defense, its new S & W Bodyguard revolver, arrives precisely with this letter under the arm: supports cartridges caliber .38 Special + P, which considerably improves the power and the power to stop this century-old ammunition.

Disadvantages

As we can see, one of the major disadvantages that always has been blamed for the .38 Special is its low power to be used as ammunition for defense. Although now more fans to “spicy” cartridges have the variant + P, about 70 years ago the House Smith & Wesson decided to put an end to these criticisms, designing a new caliber: .357 Magnum. This cartridge, born in 1934, is an obvious derivative of .38 Special. In fact, externally barely differ in the sheath of the .357 Mag is a little longer. A .357 Magnum cartridge is usually much faster than one .38 SPL.

Given that it is two cartridges with a nearly identical exterior design, the ammunition of the caliber .38 Special can be fired from a revolver with the .357 Magnum Chamber. However, for safety reasons, from a revolver with the .38 S & W Magazine, the caliber cartridges can’t shoot .357 Mag. This compatibility on many occasions to the caliber .38 Special, especially among the marksmen, who find in this ammunition best price (cheaper than the .357 Magnum s) purchase, less recoil after each shot, and usually more accurately. The .38 Special is a low pressure cartridge, whose best accurate results are obtained with speeds of less than 250 meters/second and projectile type “wadcutter” (flat tip).

Today the .38 Special remains one of the most manufactured and disseminated munitions around the globe. The big brands such as Winchester, Remington, Federal, Magtech or ITC, among many others, produce multiple varieties of this caliber. The .38 Special fame goes far beyond having been the caliber of the legendary Colt Detective Special revolver. Its popularity is due more to excellent conditions as ammunition for defense and for precision shooting.