Ammunition Guides with Ammo.com
Chris and Dave discuss the pros, cons, similarities, and differences of a variety of cartridges. These caliber comparisons will keep you entertained and informed!
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Concealed Carry During SHTF with Survival Dispatch
05/30/2023
Concealed Carry During SHTF with Survival Dispatch
Here at , we always encourage our listeners to carry a personal protection firearm (CCW) whenever possible and legal to do so. However, in our every changing world, the potential for a disaster or SHTF scenario seem to be growing exponentially by the day. From EMP strikes, to nuclear war, societal breakdown, an economic collapse, or even just a natural disaster, the potential for a life-threatening situation seems to be constantly around us. On this episode of the Ammunition Guides Podcast, we have a special guest join us: Chris Heaven, the CEO of Survival Dispatch. In this podcast, we cover the pros and cons of concealed carry vs open carry during any SHTF scenario and real-life examples of what Chris has experienced in his own life. If you aren't subscribed to Survival Dispatch, make sure to check them out: YouTube: Website:
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The 8 Best Elk Hunting Cartridges: Bringing Down the Big Bulls
05/23/2023
The 8 Best Elk Hunting Cartridges: Bringing Down the Big Bulls
When you've got a monster Roosevelt Elk giving you the perfect broadside shot, the last thing you need to worry about is if you brought the right ammo to get the job done. There's a lot of debate on the internet and YouTube about what the best elk hunting cartridges are for every situation. Although most of hunting comes down to shot placement and patience, having the best ammo available helps a lot too. Most of us don’t live with big bull elk right in our backyards. That means elk hunting takes tons of planning and a huge investment of money. Not only are elk tags expensive, but you also might not draw a tag for your favorite area every season. Chasing bull is no easy task, so you shouldn’t trust what may be a once-in-a-lifetime shot to a sub-par cartridge. In this podcast, Chris and Dave discuss the 8 best elk hunting cartridges on the market that will all but guarantee you fell that big bull should you get a shot on him. Of course this is not a comprehensive list, but it is what our recommendations are for your next elk hunting rifle.
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The Best Shotgun Shells for Home Defense: Defend Your Castle!
05/16/2023
The Best Shotgun Shells for Home Defense: Defend Your Castle!
The shotgun is perhaps one of the most versatile shooting platforms ever devised. Shotgun shells can be loaded with a wide variety of different different loads of buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. Plus, handloaders have enjoyed loading shotgun shells with a multitude of projectiles like bolo rounds, flechette, rock salt, and more! But what works best for home defense and personal defense? Are all of these specialty rounds really useful for self-defense or are they just novelty rounds for fun? Chris and Dave tackle this big question and why their favorite round is 00 Buckshot.
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Top 10 Best Handgun Cartridges: Matching the Tool to the Job
05/09/2023
Top 10 Best Handgun Cartridges: Matching the Tool to the Job
We get countless calls asking about what the best handgun caliber is. It's a common question that has been debated ad nauseum all over the Internet and everyone has their opinion as to what is the best. However, the truth is that you need to match the tool to the job, as you can't hammer in a nail very well with a screwdriver! In this podcast, Chris and Dave discuss the top 10 best handgun cartridges on the market today. These are rounds that you should consider when buying your next handgun and your favorite ammo gurus tell you everything that is awesome about this top 10 list!
