[Ultimate Resource]: Ammunition Reviews

Start Up - Ammo Roundup

Best Ammo Brands for Plinking, Accuracy, & Self-Defense

BY Megan Kriss, Updated Jan 12,January 12, 2023 40 Comments

Not sure if that ammo deal is good stuff? We go over a few of our favorite ammo brands that we use daily for plinking, accuracy, and defense.

7 Best Long-Range Cartridges: Hit Stuff Really Far Away

BY Ken Whitmore, Updated Aug 19,August 19, 2022 69 Comments

Want to send it really far downrange? We cover a few of our favorite long range cartridges. Complete with ammo suggestions, capability, rifles, and more.

[Study] Home Defense Overpenetration: Shotgun, Handgun, Rifle

BY Ken Whitmore, Published Jan 12,January 12, 2020 104 Comments

We use ballistic gel and built interior/exterior walls to test shotgun, handgun, and rifle loads to see the best ammo if overpenetration is a concern.

The Weirdest & Craziest Ammo Out There

BY Travis Pike, Updated Feb 7,February 7, 2022 6 Comments

Stuff that sets things on fire, lethal darts, and old-fashioned armor-piercing...we take a look at some of the most exotic ammo types out there.

The Truth About Brass vs. Steel Ammo

BY Matthew Collins, Updated Oct 6,October 6, 2021 81 Comments

Should you shoot steel-cased ammo? Or simply stick with the more expensive brass-cased ammo? We go through the facts and set things straight with some simple rules to follow.

How to Store Ammo

BY Brandon Harville, Updated Mar 27,March 27, 2023 36 Comments

If you're like us, more ammo is more better. With this guide, you can store ammo for the End of Days, or just buy in bulk for your next range trip.

[Beginner's Guide]: Rimfire vs Centerfire Ammunition

BY Eric Hung, Updated Mar 11,March 11, 2023 42 Comments

Quickly learn the difference between rimfire vs. centerfire ammo in appearance and firing mechanism. Plus pros/cons and the best recommended rimfire ammo.

Best 5.7x28mm Guns and Ammo: New Renaissance

BY Megan Kriss, Updated May 8,May 8, 2022 36 Comments

FN's 5.7x28mm round is experiencing a renaissance with new pistols and rifles. We go over our top picks of 5.7 guns plus the best available ammo choices.

Magnum Ammo: What Is It and Popular Calibers

BY Alice Jones Webb, Published Apr 13,April 13, 2020 2 Comments

What does magnum ammunition really mean? We cover that plus some popular magnum calibers, what magnum ammo can do, and where to learn more.

Hunting Ammo Buying Guide

BY Travis Pike, Published May 25,May 25, 2017 3 Comments

Choosing the perfect hunting round is a subject of much debate. Our hunting ammo guide will help you choose the ideal round for your next hunt.

The Ammo Equation: How Much Ammo Do You Really Need?

BY Kat Ainsworth Stevens, Published May 13,May 13, 2020 24 Comments

How much ammo do you really need for each caliber and firearm? We dive into the "ammo equation" and even throw in how many magazines you need for each gun.

Brass vs Nickel Plated Brass Cases for Ammo & Reloading

BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 5,March 5, 2015 16 Comments

What's the difference between Brass and Nickel Plated Brass cases? We'll go over the pros and cons of each with regards to ammo and reloading.

Online Ammo Buying Restrictions

BY Eric Hung, Published May 1,May 1, 2015 1 Comment

Did you know there are tons of state specific online ammo buying restrictions? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here is a brief overview of some restrictions.

Rifle Ammo Reviews

Rifle Caliber Guide [Definitive Guide+Videos]

BY Eric Hung, Updated Oct 4,October 4, 2019 53 Comments

Quickly learn about the pros and cons of popular rifle calibers with our handy guide. We also cover average price, recoil, and recommended ammo for each.

