Specialty Ammo | Exotic Ammo | Ammunition Depot

Ammunition Depot is your trusted destination when shopping for Exotic and Specialty Ammo. Shop our online selection of +P Ammo, Lead Free Ammo, Remanufactured Ammo, and many more, all from the brands you trust. Learn more

20rounds / $2.02per round

Liberty .380 ACP 50 Grain Lead-Free HP (Box)

$40.39
250rounds

Federal Premium HST 45 ACP 230 Grain +P JHP Battle Pack - Up To 75 Years Shelf Life! (250 Rounds)

Special Price $169.99 Regular Price $196.99
1000rounds / $1.46per round

Liberty Civil Defense .40 S&W 60 Grain Lead Free HP (Case)

Special Price $1,464.89 Regular Price $1,684.59

About Specialty Ammo

Specialty ammo (also called Exotic ammo) is a category of ammunition specifically designed and engineered for unique or specialized purposes beyond the standard rounds used in firearms.

These specialized rounds are crafted to address specific needs, such as enhancing accuracy, expanding terminal ballistics, or achieving a particular effect upon impact.

Specialty and exotic ammo can encompass a wide range of variations, including armor-piercing, tracer, frangible, shotgun slugs, and even exotic rounds like dragon's breath shotgun shells, which produce a fireball upon discharge.

The development and use of specialty ammo have expanded over the years to meet the diverse demands of military, law enforcement, hunting, and sport shooting communities.

The history of specialty ammo dates back to the earliest days of firearms development. As firearms technology evolved, so did the need for specialized ammunition to suit various tasks.

For example, armor-piercing ammunition was first developed in the late 19th century to penetrate armored vehicles and protect infantry against armored threats.

Tracer rounds, on the other hand, were invented during World War I to help soldiers track their shots in low-light conditions.

Over time, metallurgy, propellants, and bullet design innovations have led to an ever-expanding array of specialty ammunition options.

The popularity of specialty ammo has grown with the increasing diversity of firearms applications.

Hunters use specialized rounds to improve their accuracy and hunting success, while competitive shooters employ custom-loaded ammunition to gain an edge in matches.

Law enforcement agencies often rely on specialty ammo for specific tactical situations.

Additionally, the military employs a wide range of specialty rounds to adapt to the changing nature of warfare.

Despite some controversy surrounding the use of certain types of specialty ammunition, their development and adoption continue to advance, driven by the pursuit of improved performance and efficacy in various shooting contexts.

Popular Specialty Ammunition Types

+P Ammo
+P ammunition, short for "Overpressure Ammo," is designed to produce higher chamber pressures, resulting in increased velocity and energy compared to standard rounds of the same caliber.

It is commonly used in self-defense and law enforcement applications, offering enhanced stopping power, but it should only be used in firearms rated for +P ammunition to avoid excessive wear.

Subsonic Ammo
Subsonic ammunition is loaded with bullets that travel at speeds below the speed of sound, typically around 1,000 feet per second or slower.

It is popular for use with suppressors (silencers) to reduce the noise of the gunshot, making it quieter compared to supersonic ammunition, which produces a sonic crack.

Lead-Free Ammo
Lead-free ammunition is designed to minimize environmental and health risks associated with lead exposure.

It replaces traditional lead-core bullets with materials like copper, steel, or polymer. This type of ammo is often used for hunting and shooting in areas where lead ammunition is restricted.

Remanufactured Ammo
Remanufactured ammunition is produced by reusing spent cartridge cases, typically after they've been fired once.

The cases are cleaned, inspected, and reloaded with new primers, powder, and bullets. This practice can be cost-effective but may come with a potential risk of reliability issues compared to new factory-made ammunition.

Frangible Ammo
Frangible ammunition is designed to break apart upon impact with hard surfaces or targets, minimizing the risk of over-penetration and reducing the chance of collateral damage.

It is often used in close-quarters shooting and training scenarios where safety is a concern. Frangible bullets are typically made from compressed powdered metal or other materials that disintegrate on impact.

What is Exotic 9mm Ammunition?

Exotic 9mm ammo typically refers to non-standard or specialized 9mm ammunition designed for unique purposes or with unusual features.

These types of ammunition are often intended for specific shooting scenarios and may offer distinct performance characteristics compared to standard 9mm rounds.

Here are some examples of exotic 9mm ammo:

Incendiary 9mm Ammo
These rounds contain incendiary materials that ignite upon impact, creating a brief burst of fire. They are generally used for pyrotechnic displays and not for self-defense or practical shooting purposes.

Tracer 9mm Ammo
Tracer rounds are designed with a pyrotechnic compound that produces a visible trace or glow, allowing the shooter to track the bullet's path. These are used for training, target shooting, and as signaling rounds.

Solid Copper 9mm Ammo
Some exotic 9mm ammunition is made entirely of solid copper, which can offer deep penetration and controlled expansion, making them suitable for hunting or self-defense.

Extreme Penetration 9mm Ammo
These rounds are designed to maximize penetration, often using hard materials or special bullet designs. They may be used in specialized self-defense or law enforcement situations where barrier penetration is crucial.

High Velocity 9mm Ammo
Exotic 9mm ammunition may feature exceptionally high velocities, resulting in flatter trajectories and increased accuracy at longer ranges. These rounds can be popular among competitive shooters and enthusiasts.

Multiple Projectiles 9mm Ammo
Some exotic 9mm rounds include multiple projectiles within a single cartridge, such as duplex or bolo rounds, to increase hit probability or create unique wound patterns.

Specialty Ammo FAQ

QUESTION:What is specialty ammunition?

ANSWER:Specialty ammunition refers to rounds designed for specific purposes or with unique features, often beyond the capabilities of standard ammunition.

QUESTION:What is exotic ammunition?

ANSWER:Exotic ammunition typically refers to non-standard or specialized rounds that produce unique effects or serve specialized purposes, such as incendiary or dragon's breath shotgun shells.

QUESTION: Are there special types of 9mm ammo?

ANSWER: Yes, there are special types of 9mm ammo. There are many different types of bullets, powder configurations, and cases; each combination has specific benefits that make it best in certain circumstances.

QUESTION: What is +P ammunition?

ANSWER: +P (Overpressure) ammunition is loaded with higher chamber pressures, resulting in increased velocity and energy compared to standard rounds of the same caliber. It's often used for self-defense and law enforcement.

QUESTION: What is the most lethal 9mm round?

ANSWER: The most lethal 9mm round is the one you're most accurate with. Generally, a JHP bullet is precise and lethal.

QUESTION: What 9mm ammo is most powerful?

ANSWER: +P+ 9mm ammo is the most powerful.

QUESTION: Are there any safety concerns with exotic ammunition?

ANSWER: Yes, exotic ammunition can pose safety risks if not used correctly. Some rounds may have unusual recoil patterns or produce unexpected effects, so proper training is crucial.

QUESTION: What are some examples of specialty ammunition types?

ANSWER: Examples include armor-piercing rounds, hollow points, frangible ammo, tracer rounds, and subsonic ammunition, among others.

QUESTION: Can I use specialty ammunition in any firearm?

ANSWER: Specialty ammunition should only be used in firearms that are designed and rated to handle it. Using inappropriate ammunition can be dangerous and may damage the firearm.

QUESTION: Where can I purchase specialty or exotic ammunition?

ANSWER: Specialty and exotic ammunition can be found at some well-stocked firearm and ammunition retailers, but availability may vary based on location and demand.