Phelan Gun Range carries ammunition in stock for all the popular calibers and can special order those hard to find calibers.

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What Are the Types of Ammunition?

There are three basic types of ammunition: rifle, pistol, shotgun.
Rifle and pistol ammunition is generally named based on the approximate bullet diameter in either inches or millimeters. 
Shotgun ammunition is based upon the gauge which is the equal to the number of lead balls of that bore diameter that add up to weigh one pound. Cartridges have been developed for military contracts (45 ACP, 5.56 NATO), ammunition/firearm manufacturers (270 Winchester, 204 Ruger, 40 S & W) and by firearm enthusiasts who created wildcat cartridges based upon military or civilian cartridges (22-250, 454 Casull, 6.8 mm SPC).

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Here are some of the most common types of rifle and pistol bullet shapes:

•  Lead Round Nose (LRN)

•  Wad Cutter (WC)

•  Semi-Wad Cutter (SWC)

•  Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJBT)

•  Semi-Jacketed Soft Point (SJSP)

•  Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP)

•  Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

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How to Pick the Right Ammunition?

The first step in choosing the right cartridge is to get the correct caliber for your firearm.  The barrel or receiver should have the caliber stamped into it.  If you are unsure, stop by and we will help you out.  Next, decide what you will be using your firearm for: plinking, shooting targets, personal self-defense or hunting.

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- Plinking: For plinking, you will use the least expensive cartridge that will reliably work in your firearm.  .22 long rifle and 9mm are a couple of the best for plinking.

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- Shooting Targets: When shooting targets you want ammunition that will allow you to achieve good shot groupings.  The ammunition will generally be from a reputable manufacturer such as Federal, Fiocchi, Remington, Winchester, Sellier & Bellot.  Cheap ammunition will make you question your shooting skills and may not reliably function in your firearm.

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- Personal Self Defense: These cartridges should be quality, factory-loaded cartridges to ensure reliable firearm operation.  Hollow point bullets are preferred as they will expand and stop with less chance to pass through the intended target and do additional damage.

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- Hunting: Like personal self-defense, you need a quality, factory-loaded cartridge to quickly and humanely take down a target. Use the correct caliber for the animal you are hunting.  Small calibers for small game and large caliber for large game. Bullet expansion and energy transfer are important aspects of bullets used for hunting.  Berger makes great hunting bullets. 

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At PGR, we can help you choose the right ammunition for your firearm. Visit our online store for convenient shopping. Call 760-868-3167 or fill out our contact form below today!