Where to Start

Buying ammo is easy once you know three things: what your gun shoots, what you are shooting it for, and how much you need. Work through these steps and you will buy the right ammo every time.

Step 1: Find your caliber

Your caliber is stamped on the barrel (or the slide on most pistols) and listed in the owner’s manual. Match it exactly. Similar-sounding rounds are not interchangeable, and the wrong ammo can damage your gun or hurt you.

• Not sure what the numbers mean? See Caliber.
• Common questions are answered in the Ammo F.A.Q.

Step 2: Pick the bullet for the job

• Practice and plinking: full metal jacket (FMJ) is affordable and feeds reliably.
• Self-defense: quality hollow points (JHP) from a name brand. Test a box in your gun first.
• Hunting: soft point or bonded bullets made for the game you are after.
• Learn the differences in Bullet Types.

Step 3: Choose your ammo type

• Pistol Ammo and Revolver Ammo
• Rifle Ammo and Military Ammo
• Shotgun Ammo and Shot Shells
• Rimfire Ammo
• Less Lethal

Step 4: Buy smart

• Compare price per round, not price per box.
• Buy in bulk when prices drop.
• Some ranges do not allow steel-case or steel-core ammo, so check before you go.
• Stick with brands you trust. See Ammo Manufacturers.
• Check your state’s laws on buying and shipping ammo.

Step 5: Store it right

• Keep ammo cool and dry in sealed Ammo Cans.
• Keep spare Magazines & Clips loaded and ready.
• Ready to roll your own? Start with Reloading Ammo.

Not legal advice. Always check your state’s laws on buying and shipping ammo.