Best AR-15 Ammo of 2023: Range & Home Defense

BY Eric Hung, Updated Jun 4,June 4, 2023 124 Comments

Find out the best ammo for your AR-15 for range plinking or home defense. We'll cover cheap FMJ rounds, steel penetrator rounds, and even hollow points for maximum knockdown power.

Best .300 Win Mag Rifles for Hunting in 2023

BY Travis Pike, Updated Aug 3,August 3, 2023 17 Comments

From Alaska to Zimbabwe, .300 Win Mag is open the top choice for big game and stopping long-distance baddies. Find out why, plus ammo and rifle suggestions.

Best .308 & 7.62x51 Ammo: Target Shooting, Plinking, & Hunting

BY Matthew Collins, Updated Jul 7,July 7, 2023 36 Comments

.308 has been around for a long time and there's lots of ammo...we pick our favorites for cheap plinking, accurate target shooting, and clean hunting.

Best .22 LR Rimfire Ammo: Accuracy, Plinking, & Hunting

BY Eric Hung, Updated Sep 1,September 1, 2022 67 Comments

Too many choices? We'll help you choose the best .22 LR rimfire ammo for plinking, accuracy, hunting, and even sub-sonic loads.

6 Best AK-47 Ammo [7.62x39mm]: Brass & Steel

BY Matthew Collins, Updated Jul 14,July 14, 2023 40 Comments

Need to feed the beast? We cover the best US and military surplus AK-47 ammo out there to fulfill all your 7.62x39mm wants and desires.

6.5 Creedmoor [Ultimate Guide]: Military's New Caliber

BY Megan Kriss, Updated May 25,May 25, 2020 47 Comments

Newly adopted by the US military, find out why the 6.5 Creedmoor rocks. We cover ballistics vs the .308, recommended rifles, AR-10 uppers, ammo, and more.

Best .300 Blackout BLK Ammo: Self Defense, Hunting, Target

BY Travis Pike, Updated Jul 2,July 2, 2023 27 Comments

.300 AAC Blackout ammo comes in lots of flavors from training to home defense to hunting, we took a look at the whole range of ammo and picked out our top favorites for each type so that you can save time and money!

Best .30-06 Ammo: From WWII to Big Game

BY Matthew Collins, Updated Jan 19,January 19, 2020 4 Comments

M1 Garand, BAR, Springfield 1903. All of these famous guns use the .30-06 round. We'll go over our favorite ammo from hunting to plinking.

Best .30-30 Ammo: Harvesting Deer Since 1895

BY Randy Bauman, Updated Jan 22,January 22, 2020 11 Comments

The .30-30 is a classic American cartridge that puts meat on the table. Learn more about it and our best picks for factory hunting ammo and handloading.

6.5mm Ammo Breakdown: Best 6.5 Calibers for Accuracy & Distance

BY Brandon Harville, Updated Mar 24,March 24, 2020 36 Comments

Thinking of a new caliber? Find out the best in the 6.5 mm family of rounds for your purpose...plus how do they compare vs the .308?

6.8 SPC [The Complete Guide]

BY Travis Pike, Updated Jun 6,June 6, 2019 51 Comments

The AR-15 comes in a lot of different flavors. One great for CQB and extended ranges is the Remington 6.8 SPC. We'll cover ballistics, uses, ammo, and more.

30-06 M2 AP Armor Piercing Penetration Tests

BY Eric Hung, Updated Jun 24,June 24, 2020 12 Comments

Find out what exactly is the 30-06 M2 AP "Black Tip"? Is it armor piercing, how does it shoot in 30-06 rifles, and can you reload it into .308 rounds?

Best Alternative AR-15 Cartridges and Calibers

BY David Lane, Updated Jun 22,June 22, 2021 79 Comments

Looking for a harder hitting AR-15? We cover 5 of the best alternative cartridges and calibers with their pros, cons, and recommended uppers & ammo.

Best .44 Magnum Ammo [Hunting, Defense, & Lever Action]

BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 11,February 11, 2019 2 Comments

What's the best .44 Magnum ammo for your purpose? We go over our tested favorites for hunting, self-defense, lever action, and even general plinking.

