A Quick Guide For First Time Gun Buyers: Bullet Types
When you’re a first time gun buyer, it’s important to know the different types of bullets available. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
The most common type of bullet, full metal jacket bullets are typically used for target practice. The lead core is surrounded by a copper or steel jacket, which prevents the lead from expanding when it hits the target. This results in less damage to the target and less chance of ricocheting or recoil.
FMJ bullets are available in a variety of sizes and weights, so you can choose the best option for your gun and your shooting style.
Hollow Point (HP)
Hollow point bullets are designed for personal defense, home defense and hunting. The hollow tip of the bullet expands on impact, causing more damage to the target. This makes these ammunition more effective at stopping an attacker or taking down game.
However, hollow point ammunition can also be more likely to ricochet than FMJ bullets. That’s why it’s important to choose the right size and weight for your gun and practice with them before using them in a real-world situation.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Jacketed hollow point bullets are a type of hollow point bullet. The main difference is that the lead core is surrounded by a copper or steel jacket. This prevents the bullet from expanding too much on impact, making it more likely to penetrate through soft tissue.
JHP bullets are often used for self-defense and hunting because they offer the benefits of both FMJ and HP bullets. They’re less likely to ricochet than HP bullets and more likely to penetrate through soft tissue than FMJ bullets.
Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP)
Semi-jacketed hollow point bullets are a type of hollow point bullet. The main difference is that the lead core is only partially surrounded by a copper or steel jacket. This allows the bullet to expand on impact while still penetrating through soft tissue.
Soft Point (SP)
Soft point bullets are designed for hunting. The lead core is exposed at the tip of the bullet, which causes the bullet to expand on impact. This makes them more effective at taking down game.
Wad Cutter (WC)
Wad cutter bullets are designed for target practice. The lead core is surrounded by a copper or steel jacket and the bullet is shaped like a cylinder. This design makes the bullet more stable in flight and less likely to recoil.
Semi-Wad Cutters (SWC)
Similar to WCs, SWCs are also designed for target shooting. The difference is that SWCs have a beveled edge, making them better suited for cutting through thicker targets.
Ballistic Tip (BT)
A type of hunting bullet, BTs have a plastic tip that causes the bullet to expand on impact. This results in greater tissue damage, making them ideal for taking down large game.
Bonded Bullet (BB)
Bonded bullets are designed for hunting. The bonding process ensures that the lead core and metal jacket stay together, preventing expansion and ensuring deep penetration.
Steel Core (SC)
Steel core bullets are designed for target practice. The steel core makes the bullet more resistant to deformation, ensuring greater accuracy.
Truncated Cone Bullet (TC)
A type of hunting bullet, TCs have a cone-shaped tip that causes the bullet to expand on impact. This results in greater tissue damage, making them ideal for taking down large game.
Flat Nose (FN)
A type of hunting bullet, FNs have a flat tip that makes them more aerodynamic. This results in greater accuracy and penetration.
Lead Free (LF)
Lead free bullets are designed for target practice. The lead-free design makes the bullet less likely to ricochet and more environmentally friendly.
Boat Tail (BT)
A type of target shooting bullet, BTs have a tapered back end that makes them more aerodynamic. This results in greater accuracy and penetration.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of bullets, you can make an informed decision about which ones are right for you. Just remember to practice with them before using them in a real-world situation.
Check out our shop for a great selection of bullets.
Have any questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
