Bullet Sizes, Types, & Calibers

Modern small arms ammunition can be confusing due to the myriad of common types, calibers, and sizes involved, but with a little research, navigating the “bullet aisle” at your local gun store is a snap. We’re here to hold class on the essentials. This article is part of our series on Gun Basics. If you’re… Continue reading Bullet Sizes, Types, & Calibers

The Best Ammo Manufacturers

Gun Basics The history of firearm ammunition in the United States is long and storied. Here in the US we’re lucky enough to have ammo for recreational use derived from military applications. The array of calibers, premium and value-oriented brands and cartridge sizes delivered by reputable manufacturers is unrivalled across the globe. As with our… Continue reading The Best Ammo Manufacturers

Headstamp-to-Headstamp: .223 vs 5.56

Headstamp-to-Headstamp One of the most often seen tropes in the gun community– and even by some in the firearms industry to an extent– is that the designations “223 Remington” and “5.56x45mm NATO” are used interchangeably in a sort of “six of one, half a dozen of the other” kind of indifference.  However, there are at… Continue reading Headstamp-to-Headstamp: .223 vs 5.56

Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 300 Blackout vs 5.56

Headstamp-to-Headstamp is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo. Today, two of the most popular caliber choices for AR-15 style rifles and pistols are in the go-to standard that is 5.56 NATO, and the newer, but no less versatile, .300 AAC Blackout. Choosing between the two takes a little thought and boils down… Continue reading Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 300 Blackout vs 5.56

Headstamp-to-Headstamp: Hollow Point vs FMJ

Gun Basics Full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point are two popular types of ammunition; with one better used for defensive situations and the other more of a practice round. Though seasoned shooters likely understand the difference between these types of bullets, it can be difficult to define the differences and best applications of both… Continue reading Headstamp-to-Headstamp: Hollow Point vs FMJ

Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 5.56 vs 7.62

Headstamp-to-Headstamp is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo. It’s September of 1970. After a strongly worded letter from President Johnson and six weeks at Paris Island, a fresh recruit finds himself walking down a trail through a dense section of jungle, a newly minted Private in the Marine Corps. In his hands… Continue reading Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 5.56 vs 7.62

Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 9mm vs. .380ACP

Headstamp-to-Headstamp is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo. One of the more important choices you’ll need to make when it comes to a concealed carry firearm is the caliber of your pistol. 9mm is the standard for service pistols but it certainly isn’t the only round in town. The .380ACP – often… Continue reading Headstamp-to-Headstamp: 9mm vs. .380ACP