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Top 10 Best Deer Hunting Cartridges To Put Bambi in The Freezer
05/02/2023
Top 10 Best Deer Hunting Cartridges To Put Bambi in The Freezer
The topic of deer hunting calibers has been hotly debated around tailgates, campfires, and skinning sheds for more than a century. Because there are about as many opinions as there are deer hunters, narrowing down the options to make a “best cartridge for deer” list was no easy task. Whitetail deer live in diverse habitats. Whitetail deer hunters also use diverse hunting tactics. Rifle cartridges that work well from a big woods tree stand aren’t going to cut for a hunter sniping shots across acres of harvested corn. But if you're looking for the top 10 best deer hunting cartridge to put Bambi in the freezer this fall, then you've found the right video! In this podcast, Chris and Dave take on the top 10 deer hunting rifle cartridges that are exceptional choices for your next deer hunting rifle and will get the job done. Read more here:
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Top 10 Best Big Game Hunting Cartridges for Your Next Hunt
04/25/2023
Top 10 Best Big Game Hunting Cartridges for Your Next Hunt
If you’ve ever spent any time in a deer camp, you know that the virtues of certain hunting cartridges are hotly debated among serious big-game hunters. Modern shooters have access to hundreds of capable cartridges, and every big game hunter is convinced that the one he uses is the absolute best. Because hunters are awfully opinionated, this article won’t completely settle this age-old argument. What it will do is outline the best big-game cartridges in current production, so you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you. In this podcast, Chris and Dave discuss their top 10 best big game hunting cartridges for taking down anything between whitetail deer and moose. These are the heavy hitters that can really deliver the kinetic energy to safely and humanely put down big game with a single shot. Most of these cartridges are not for beginners, but will serve you well on your next hunt with the proper practice. Read more here:
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The 6 Best Calibers for Home Defense to Stop The Threat
04/18/2023
The 6 Best Calibers for Home Defense to Stop The Threat
When you need to defend your residence from home invaders, you need a round that's reliable, dependable, and will stop the threat as quickly as possible. Picking the best home defense caliber can be difficult with so many choices on the market. Sure a 22 LR will do the job if your shot placement is perfect, but it isn't really the best choice to stop the threat inside the home. In this podcast, Chris and Dave discuss the 6 best calibers for home defense and explain why they picked them. You'll learn about what is proven to work in a self-defense situation and what to look for in home defense ammo.
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What's the Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry and Why is it 9mm?
04/11/2023
What's the Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry and Why is it 9mm?
When it comes to concealed carry, there are a lot of different handgun and caliber options. And if you look around anywhere on YouTube or the Internet, you'll find A LOT of different opinions as to which caliber is the best choice for your personal defense handgun. In this podcast, Chris and Dave take a deep dive into what are their favorite calibers for concealed carry. Though this far from a comprehensive list, there's no doubt that all of these suggested calibers will be more than capable of defending your life should the worst happen. If you're keeping it under wraps, make sure to check out these calibers for your next concealed carry pistol.
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What's the Best Hollow Point Ammo for EDC?
04/04/2023
What's the Best Hollow Point Ammo for EDC?
Picking the right self-defense ammo is critical for stopping the threat and making sure you don't have over-penetration. However, with so many different styles and brands of personal defense ammo on the market, it can be confusing to some shooters which is the best. Although most self-defense ammo is pretty good, some stands above the rest in terms of terminal performance, ballistics, expansion, and stopping power. In this podcast, Chris and Dave discuss their top favorite JHP ammo for concealed carry and self-defense. Furthermore, they dig a bit deeper into several new types of bullets that are hitting the market and how they can be just as effective at defending your life or your loved ones.
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Best Moose Hunting Cartridges: Bring Down Bullwinkle
03/28/2023
Best Moose Hunting Cartridges: Bring Down Bullwinkle
Finding the best moose cartridge is a lot like finding a wife. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. Every moose hunter in North America is convinced that his or her rifle/cartridge combo is the best moose-killing machine in the woods. Because there are so many strong opinions, finding the best moose cartridge to meet your hunting needs isn’t always an easy task. In this podcast, Chris and Dave take a deep looking into the world of moose hunting and discovering the best moose hunting cartridges across the globe. Although we cannot possible include every moose cartridge on this post, we take a look at our 10 favorite rounds and how they perform when you're looking to put down Bullwinkle with a single shot.
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The 10 Best Coyote Hunting Cartridges
03/21/2023
The 10 Best Coyote Hunting Cartridges
Coyotes have an expansive range, which means hunters use very diverse tactics. Some snipe them at long range across open fields. Others like to call them in and pick them off at close range. That makes crowning the best coyote cartridge a nearly impossible task. There really is no “perfect” cartridge for hunting these wily canine predators. However, some cartridges are better suited to the task than others. If you’re searching for an effective dog-dropper, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode, Chris and Dave discuss the ins and outs of the most popular coyote hunting cartridges in current production. All of the options on our list have proven their worth against what many consider a nuisance species. Any of these cartridges will make short work of any coyotes or varmints that plague your property!
