Ammunition is a topic that could easily be expanded through an in-depth, lengthy guide. To explain the difference between target ammo, defense ammo and regular ammo, here is a quick, simplified guide.

When target shooting, it’s essential to understand which type of ammunition is used for what type of gun.

Read below about the different types of ammo and what they’re used for.

Defense vs Target Ammunition

What is Defense Ammunition?

The need for defense ammunition in a situation such as active defense is by far a rarer occurrence. A majority of defense ammunition is jacketed hollow point, also referred to as JHP. The jacketed hollow point is created to expand and create more damage to the target. This JHP design is also focused on slowing the motion of the bullet once it contacts the target.

Because the JHP is so technically designed with special functions and specific behavior, this type of ammo is usually more expensive than target ammunition.

Because Defense ammunition is designed to behave differently when fired, it is crucial to practice shooting defense ammo occasionally in order to:

• Familiarize yourself with shooting defense ammo (jacketed hollow point ammunition)
• Verify the defense ammo functions through your firearm properly

What is Target Ammunition?

Target ammunition is specifically designed to be utilized on a shooting range for target shooting. Target ammunition is for the purpose of regular practice and hobby shooting. Regular shooting practice is critical for anyone that plans to use their firearm for defense or hobby target shooting. You will want to be able to gain muscle memory in an active safety situation for the best defense or for the sole purpose of familiarizing yourself with your firearm. With this being said, you’re potentially going to use a bunch of target ammo.

Target ammo is more affordable than defense ammo. Target ammunition is manufactured and designed differently. Target ammo is mostly full metal jacket, or FMJ for short. This type of ammo is designed to infiltrate considerably further into the target than defense ammo would. Most target shooting ranges are designed for the result of Target Ammunition.

Why are FMJ and JHP Different?

Full Metal Jacket Ammunition is More Straightforward

Full metal jacket ammunition is more straightforward to manufacture and the cost is ideal when you plan on target shooting. Because JHP (jacketed hollow point) ammunition is more pricey, it can be tempting for some shooters to shoot cheaper ammo options all the time. This is a dangerous option to choose and one that can be illegal in certain circumstances.

Jacketed Hollow Point Defense Ammunition is Safe for Defensive Situations

Because FMJ ammunition does not expand and reduce speed upon target impact, they tend to proceed through the target and beyond anything that may be behind it. In a defensive position, you only want to cause damage to the target alone, excluding anything or anyone around it.

Learn More about the Different Types of Ammo

For more information about each type of ammunition and how they are different, contact the ammo experts today or call us at 385.229.4766.

When you initially obtain a new firearm, you may be uncertain of what to do and how to care for it properly. 

Should you clean a gun before first use?

It is wise to clean your gun before shooting. By doing so, you are able to remove all factory grease and oils from the barrel. 

In addition to cleaning your gun, you are able to take the time to thoroughly inspect and check your firearms parts for manufacturing errors, imperfections, and obstructions in the barrel. There is always a chance that there may be problems acquired while the firearm was in storage, from thick cosmoline residue to barrel blockings.

Why is it important to clean your firearm before the first shot? 

This will prevent the oil and grease from, “baking in”.

What is “baking in”?

“Baking in” is the effect that residual fouling oil, grime, and grease on and between the firearm pieces have on the firearm. If these particles are left on the pieces, you are putting your firearm at risk for firing malfunction and scratches that can alter the operation and components. Failure to fire is a common issue with guns that don’t see routine cleaning. Baking in makes the firearm barrel and pieces harder to clean down the road. 

How Often Should I Clean My Gun?

Inherently, the next question that many ask is how often should my gun be cleaned to avoid “baking in”? Your firearm’s cleaning regimen is determined by the firearm type, purpose, and ammo. 

As a general guide for stored guns that don’t see frequent use, you may want to clean them about two times a year. Cleaning and inspecting the firearm about twice a year should be sufficient to ensure it stays in good condition since it spends the majority of the year sitting in its case. 

For a frequently used firearm that sees the shooting range, you should clean the components after about 250-300 rounds. Determine the depth of cleaning needed by inspecting the amount of debris left on the components after shooting.

Cleaning is Specific to the Firearms Individual Condition

Keep in mind that this is a general guide for firearm cleaning frequency. This routine cleaning can differ for every firearm. 

Take these factors into consideration:

• Amount of grime
• Dirt and dust
• Moisture
• The enviorment the firearm is stored and shot in

Why Cleaning Your Gun is Important

With every shot fired, some carbon particles are left behind by the propellant combustion. These carbon particles can build up in the chambers over time. Also, as the bullet travels through the barrel, microscopic metal fragments are chipped off of the firearm. This adds more remains with every shot.

