Complete Guide to Ammunition Terms
If you’re new to firearms or looking to expand your knowledge, understanding ammunition terminology is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide to ammo-related terms, covering everything from bullet types to ballistics and legal considerations.
The projectile that is fired from a firearm. Often confused with the entire cartridge.
The complete round of ammunition, which includes the bullet, casing, primer, and gunpowder.
The shell that holds the components of a cartridge together. Can be made of brass, steel, or aluminum.
The small component at the base of the cartridge that ignites the gunpowder when struck by the firing pin.
The chemical compound that burns and generates gas to propel the bullet forward.
A bullet with a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell. Ideal for target practice and range shooting.
A bullet designed with a hollow tip that expands upon impact, increasing stopping power and reducing over-penetration. Preferred for self-defense.
A hollow point bullet with a metal jacket for better penetration and controlled expansion.
A bullet with an exposed lead tip, offering controlled expansion. Commonly used for hunting.
Ammunition with a pyrotechnic charge that creates a visible streak when fired. Illegal for civilian use in California.
Specialized rounds designed to penetrate body armor. Illegal for civilian use in California.
The internal diameter of a firearm’s barrel, measured in inches (e.g., .45 ACP) or millimeters (e.g., 9mm).
A unit of weight used to measure bullets and gunpowder. One grain = 1/7,000 of a pound. Heavier grains typically mean more stopping power.
The speed at which a bullet exits the firearm barrel, measured in feet per second (fps).
The amount of kinetic energy a bullet has when leaving the barrel, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Higher energy means greater impact force.
Typically hollow point rounds designed for maximum stopping power with minimal risk of over-penetration.
Usually FMJ rounds, designed for affordability and reliability in training and practice sessions.
Can include soft point or hollow point rounds, optimized for controlled expansion and ethical kills.
Designed to travel below the speed of sound (~1,125 fps) to reduce noise, often used with suppressors.
The size of a shotgun bore. Common gauges include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore. A lower number means a larger diameter.
Large-diameter pellets used for self-defense and hunting.
Smaller pellets used for hunting birds and small game.
A single, large projectile fired from a shotgun for maximum stopping power.
A higher-pressure round that offers increased velocity and stopping power. Firearms must be rated for +P to safely use it.
Rimfire ammo (e.g., .22LR) has the primer around the case rim, while centerfire ammo has the primer in the center of the base. Centerfire is more powerful and reloadable.
The process of assembling ammunition by reusing spent casings with new primers, powder, and bullets.
See what customers say about Redline Ballistics ammunition.
Have questions about ordering ammunition online or picking up in store? You're in the right place. Browse the topics below to find answers about shipping, pickup, and everything in between.
Order from anywhere and get your ammunition delivered straight to your door. RedLine Ballistics ships fast, ships safe, and keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Skip the wait and grab your order in person. In-store pickup is free, fast, and ready when you are.
Yes. RedLine Ballistics ships to most states across the country. Shipping regulations vary by state, so we recommend checking your local laws before placing an order. We’ll notify you at checkout if there are any restrictions that apply to your address.
Most orders are processed and shipped within 1–2 business days. Delivery times vary by location, but most orders arrive within 3–5 business days after shipment.
Yes. An adult signature is required upon delivery for all ammunition shipments. Make sure someone 18 or older is available at the delivery address to sign for the package.
Select the in-store pickup option at checkout. We’ll send you a confirmation email when your order is ready. Most pickup orders are available within one business day.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a California driver’s license or state ID card. Your ID must match the name on the order and will be verified at the time of pickup.
Browse our inventory online or visit us to find what you need today.