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The Top 13 Best AR Calibers That Aren’t 5.56 NATO
03/14/2023
The Top 13 Best AR Calibers That Aren’t 5.56 NATO
Let’s be honest about one thing, the 5.56 NATO/223 Remington is a battle-proven cartridge that has valiantly served the US military for decades. The 5.56’s effectiveness is well documented, and it is one of, if not the, most popular centerfire rifle cartridges in North America. Yes, the 5.56 NATO is awesome. It has low recoil, a flat trajectory, is inexpensive, and has more varieties of ammo than you can shake a boomstick at. But sometimes you want to shoot something different out of your AR, and that’s ok. One of the greatest aspects of the AR-15 rifle is its versatility, as many caliber conversions can be accomplished with a simple upper receiver swap. However, with so many different rifle calibers available, some shooters might be confused as to which cartridge is best for their AR-15 or AR-10. There are a ton of different caliber options available to the modern shooter when it comes to the AR rifle. In this podcast, Chris and Dave are going to discuss the 13 best possible calibers you can pick from to covert your AR into from a standard AR-15 or AR-10.
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TMJ vs FMJ: What's The Difference?
03/07/2023
TMJ vs FMJ: What's The Difference?
One question that is common with new shooters surrounds the difference between FMJ and TMJ ammo. Some shooters believe that FMJ and TMJ ammo is the same, however they are very different. FMJ stands for Full Metal Jacket. FMJ bullets typically have a soft lead core covered by a swaged metal jacket covering the outside of the bullet with an exposed lead base. TMJ stands for Total Metal Jacket. TMJ bullets also have a soft lead core but are completely covered in a thin layer of copper known as a copper jacket. TMJ ammo has an enclosed base so there is no exposed lead on the bullet. TMJ bullets help reduce the amount of lead exposure shooters are subjected to at indoor ranges while FMJ ammo is generally less expensive and easier to find. In general, TMJ ammo will generally be more accurate and easier to clean up after as there is no exposed lead to leave deposits in your barrel. However, TMJ ammo has a thinner jacket than FMJ ammo, meaning that TMJ bullets are not appropriate for guns using a compensator or barrel ports as small slivers of copper jacket can be shaved off and directed back at the shooter. FMJ bullets are considerably older and less expensive to manufacture. This makes them great for plinking or target shooting, but less ideal for extremely long range accuracy or bullseye competitions. However, their thicker jacket plays well with comps and barrel ports.
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6.8 Western vs 6.5 PRC: Long-Range Hunting Rounds
02/28/2023
6.8 Western vs 6.5 PRC: Long-Range Hunting Rounds
Long distances shooting has increased in popularity in the last few decades, which means an increase in better equipment and rounds. The 6.5 Creedmoor has dominated the long-range discussion for years, but we're here to talk about the two newcomers that have begun to gain a following. The 6.8 Western vs. 6.5 PRC debate is one of the hottest topics in long-range shooting, even though these are new rounds to the market. There are several issues at play here, as both of these cartridges are incredibly similar. The 6.5 PRC fires a 0.264" diameter bullet while the 6.8 Western fires the popular 0.277" diameter bullet. This means that the Western round will typically fire heavier bullets that are good for hunting, while the PRC fires more sleek bullets that are excellent for long range accuracy. And this typifies what both cartridges were designed to do, the 6.5 PRC was designed to be a long-range target shooting round while the 6.8 Western was designed for elk and sheep in the Western plains or in the mountains. Both cartridges excel, however, at long-range hunting. The 6.8 Western is plagues by an ammo shortage, as only Winchester and Browning currently manufacture ammo for the cartridge. On the other hand, Hornady has done a masterful job marketing its PRC cartridge to multiple manufacturers and numerous companies make ammo for it. This is the main reason why Chris and Dave favor the 6.5 PRC, because it is getting into the realm of being mainstream while the 6.8 Western has yet to prove itself as a viable cartridge.
