Ammunition 101?

[thatryan]

In anticipation of my first handgun getting out of jail next week, I was looking to buy some ammunition. Upon a bit of reading, I quickly realized I don't know what the hell I am looking for!

My firearm will be a Glock 17, so I know 9mm rounds. After that, I know not. I read about using cheaper rounds for range and practice, but something like hollow points for home defense. Different grain counts? Different metals? Uh...

So, is there a "primer" (HAHA PUN WIN) for ammunition?

Thanks

[damndave]

Just head to Walmart and pickup some 115gr 9mm ball ammo. Stay away from the bi-metal stuff if you plan to shoot anywhere other than the desert.

Don't forget to pickup a cleaning kit and clean it up good before shooting.

[SWalt]

Don't know much about the glock 17 or if its rated for +P, if its not, don't use +P. Steel jacketed ammo is cheaper but as what was said above only use it in a place where starting a fire isn't a concern. Steel jackets can cause a spark, thus start a fire, when impacting rocks, metal, etc. Also, some ranges do not allow steel jacketed ammo. It causes greater damage to the range. If you don't have so much experience shooting, then start out with the lower powered rounds until you get use to shooting, then move up from there. Not necessary but will help you with accuracy, comfort while shooting. The higher the weight of the bullet, the more powder it takes to propel it so more powder is used and causes greater recoil. 115gr ammo, like mentioned above is pretty low powered, so good to start with that. Also cleaning it before you shoot will ensure that anything left in it during manufacture will be removed and not create more wear or damage. Good luck, have fun shooting when it gets out of jail!

[HKMadness]

115 grain fmj ball ammo is great for target practice. If thats all I have in a hd situation, I'll gladly use it. You could get jhp's in 115, 124, or 147 grains.

[HKMadness]

Try reading the Wikipedia pages on the 9mm cartridge. It'll also give you SOME ballistic data and interesting history.

[M27]

no lead in glocks

pick up some cheap FMJ from wall mart 115gn ball and shoot away
I like the federal champion or american eagle

as for HD, I like hornady's critical defense. The down side to this is a while back in the calibers that use small primers had a primer issue. So make sure it is a newer production and your good.

[stilly]

For plinking go to the gunshows and buy the bulk 9mm ammo that is jacketed or copper plated. Or locally you can buy it at wallyworld or other places. The winchester white box 115gr jrn is good stuff. Same with commercial stuff bought online in bulk. Most is good just depends on what you want to spend.

Then pick up a small box of hydrashocks or some home defense ammo to keep on hand at the house just in case. Actually, buy an extra mag and keep it loaded with that. Do not shoot that mag since it is your home defense load. Take the other mags out and go shooting/plinking with them.

Congrats on the glock. Just remember the MAJOR problem with them. Everytime you pull the trigger they will fire...

[Arcaporale]

The higher the weight of the bullet, the more powder it takes to propel it so more powder is used and causes greater recoil. 115gr ammo, like mentioned above is pretty low powered, so good to start with that.

Not so, a heavier bullet means a longer bullet, which means it takes up more volume in the casing which means more pressure given the same amount of powder. Loads with heavier bullets generally use less powder than a lighter one while maintaining similar muzzle velocities.

CORRECTION: Muzzle velocities actually will go down with a heavier bullet, pressure remains relatively similar. The point is that bullet weight and powder charge are inversely related.

Checkout any reloading manual to confirm this.

One may experience less recoil with a lighter weight round, but this is not simply a result of a lighter bullet. There are rounds that are designed for lighter recoil for practice and since theese aren't designed for hunting/defense uses, bullet weight is largley inconsequential, so the ammo maker will use less material thus lowering costs.

I say use the cheapest ammo you can get, that your range will allow you to use. A round with a bimetal jacket may be a no no for some locations/ranges due to fire risk.

Don't be confused about steel cased ammo vs. steel jacketed ammo. Steel cased ammo, usually imported from Russia is cheapest ammo out there, some of it has a bi-metal jacket as well, some does not.

You can also find re-loaded ammo pretty inexpensively as well, with all copper jackets and brass cases.

If you want ammo for defense look for a hollow point type bullet. Buy a box to keep for denfense and a box or two to practice with and make sure it cycles in your glock reliably. I like Federal Hydroshock HST, it's what alot of law enforcement agencies use and works in my XD just fine.

[Chief-7700]

Arcaporale, You are correct lighter bullet more powder, heavy bullet less powder.
Example:

.45ACP 154 Grain LSWC 6.1 grains of W-231

.45ACP 200 grain LSWC 5.0 grains of W-231

[SWalt]

Not so, a heavier bullet means a longer bullet, which means it takes up more volume in the casing which means more pressure given the same amount of powder. Loads with heavier bullets generally use less powder than a lighter one while maintaining similar muzzle velocities.

CORRECTION: Muzzle velocities actually will go down with a heavier bullet, pressure remains relatively similar. The point is that bullet weight and powder charge are inversely related.......

I stand corrected. Heavier bullet with larger charge = higher pressure. Good chance of exceeding the capacity of the chamber/barrel. Not a good thing.