Welcome to another edition of Guns 101! Today, we’re diving into the secret language of ammunition. For those unfamiliar, it may feel like a foreign language, but understanding ammo is crucial. Handgun Ammo Explained will help you choose the right round for your specific needs.
Learning to Speak Ammo
Let’s start by discussing caliber and its significance. Ammunition caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet, measured in inches or millimeters. In the United States, we express caliber in hundredths of an inch. For instance, a .45 caliber round has a diameter of about 0.45 inches, while a .380 measures 0.38 inches. Some rounds, like the well-known 9mm, use metric measurements, with a base diameter of 9mm or .354 inches.
Next, we need to explore bullet types. This topic could lead us down a rabbit hole due to the vast array of bullets available, so I’ll focus on the most common ones. First up is “ball” ammo. Many believe the term “ball” originated during the widespread military use of firearms, when smoothbore muzzleloaders fired rounded lead balls. Today, ball ammo refers to a type of ammunition with a solid projectile, typically made of lead and encased in a metal jacket. This design prevents expansion upon impact, making it a popular choice for target practice and general shooting.
Hollow Point
Another widely used round is the “hollow point.” These bullets feature a hollow cavity, allowing them to expand significantly upon hitting a soft target. This design transfers more energy to the target, creating a larger wound channel and enhancing self-defense capabilities. Compared to standard bullets, hollow points tend to stay within the target without penetrating deeply.
Now let’s decode centerfire and rimfire ammunition, which refer to how the powder inside the cartridge ignites. In a centerfire round, a primer sits in the center of the cartridge base. When the firing pin or hammer strikes it, the primer ignites the powder and launches the bullet. In contrast, a rimfire round contains primer material in the rim of the ammunition casing, with the .22LR being the most common example.
Handgun Ammo Explained
To wrap up this segment, let’s discuss “bullet grain (gr).” Bullet grain refers to the actual weight of the bullet, with “grain” (abbreviated as “gr.”) being the smallest weight unit in the U.S. There are 7,000 grains in a pound and 437.5 grains in an ounce. So, a 230gr .45 ACP round weighs around .52 ounces.
I understand that navigating the terminology surrounding firearms can be challenging. However, we will continue our Guns 101 series to help you along. Feel free to ask questions about anything you don’t understand!