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6.8 Western vs 7mm Rem Mag vs 28 Nosler: Deciding the Best Long-Range Hunting Cartridge
02/21/2023
6.8 Western vs 7mm Rem Mag vs 28 Nosler: Deciding the Best Long-Range Hunting Cartridge
The 7mm Remington Magnum is one of the most popular magnum cartridges in current production. Versatile and dependable, this old-school cartridge managed to overcome the American shooter’s aversion to the metric with its incredible long-distance ballistic capabilities. However, the 7mm Rem Mag has been around for a long time (since 1962 to be exact), and the wheels of ammunition innovation haven’t stopped turning. Could a newer long-range ballistic superstar dethrone this popular old-timer? In terms of long-range hunting cartridges, the 6.8 Western vs 7mm Rem Mag vs .28 Nosler match-up is a good one. If you’re a big game hunter going after long-range sheep, elk, or antelope, is it worth pursuing one of the newer hotrod cartridges like the 6.8 Western or the .28 Nosler? Or should you stick with a safe option, like the tried-and-true 7mm Rem Mag?
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28 Gauge vs 410: Small-Bore Shotguns With a Big Punch
02/14/2023
28 Gauge vs 410: Small-Bore Shotguns With a Big Punch
t wasn't that long ago that everyone swore by "the bigger, the better" when it came to shotguns. However, with a few recent introductions, small-bore shotguns are generating a lot of attention from shooters and hunters, who initially dismissed them. But which one is best when comparing the 28 gauge vs. 410? Overall, the 410 is a great option for a new shooter. It has low recoil and there are tons of single shot or pump-actions for the shell. However, it's not cheap and is actually more expensive than the 28 Gauge. The 28 Gauge is an all but forgotten shotgun cartridge, as the 20, 12, and 410 are the big three when it comes to smooth bores. Although a lot lighter than a 20 gauge, the 28 gauge is an excellent choice for upland game hunting, grouse, pheasants, and doves. It might be a little light for ducks but with proper loads you could probably make it work. However, ammo is in short supply for the 28 ga as most hunters have dropped it in favor of the 20 ga. Both rounds make excellent options for training young shooters, as they have low recoil and are easy to handle. However, we have to err on the side of the 410 for this one, as there are a lot of different ammo options available for it and it is considerably easier to find.
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22 Hornet vs 223: Coyotes Beware!
02/07/2023
22 Hornet vs 223: Coyotes Beware!
When it comes to varmint hunting, there are few rounds that can compete with the popularity and success of the 223 Remington. Since its release in 1964 and adoption by the US military, the 223 Rem has been nigh untouchable as the go-to option for plinking, long range target shooting, and varmint hunting. However, before the 223 was even a twinkle in Remington’s eye, the 22 Hornet ruled the roost as the king of the varmint cartridges. With extremely high muzzle velocity for its time, it was not uncommon for hunters to harvest coyotes at 200 yards with iron sights thanks to the Hornet’s flat trajectory. Although the 223 Remington outperforms the 22 Hornet in every ballistic category, the Hornet is one of those cartridges that refuses to die as it’s a perfect bridge caliber between the rimfire 22HMR and 223. The 22 Hornet is the more classic round of the two, as it dominated the varmint hunting stage prior to WWII. However, after the war, new varmint rounds like the 220 Swift and 22-250 pushed the Hornet into relative obscurity. As of late the 22 Hornet has seen a bit of a resurgence, with several mainstream rifle manufacturers offering new bolt action rifles chambered in 22 Hornet. However, ammo availability still plagues the Hornet's mainstream acceptance in the hunting community. Overall, the 223 Remington is our choice for the better caliber with better ballistic performance and ammo availability to the moon and back. However, if you find yourself in possession of an old Hornet rifle, then by all means keep it and enjoy shooting a classic varmint hunting cartridge.
