Common Types of Ammunition

• Birdshot:These loadings feature multiple small projectiles. These types of loadings are well-suited for bird hunting, pest control, casual clay shooting, and recreational shooting. These loadings tend to be some of the most common loadings one will find on the market.
• Buckshot:These loadings feature multiple large projectiles. These projectiles are considerably larger than the projectiles found in birdshot and target loadings. For example, a 00 buckshot loading will feature 8 pellets which are about .33” in diameter. There are also some buckshot loadings which feature more projectiles and utilize smaller projectiles. These types of loadings are well-suited for hunting use and for self-defense.
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ):Like the name suggests, these types of loadings feature projectiles which are adorned with metal jacketing. This jacket is generally made of copper and will cover the tip and sides of the projectile. Typically, the base of the projectile is left uncoated. These types of loadings are well-suited for range use and are some of the most common types of ammo one will encounter.
• Standard Velocity Soft Point (SVSP): This type of designation is commonly used for rimfire loadings in calibers such as .22 Long Rifle. Put plainly, these types of loadings are designed to achieve standard velocities and feature soft point projectiles. In shorter barrels, some standard velocity loadings will be traveling at subsonic velocities, making them well-suited for suppression. Projectiles in these loadings are typically unjacketed, yielding exposed lead bullets.
• Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP):JHP loadings feature hollow point projectiles which are adorned with a full metal jacket. These loadings are generally found in the form of defensive ammo offerings and are designed to facilitate reliable expansion upon impact. Additionally, these types of loadings are designed to achieve adequate levels of penetration for defensive purposes while not overpenetrating the target and risking collateral damage. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.