.17 HMR [Guide]: Best Ammo & Guns

BY Aden Tate, Updated Nov 23,November 23, 2021 30 Comments

Want to know more about .17 HMR? Find out all about this handy cartridge, what it does, why you'd want one, the best ammo, and our favorite guns.

Handgun Ammo Reviews

Handgun Calibers [Definitive Guide + Videos]

BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 27,January 27, 2022 53 Comments

Quickly learn the pros/cons of the 10 most popular handgun calibers. We'll also cover average price, recoil, and recommended self-defense ammo for each.

Best .22 LR Rimfire Ammo: Accuracy, Plinking, & Hunting

BY Eric Hung, Updated Sep 1,September 1, 2022 67 Comments

Too many choices? We'll help you choose the best .22 LR rimfire ammo for plinking, accuracy, hunting, and even sub-sonic loads.

Best 9mm Ammo: Self Defense & Range Shooting

BY Eric Hung, Updated Jul 11,July 11, 2023 192 Comments

Want the best 9mm ammo for self defense? We utilize FBI ballistic gel tests that measure penetration and expansion. Plus our favorite plinking rounds.

Best .45 ACP Ammo: Home Defense & Target Practice

BY Eric Hung, Updated Dec 14,December 14, 2021 48 Comments

Want the best .45 ACP ammo for home defense? We look at FBI tests for penetration and expansion. Plus our favorite picks for range and plinking ammo to save you money.

Best .380 Ammo: Self-Defense & Target Practice

BY Travis Pike, Updated Aug 7,August 7, 2023 96 Comments

Need recommendations for the best .380 self-defense and plinking rounds? These personal picks bring out the best capability of the diminutive round.

Best .38 Special & .357 Magnum Ammo

BY Fred Tyrell, Updated Feb 2,February 2, 2022 49 Comments

How do you pick the best ammo for your revolver? We cover the best .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo for anything from home defense to plinking and hunting.

Best .40 S&W Ammo: Self Defense & Target Practice

BY Eric Hung, Updated Jan 2,January 2, 2021 33 Comments

Want the best .40 ammo possible...at the best prices? Read on for quick recommendations of self-defense and target ammo based on ballistics gel data.

Magnum Ammo: What Is It and Popular Calibers

BY Alice Jones Webb, Published Apr 13,April 13, 2020 2 Comments

What does magnum ammunition really mean? We cover that plus some popular magnum calibers, what magnum ammo can do, and where to learn more.

[Review] Bersa Thunder & Firestorm .380: Better 007 PPK?

BY David Lane, Updated Jul 15,July 15, 2021 52 Comments

Looking at the updated PPK from Bersa in the form of the Thunder and Firestorm? We cover the differences and review for reliability, accuracy, and more.

Best 10mm Ammo [Hunting, Self-Defense, & Plinking]

BY Travis Pike, Published Aug 15,August 15, 2019 10 Comments

Need ammo for your mightly 10mm? We go over our favorite picks for the best 10mm ammo for Self-Defense, Hunting, and affordable Plinking.

[.357 SIG]: Best Ammo & Post-Mortem Review

BY Matthew Collins, Published Oct 17,October 17, 2018 46 Comments

.357 SIG was designed for law enforcement as the perfect cartridge...but didn't take hold. Find out if it deserved its demise and the best ammo you can get.

Best .44 Magnum Ammo [Hunting, Defense, & Lever Action]

BY Matthew Collins, Published Feb 11,February 11, 2019 2 Comments

What's the best .44 Magnum ammo for your purpose? We go over our tested favorites for hunting, self-defense, lever action, and even general plinking.

Shotgun Ammo

Best Exotic Shotgun Ammo [That You Can Buy]

BY Brandon Harville, Published Jul 27,July 27, 2017 11 Comments

There are some truly amazing exotic shotgun rounds out there. We took a look at the coolest ones for adding some excitement to your next range trip.