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410 vs 12 Gauge: Is 410 Good for Anything?
01/31/2023
410 vs 12 Gauge: Is 410 Good for Anything?
Shotguns may be the most versatile firearms on the face of the planet. Shooters around the globe rely on these smoothbore firearms for hunting, sport shooting, and personal defense. Because shotguns are in such high demand, modern shooters can choose from an incredibly diverse selection, with models designed to suit specific shooting needs. While variety is definitely the spice of life, too many options can make finding the right shotgun seem almost impossible, especially if you’re new to firearms. The 12 gauge shotgun is undoubtedly the most popular shotgun option in North America and likely the world. It is incredibly versatile and can carry a variety of payloads with varying levels of power. On the other hand, the 410 is a shotgun shell that nearly was dead before the introduction of the Taurus Judge and the S&W Governor. Typically relegated to youth shotgun duty, there are considerably less shell options for the 410 than the 12 ga. Chris and Dave take a deep dive into two of the most popular shotgun shells on the market in this episode of the Ammunition Guides podcast!
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6.8 Western vs 6.5 Creedmoor: Is the Creedmoor Obsolete Already?
01/24/2023
6.8 Western vs 6.5 Creedmoor: Is the Creedmoor Obsolete Already?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is beloved by many for its long-range shooting capabilities. However, the 6.8 Western recently emerged as a worthy contender to dethrone the 6.5 as everyone's favorite cartridge. Is that possible? When comparing the 6.8 Western Vs 6.5 Creedmoor, which one comes out on top? There's no denying the 6.8 Western's big game hunting prowess, firing the larger bullet of the two and dwarfing the Creedmoor in case capacity gives the Western a distinct advantage in ballistics. However, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers lower recoil and his a beloved deer hunting cartridge in addition to its long range shooting capabilities. Although the 6.8 Western also makes a formidable long range cartridge, the added recoil makes it harder to shoot and the main reason for why you won't see it stacked up on the line at F-class shooting competitions. Ammo scarcity is also a major issue for the 6.8 Western, as 6.5 Creedmoor has become one of the hottest new cartridges to hit the market in the 21st Century and ammo for the Creedmoor is easy to find and less expensive than the Western. Overall, the 6.5 Creedmoor is our first pick for most shooters thanks to widespread ammo availability and low recoil. However, if you need a long range hunting cartridge that can take down an elk at 500 yards or longer, the 6.8 Western makes an excellent choice.
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Top 14 Best Video Game Guns of All Time
01/17/2023
Top 14 Best Video Game Guns of All Time
Video game guns expand the horizons reality and take firearms to a whole new level. From being able to manipulate gravity to having a chainsaw attachment on your rifle, there's no limit to what video games can come up with. Many shooters are introduced to firearms through video games like Call of Duty, Gears of War, or in the case of my generation, Goldeneye 007. No matter how you came to enjoy firearms, there are some iconic video game guns and we wanted to share our Top 14 list of the most iconic video game guns of all time!
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6.5 Grendel vs 5.56 vs 223: What's Best For Your AR-15?
01/12/2023
6.5 Grendel vs 5.56 vs 223: What's Best For Your AR-15?
When it comes to the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, there is no denying that the 223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO are the kings of the centerfire cartridges. As it is the standard issue ammo for the U.S. military and an incredibly potent varmint round, the 5.56/223 Rem is by far the most popular centerfire rifle cartridge in North America. Even though the 223 and 5.56 are both battle-proven rounds, some shooters wanted more out of their AR-15. They wanted more power and range without having to upgrade to the heavier and more expensive AR-10 platform. Adapting new cartridges to the AR-15 platform is nothing new, as the 6.8 Remington SPC, 300 AAC Blackout, 224 Valkyrie, and 50 Beowulf have all seen moderate acceptance in the AR shooting community. Enter the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, which gave shooters the range and stopping power they wanted in their lightweight modern sporting rifles. But is it worth it to upgrade your AR-15 or buy a new one in 6.5 Grendel or should you stick with the tried-and-true 223/5.56 NATO?
