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Category: Ammo

a photo of the history of ammo

A Brief History Of Ammo

There is no record of the first projectile used by early man, although the odds are good it was a rock lobbed by a hungry caveman. Those humble beginnings lead to the creation of the shepherd’s sling. A leather pouch with two leather thongs attached to either side that increased velocity and accuracy—and many more […]

a photo of a smith & wesson M&P 45 acp pistol with ball ammo

What Is Ball Ammo?

By Guy J. Sagi Shooters often use the term “ball ammo” to describe cartridges with a full metal jacket bullet (FMJ). Although the jargon hints that the projectile is spherically shaped or contains some sort of hidden “ball” within, neither is true. It’s the least-expensive ammunition—on average—available to civilian gun owners and accounts for the […]

What Is Subsonic Ammo?

By Guy J. Sagi There are a variety of reasons subsonic ammunition is growing in popularity, and reduced noise is only one of them. Many enthusiasts have discovered improved accuracy with loads that don’t break the sound barrier, reduced recoil and faster follow-up shots. Membership among the nearly 2 million people in the United States […]

a photo of a woman measuring bullet weight

What is Bullet Weight?

By Guy J. Sagi Bullet weight is a critical component in the accuracy and performance of a firearm. The critical role it plays can be somewhat confusing for new shooters. Armed with a few simple facts you may be surprised how a few quick experiments during your next range session can bring out more of […]

a macro photo of plus p ammo cartridges

What is +P Ammo?

By Guy J. Sagi Ammunition rated +P generates a chamber pressure higher than the cartridge’s published standard, but the level is less than those produced when proof rounds initially torture test a firearm. Increased bullet velocity is the result—an advantage for some self-defense handguns—but not all guns can safely run the hotter loads. In those […]