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Handgun Ammo

About Handgun Ammo

Handgun ammo has been around since the invention of the handgun in the 16th century. The earliest guns were single-shot weapons loaded with loose powder and shot or a ball.

Pistols were typically smoothbore, meaning that the inside of the barrel was smooth, which made accuracy a challenge. However, as firearms technology improved, so did the handgun ammunition features and design.

One of the most significant advancements in handgun ammunition came in the mid-19th century with the development of metallic cartridges. These cartridges comprised brass or copper casings containing primer, powder, and the bullet.

All modern firearm ammunition is assembled with the same essential components: a casing plugged with a primer at one end, filled with powder, and capped with a bullet at the other.

Over the years, specific cartridges have appeared to include the 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum, the 40 Cal, and the 380 ammo - all influencing the development and improvement of modern ammunition for handguns.

Ammunition Depot carries more than 25 calibers of ammunition that fit not only the mainstream collection of popular calibers but any caliber suitable for mainstream use cases, from hunting to the range and competition to personal protection – even cowboy action shooting and specialty competition rounds.

You can buy cases of .38 special to .454 Casull, or find the rarer .38-40 Winchester, or 7.62x25 Tokarev. And we're never short on commodity rounds like 9mm ammo for you to choose your favorite personal defense or range full metal jacketed cartridge.

Popular Types of Handgun Ammunition

9mm Ammo
380 Ammo
45 ACP Ammo
40 Cal Ammo

38 Special Ammo
357 Magnum Ammo
10mm Ammo
5.7x28 Ammo

45 Long Colt Ammo
30 Super Carry Ammo
357 Sig Ammo
44 Magnum Ammo

Pistol Ammo Features

BULLET DESIGN
Handgun ammunition can come in a variety of bullet designs, such as full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and soft point (SP). Each design has its own benefits and is often chosen based on the intended use of the ammunition.

CALIBER
Handgun ammo comes in a variety of calibers, ranging from .22 LR to .45 ACP and beyond. The caliber determines the diameter of the bullet and can have a significant impact on factors such as stopping power, penetration, and recoil.

VELOCITY
Pistol ammo typically has a lower velocity than rifle ammunition, but can still travel at high speeds. The velocity of the ammunition can affect its accuracy and penetration.

RECOIL
Handgun ammo can produce significant recoil, which can affect accuracy and make it more difficult to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.

PURPOSE
Pistol ammo is often chosen based on its intended purpose, such as self-defense, law enforcement, or target shooting.

Different types of ammunition may be more suited to different purposes based on their features and performance characteristics.

AVAILABILITY
Handgun ammunition is widely available in multiple calibers, quantities, and variations.

Additionally, nearly all gun stores, firearm shops, and online retailers sell handgun ammo.

Handgun Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What is considered handgun ammo?

ANSWER: Handgun ammunition is defined by the ATF, also under the regulations of the Gun Control Act of 1968. The ATF specifies that the ammunition is classified based on the gun it's intended to be fired out of.

Therefore, handgun ammunition is ammunition manufactured for guns that are categorized as handguns.

QUESTION: How old do you have to be to buy handgun ammo?

ANSWER: Handgun ammunition sales are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the Gun Control Act of 1968.

As a result, you must be 21 years old to purchase handgun ammunition. That's the same age required as if you were purchasing a handgun.

QUESTION: How long does pistol ammo last?

ANSWER: Pistol ammunition has different life expectancies depending on the materials used for manufacturing. According to most manufacturers, this is typically around 10 years.

However, if properly stored, its life can be extended for much longer periods.

QUESTION: What is the best handgun ammo?

ANSWER: Best is a very subjective term. What's best will be determined according to what's best for your situation, firearm and budget. Many manufacturers make excellent quality ammunition that serve you well, but depending on the aforementioned factors, some may suit you better than others.

QUESTION: What are the different types of handgun ammunition

ANSWER: Handgun ammunition can come in a variety of calibers and types, such as full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and soft point (SP), among others.

QUESTION: What is the best pistol ammo for self-defense?

ANSWER: The best pistol ammo for self-defense can depend on a number of factors, such as personal preference, the situation, and the individual's skill level.

Some popular choices for self-defense include 9mm ammo, 40 Cal (S&W), and 45 ACP.

QUESTION: What is the difference between FMJ and HP ammunition?

ANSWER: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition is typically used for target shooting and has a lead core that is fully enclosed in a metal jacket. Hollow point (HP) ammunition, on the other hand, is designed to expand upon impact and is often used for self-defense or hunting.

QUESTION: Can different types of ammunition be used in the same handgun?

ANSWER: Handguns are designed to work with specific calibers of ammunition, and it is important to use the correct type of ammunition for your handgun. Using the wrong type of ammunition can result in malfunctions or even damage to your handgun.

QUESTION: How does the weight of the bullet affect performance?

ANSWER: The weight of the bullet can affect factors such as velocity, penetration, and recoil. Heavier bullets typically have higher momentum and can penetrate more deeply, but may also produce more recoil.

QUESTION: How much does handgun ammo cost?

ANSWER: Prices of ammo vary depending on the type of ammo you're buying, the caliber and the amount you're buying.

Target ammunition is typically cheaper than self-defense ammo, and certain calibers can be more expensive than others depending on demand and scarcity. There's also a lot of price variance depending on whether you buy in bulk or in smaller quantities.

QUESTION: Where to buy handgun ammo in bulk?

ANSWER: Finding bulk ammunition is similar to purchasing non-bulk ammo: it's available in the same places. As with purchasing other types of ammo, online possibilities like Ammunition Depot represent the most likely solution for cost, convenience and availability.