Since firearms come with many metal pieces, rust is another significant concern. If moisture finds its way to your gun compartment, there is a chance for rust-related problems that are costly to fix.

What is Needed to Clean a Firearm?

It is highly recommended to consult your firearms manual and take every safety precaution before cleaning. Make sure to properly clean your firearm to avoid damage. If you are new to gun cleaning, seek help from a gun specialist.  

Proper Preparation

Before you start cleaning, ensure that the cleaning area has plenty of space to work. Choose a space that has good lighting, clean surfaces, and good ventilation. Avoid areas with chemicals nearby.

Reference The Firearm’s Manual

Do not throw away your firearm’s manual. This manual has important information for your firearm that will explain in-depth directions regarding how to safely care, disassemble and assemble, and clean it. 

Use the Correct Gun Cleaning Tools

Many gun owners have a gun cleaning kit that includes every tool necessary for cleaning their firearm. 

A proper gun cleaning kit should include the following essential tools:

• Cleaning rod
• Cleaning jags (slotted and form-fitting)
• Mops
• Utility brushes (double-ended)
• Caliber-Specific Bore brush
• Cleaning swab
• Cleaning patches (Ensure the patches are caliber specific, lint-free, and fiber-free.)
• Cotton swabs
• Luster cloth
• Reel cloth
• Bore snake
• Action cleaners
• Bore cleaners
• Firearm lubricants
• Cleaning chemicals

Take Care of Your Firearm

Knowing how to clean a gun is an important part of being a responsible and educated firearm owner. A clean gun is a reliable and safe gun. Ensure proper function of your gun by keeping up on routine maintenance.

True Velocity Polymer Cased Ammunition has significantly reduced heat transfer. Significant heat transfer reduction to the barrel of the gun reduces wear and tear on the weapon. Contact us today for more information.

What is Military Ammo Called?

The ammo that the US Military uses is referred to as ball ammo. Ball ammo is more commonly referred to as Full Metal Jacket ammunition. The name “Ball” is emanated from Muskets that were using large metal balls before the birth of conical ammunition.

What is the difference between military grade ammo and regular ammo?

Contrary to popular belief, Military-grade ammo is not any more powerful than the regular ammo that is created for the civilian market.

With that being said, US military ammo may be relatively more reliable and increasingly accurate in comparison to the low-end, regular grade ammo made for the “civilian” demand. In addition, military ammunition can be somewhat less accurate than the higher-end, more expensive grades of civilian market ammunition. Commonly, the ammo that US Military is sold in bulk. For this reason, military-grade ammunition is inexpensive.

What is the standard US military round?

The most common round used in the US military is the 5.56 mm round. The 5.56 mm round has a strong history in the military. The 5.56 mm round has held its place in the US military for nearly 60 years.

Read the Backstory

Long ago, the United States and its allies were in search of a more steadfast, precise, and lighter cartridge, as well as a firearm. The 5.56 mm round made its arrival in the US Military in the 1960s. The 5.56 mm round was accompanied by the M-16 style rifle.

Are Hollow Point Bullets Used by the US Military?

The U.S. Army, Police, and Military have been permitted to use hollow points on bases since 2010.

Who Makes the Ammo for the US Military?

The largest ammunition manufacturer for the US Military is Winchester. They manufacture small-caliber ammunition for the U.S. military in large quantities. Winchester is also a well-known and highly trusted company that produces products for civilians and Law Enforcement.

Where is US Military Ammo Made?

US Military Ammo is manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is a United States Government owned facility in the Northeast Independence, Missouri. This facility is contractor-operated. Remington Arms established this facility in 1941 with the mission of manufacturing and testing small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army.

Can You Buy Military Ammo?

Today, civilians can purchase surplus ammo online or in person at retail gun stores. Military Ammo may also be purchased directly from the government or through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

The New Era of Military Ammunition

Polymer over Brass

Although the military has held close to brass-cased ammunition, something that predates the Spanish-American War the relationship is coming to an end. Polymer cased ammunition form True Velocity is taking its place in the US military, as well as the civilian market.

Learn More about Military Ammunition

With the new era of ammunition shifting towards a more advanced ammunition, we are here to help educate people about polymer cased ammunition. Here at Virtus Ammo, we are passionate about ammo and work with high-end ammunition manufacturer that allow us to drive high-quality polymer cased ammunition and services to our customers. Virtus is a licensed distributor of True Velocity polymer cased ammunition. Got questions? Contact us today for more information and updates about Ammunition involved with the US Military.