Best Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense & Range [2023]

BY Eric Hung, Updated Aug 29,August 29, 2023 72 Comments

Not sure what ammo to choose? We go over the best 12ga and 20ga buckshot, birdshot, and slug shotgun ammo.

Best Shotgun Mini Shells: Birdshot, Buckshot & Slugs [Hands-On]

BY Travis Pike, Updated Jun 13,June 13, 2022 30 Comments

What are shotgun mini shells good for? We give you all the deets plus our favorite shells for plinking, hunting, home defense, & more.

Ammo Comparisons

.243 Win Vs .308 Win: Comparison & Best Ammo

BY Randy Bauman, Published Mar 20,March 20, 2019 3 Comments

The .243 and .308 Winchester are two popular hunting cartridges. But what's the best for you? We cover the pros/cons of each plus our favorite ammo picks.

9mm vs .45 ACP [Debate Finally Settled]

BY Brandon Harville, Updated Nov 1,November 1, 2021 414 Comments

Not sure which one is best for you? We'll cover the pros & cons of 9mm vs .45 ACP, from stopping power to expansion, accuracy, price, capacity, and more.

.223 vs 5.56 NATO vs .223 Wylde: Will Your Gun Blow?

BY Matthew Collins, Updated Nov 8,November 8, 2021 57 Comments

Want to quickly know the difference between .223 vs 5.56 and potential safety concerns? We cover both plus .223 Wylde so you'll know the best for your gun.

9mm vs .40 S&W: Is Bigger Always Better?

BY Brandon Harville, Updated Mar 8,March 8, 2019 258 Comments

Price, stopping power, the FBI, and more - we look at the pros and cons of 9mm vs .40 S&W so you can make the right choice for handgun caliber.

5.56x45mm vs. 7.62x39mm: Ballistics Match of Tortoise and the Hare

BY Ken Whitmore, Updated Oct 10,October 10, 2022 49 Comments

5.56 vs 7.62...what's better? We cover the famous rounds of the AR-15 and AK-47 in terms of bullet size and velocity to see which is the overall winner.

Federal M vs XM (5.56) and XM193 vs XM855

BY Eric Hung, Updated May 4,May 4, 2020 27 Comments

Confused? We quickly explain XM193 vs M855, X vs XM, 193 vs 855, penetration differences, and more. Plus our favorite brand recommendations for each.

.380 vs. 9mm: Which is Better?

BY Brandon Harville, Updated Dec 6,December 6, 2021 141 Comments

Think the .380 ACP is just an inferior version of the 9mm? We take a look at the pros and cons of each caliber and choose the best for self-defense.

.243 Win Vs .308 Win: Comparison & Best Ammo

BY Randy Bauman, Published Mar 20,March 20, 2019 3 Comments

The .243 and .308 Winchester are two popular hunting cartridges. But what's the best for you? We cover the pros/cons of each plus our favorite ammo picks.

Berry's vs Xtreme Bullets

BY Eric Hung, Published Mar 25,March 25, 2015 20 Comments

Find out the narrow winner in our battle of the budget plated bullets between Xtreme Bullets and Berry's bullets. We cover price, appearance, and performance.

Hollow Points vs. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammo

BY Gun Noob, Updated May 23,May 23, 2016 48 Comments

If your life depends on it, what kind of ammo should you use? Hollow Points or Full Metal Jacket? Find out the difference and our recommendations for the best defensive ammo for each caliber.

.300 Blackout (BLK) vs. 5.56: What's Best For You?

BY Travis Pike, Updated Jul 19,July 19, 2022 75 Comments

Thinking of going .300 Blackout? Find out how it compares to the 5.56 in ballistics and knockdown power.

.308 Win Vs .300 Win Mag: [Battle of the .30 Calibers]

BY Randy Bauman, Published Jan 1,January 1, 2019 7 Comments

Stuck between .308 Win or .300 Win Mag? We'll cover the similarities, differences, pros, cons, and best ammo so you can choose your new .30 cal round.