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Handgun Grip Strengthening Techniques with Maureen Sangiorgio
01/10/2023
Handgun Grip Strengthening Techniques with Maureen Sangiorgio
Handgun grip strength is something that many shooters struggle with, especially those advanced in age. Holding a handgun steady is critical to accuracy and recoil control. In this podcast, Chris and Dave interview Maureen Sangiorgio, an NRA Certified Instructor and RSO who has worked with countless shooters of all ages, sizes, and genders. In the video we will discuss tips and tricks to improve your grip, grip strengthening techniques, and the best ways to introduce new shooters to America's favorite past time, firearms ownership. If you'd like to speak with Maureen: [email protected]
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6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel: Pimp My AR-15
01/05/2023
6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel: Pimp My AR-15
In the early 2000’s, there was a big push from the U.S. Army to adapt new, more powerful cartridges to the M4 carbine. This initiative was prompted by battlefield reports of enemy combatants taking multiple hits from 5.56 NATO rounds and remaining combat effective. The 6.8 Remington Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC) and 6.5 Grendel were two new cartridges developed to increase the lethality of the AR-15 platform. Although their terminal ballistics were impressive, neither cartridge was adopted for mainstream military use. The 6.8SPC and 6.5 Grendel may not have seen frontline combat, but they have enjoyed moderate commercial success from shooters who want a little more “oomph” out of their semi-automatic sporting rifles. However, many 2A enthusiasts are perplexed over which cartridge to select for their new AR-15 if they want something other than the standard 5.56 NATO/223 Remington chambering. Is the 6.8 SPC better than 6.5 Grendel? Or does the 6.5 come out on top? Picking between the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel really comes down to determining what you want to do with you AR. If you want a close in CQB rifle, then the 6.8 SPC is an excellent choice but not so good at long range shooting. However, if you need a cartridge that can reach out and touch something, then the 6.5 Grendel is the way to go. The 6.5mm bullet is right in the sweet spot for long range accuracy, while the 6.8mm or 0.277" bullet is an excellent choice for close encounters. Both calibers only require a bolt, barrel, and magazine change for a conversion. However, many shooters prefer to have dedicated upper receivers and simply swap it out with their every day 5.56 NATO upper. The versatility of the AR-15 is really showcased in these two calibers as both are excellent hunting and self-defense rounds. If you want to read more, check out the full article at
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6.8 SPC vs 5.56: Upgrade Your AR-15 for CQB
01/03/2023
6.8 SPC vs 5.56: Upgrade Your AR-15 for CQB
The lethality of the 5.56 NATO/223 Remington rifle cartridge has been a topic of heated debate since its adoption by the US military during the Vietnam War. When fired from a 20 inch barrel, the terminal performance of the 5.56 is quite impressive, however problems arise when a shorter barrel length is used. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US Army started fielding the M4 carbine with a 10.5” barrel, as a short barrel was ideal for close quarters battle (CQB) as it was more maneuverable. However, the shorter barrel negatively affected the terminal ballistics of the 5.56 and soldiers later reported enemy combatants taking multiple hits while remaining combat effective. The search for a new rifle cartridge was on, as US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) wanted something that could outperform the 5.56 in CQB conditions with a short barreled rifle (SBR). One such cartridge was the 6.8 Remington Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC). Developed as a joint operation by Remington and the Army Marksmanship Unit, the 6.8mm SPC showed a lot of promise as it had impressive terminal effects at CQB ranges while experiencing a full powder burn in an SBR. Although the 6.8SPC was not adopted by the US military, it has found a home in civilian AR platform rifles as a hunting cartridge and self-defense round. The 6.8 SPC Is one of those rounds that had a massive failure to launch thanks to Remington botching the release by not having the rifle chambers built correctly. This caused slightly higher chamber pressures that the military balked at thanks to the issues during the release of the M16 and 223 Remington in Vietnam. Instead of fixing the chamber, Remington criminally underloaded the ammo which did not meet the expectations of the military. Although the 6.8 SPC II has resolved these issues, the damage was done and Remington was out of the running. However, civilian shooters love the 6.8 SPC for its increased kinetic energy and effectiveness against medium to large game at closer distances. The 6.8 SPC gives AR-15 hunters an option for both whitetail and hogs that the 5.56 NATO simply cannot offer. Sadly, ammo availability is a major issue for the 6.8 SPC as you aren't going to find a lot of this at your local gun shop or sporting goods store. On the other hand, 5.56 is one of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges on the planet and you can easily find ammo at any store, online retailer, or gun range across North America. Our recommendation is to stick to the 5.56 NATO unless the 6.8 SPC gets a major revival, as there's no worse feeling than having a rifle you can't shoot!
