Using the Correct Ammunition

Using the correct ammunition is extremely important. Firearms and ammunition are designed to work together. Using the incorrect type of ammunition could make a person’s firearm dangerous.

Both firearms and ammunition are designed with different calibers. A firearm’s caliber is equal to the diameter of the barrel. You can find the caliber information either on the barrel or on the slide. Ammunition caliber is equal to the diameter of the bullet. The caliber information for ammunition can be found on the side of the box.

The most common calibers are .22, .45 and 9 mm. Knowing what your firearm’s caliber is will allow you to buy the proper type of ammunition. Do not use any other caliber of ammunition other than what is recommended by the manufacturer for your firearm.

Another important fact to remember is that just because the cartridge fits into your firearm does not mean that that cartridge will be safe to shoot. Every firearm can handle certain amounts of pressure however using the incorrect ammunition can create a level of pressure that the firearm cannot handle. The result of using the wrong ammunition could be an injury to yourself or to anyone in the vicinity.

Think of it this way a person could build a house out of many different materials, however most people understand that the better the material is the more sturdy the house will be. Just because you can build a house out of cardboard and duct tape doesn’t mean you should. Building a house out of those materials would be a disaster. Using the wrong ammunition could also turn into a disaster.

Equally important is not using ammunition that is wet, dirty, corroded, and old or cannot be properly identified. Using any types of those ammunitions could result in a misfire or some type of jam, or worse an explosion. Do not under any circumstances throw ammunition in your regular trash. The best course of action here is to call your local refuse department and find out how to properly dispose of your ammunition.

Along with illegal firearms there is of course also illegal ammunition out there. If you are ever unsure check with your local firearms dealer and they can help you identify what kind of ammunition it is and whether or not it’s legal. The safest course of action here is to simply purchase your ammunition from an authorized ammunition dealer.

Finally, a quick ammunition safety reminder, never store your ammunition and firearm in the same place. Always keep your unloaded firearm in one storage lock box and your ammunition in not only a different lock box, but also a different location.Using the wrong ammunition in any type of firearm could be disastrous for you and anyone around you. Make sure you check both the firearm for the proper caliber and the box on the ammunition to be sure you are using the correct ammunition every time you are going to shoot your firearm.