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26 Nosler vs 6.5 PRC: 6.5mm Hotrods
12/29/2022
26 Nosler vs 6.5 PRC: 6.5mm Hotrods
The release of the 6.5 Creedmoor by Hornady in 2007 signaled a change in North American shooting culture. For over a century, the 0.308” diameter bullet was the go-to option for long-range shooting, as the 300 Win Mag and 308 Winchester were the preferred precision rifle cartridge for many competitors. With shooters warming up to the Creedmoor and finally discovering that 0.264” (6.5mm) caliber bullets had lower recoil and higher ballistic coefficients than their 30-cal counterparts, a flurry of new cartridges started hitting the market. The 6.5mm cartridge wars had begun, and multiple manufacturers looked to improve upon the success of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Two such new cartridges that were designed to push the limits of the 6.5mm bullet are the 26 Nosler and 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC). Although these two centerfire rifle cartridges fire the same diameter bullets, they each have their own nuances that make them ideal for different situations. The 26 Nosler is the hotter of the two rounds with superior ballistics and long range trajectory. However, it's a barrel burner and has been known to shoot out barrels in 1000 rounds or less. The 6.5 PRC, on the other hand, is a bit softer shooting and will have at least 50% more barrel life than the 26 Nosler. However, the 6.5 PRC should not be underestimated as it has extreme long range shooting potential and an excellent trajectory as well. The 26 Nosler is hampered by low ammo and rifle availability while the 6.5 PRC is considerably more prolific in ammo variety and rifle options. For most shooters, the 6.5 PRC will be a fine choice, however if you want the best possible ballistics then the 26 Nosler is the choice for you.
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8 Obscure Cartridges You've Never Heard Of
12/27/2022
8 Obscure Cartridges You've Never Heard Of
One of the coolest things is innovation. Sometimes inventers make new things just for the sake of making something cool. In this episode of Ammunition Guides with , we are going to talk about 8 cartridges I doubt you'll ever find on our store. Cartridges like the 22 Tuba, 2mm Kolibri, and the Gyrojet are all amazing pieces of engineering and vision, yet never broke the market. Some cartridges are just too wild to make it to market, but they deserve their time in the limelight nonetheless. Chris and Dave share their top 8 obscure cartridges you've never heard of in this episode. Enjoy!
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458 SOCOM vs 556: Upping AR-15 Stopping Power
12/22/2022
458 SOCOM vs 556: Upping AR-15 Stopping Power
The standard AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO is truly America’s rifle and is a symbol of American ingenuity and freedom. Although the 5.56 NATO has proven itself in the jungles of Vietnam and deserts of Iraq, some gun owners wanted something more… They wanted more stopping power, better terminal ballistics, and a rifle cartridge that could be used for both home defense and big game hunting. The 458 SOCOM cartridge is the answer that these gun owners were looking for, as its heavier bullets can deliver bone-crushing kinetic energy that can stop feral hogs or whitetail in their tracks. However, is investing in a big bore 458 SOCOM upper receiver really worth it? Or is it better to stick with the AR-15 platform mainstay, the 5.56 NATO? The 458 SOCOM makes for an amazing hog hunting and self-defense cartridge as well as just being fun to shoot in an AR-15. However, the 5.56 NATO has been the gold-standard AR chambering since its release in the 60's. The 458 SOCOM really helps increase the stopping power of the AR platform but it does so at the cost of magazine capacity, range, and most of all, recoil. Ammo availability is also an issue for the SOCOM round as it is not a SAAMI certified cartridge and only custom ammo manufacturers make factory ammo for it. The 5.56 on the other hand is incredibly easy to find and is relatively inexpensive to shoot. In this podcast, Dave and Chris take a deep look into the 458 SOCOM and 5.56 NATO to determine what is best for your next AR-15.
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243 vs 270: Is 243 Enough For Deer?
12/20/2022
243 vs 270: Is 243 Enough For Deer?
If you’ve ever wanted to stir up a hornet’s nest, all you need to do is go onto any hunting forum and pose the question, “Which is better, 270 or 243?” Then just sit back and watch the fireworks like it’s the 4th of July. The 243 Winchester and 270 Winchester are two centerfire rifle cartridges that shooters predominantly use for varmint hunting or whitetail, antelope, or mule deer. Both hunting calibers are wildly successful and have their distinct advantages. The 270, with its heavier bullets, is particularly devastating against large game, while the 243 uses lighter projectiles that many deer hunters prefer for its low felt recoil and flat shooting tendencies. Both camps of hunters and marksmen staunchly defend their rifle caliber of choice, refusing to budge even an inch or entertain the possibility that the other cartridge has some merit. However, many novice hunters are dragged into the quandary of which deer cartridge will be best for their new hunting rifle. No matter which hunting cartridge you choose, there’s no doubt that the whitetail deer in your area will rue the day you go into the woods! I can promise that if you do your part, you will have good luck with either rifle cartridge. However, when selecting a caliber for your new bolt action rifle, it’s prudent to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.
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38 Special vs 357: Is 357 Too Powerful for Concealed Carry?
12/15/2022
38 Special vs 357: Is 357 Too Powerful for Concealed Carry?
If you quickly glance at 38 Special and 357 Magnum ammo, you might not notice any differences and think they were the same round. Although they are almost identical in their case dimensions, the 38 Special and 357 Magnum are extremely different. Both revolver rounds are superb choices for concealed carry and self-defense, as they were used by multiple law enforcement agencies well into the 1990s and have proven their efficacy on the streets time and time again. The 38 Special and 357 Magnum both came into existence under the same pretenses - Necessity. At the time, 38 Long Colt was ineffective at stopping Pilipino Morro warriors and could not penetrate their hardened wooden shields. The 38 Special was developed to take extra powder and punch through barriers more effectively. Fast forward to the Prohibition Era and the 357 Magnum was made to defeat early body armor and punch through the car doors of the time. The 357 Magnum packs quite a punch that can be hard to handle in a lightweight snubnose revolver. Some shooters describe the recoil in these firearms as painful which can limit your practice. However, 38 Special +P is an excellent alternative to 357 in these revolvers. Although each cartridge has its place, the 38 Special lends itself to concealed carry as the lower recoil helps when using a small revolver while the 357 Mag is a great option for home defense when handgun weight is less of an issue.
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50 Beowulf vs 50 BMG: Freedom Loves a 50 Cal
12/13/2022
50 Beowulf vs 50 BMG: Freedom Loves a 50 Cal
he 50 BMG and 50 Beowulf are two 50 caliber cartridges that are similar only in their bore diameter. The 50 Beowulf was made my Alexander Arms to increase the stopping power of the AR-15 while the 50 BMG was developed during WWI by John Moses Browning as an anti-material and anti-aircraft cartridge. The 50 BMG has claimed the top 3 longest sniper shot kills in history and can retain its lethality at nearly 2 miles. The 50 Beowulf on the other hand, is excellent at short-range combat and can be utilized to dispatch Bambi or herds of feral hogs that terrorize farms in the southern states. The 50 BMG and 50 Beowulf satisfy different shooting needs as the 50 Beo is excellent at short-range while the 50 BMG likes to shoot 1000 yards or more. Both are excellent 50-caliber cartridges and help ring in the deafening sound of freedom every time you pull the trigger. In this podcast, Dave and Chris take a deep dive into the land of the 50's and let freedom ring!
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