Ballistics & Ammunition Guide

Comprehensive information on popular ammunition calibers, ballistics data, and educational resources.

Jump to: Popular Handgun Calibers Popular Rifle Calibers Shotgun Gauges External Resources

Popular Handgun Calibers

9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum)

The most popular handgun cartridge worldwide. Excellent balance of stopping power, capacity, and manageable recoil.

Velocity:
1,100-1,400 fps

Energy:
320-400 ft-lbs

Weights: 115gr 124gr 147gr

Uses: Self-Defense Law Enforcement Target Shooting

NATO standard. Available in FMJ, JHP, +P, and subsonic varieties.

.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

Iconic American cartridge known for heavy bullets and subsonic velocities. Excellent stopping power.

Velocity:
830-1,050 fps

Energy:
350-450 ft-lbs

Weights: 185gr 200gr 230gr

Uses: Self-Defense 1911 Enthusiasts Suppressed Shooting

Naturally subsonic with 230gr loads. Popular in 1911-style pistols.

.40 S&W

Developed for law enforcement as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP. Good stopping power with moderate capacity.

Velocity:
950-1,200 fps

Energy:
380-500 ft-lbs

Weights: 155gr 165gr 180gr

Uses: Law Enforcement Self-Defense Target Shooting

Popular FBI and law enforcement cartridge. Higher recoil than 9mm.

.380 ACP (9mm Short)

Compact defensive round ideal for pocket pistols and concealed carry. Lower recoil makes it easier to shoot.

Velocity:
900-1,000 fps

Energy:
170-220 ft-lbs

Weights: 85gr 90gr 95gr

Uses: Concealed Carry Backup Guns New Shooters

Popular in compact and subcompact pistols. Less power than 9mm.

.357 Magnum

Powerful revolver cartridge with excellent stopping power. Can also fire .38 Special ammunition.

Velocity:
1,200-1,500 fps

Energy:
500-600 ft-lbs

Weights: 125gr 140gr 158gr

Uses: Self-Defense Hunting Trail Gun

Versatile cartridge. Revolvers chambered in .357 Mag can also fire .38 Special.

.38 Special

Classic revolver cartridge with over a century of service. Manageable recoil and widely available.

Velocity:
770-1,000 fps

Energy:
200-280 ft-lbs

Weights: 110gr 125gr 158gr

Uses: Self-Defense Target Shooting New Shooters

Available in standard and +P loadings. Great for snub-nose revolvers.

10mm Auto

Powerful semi-auto cartridge originally developed for FBI. Excellent for hunting and bear defense.

Velocity:
1,100-1,400 fps

Energy:
500-750 ft-lbs

Weights: 155gr 180gr 200gr

Uses: Hunting Bear Defense Self-Defense

Most powerful mainstream semi-auto pistol cartridge. Significant recoil.

Popular Rifle Calibers

5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington

Standard military and AR-15 cartridge. High velocity, low recoil, excellent for varmint hunting and home defense.

Velocity:
2,800-3,300 fps

Energy:
1,200-1,400 ft-lbs

Weights: 55gr 62gr 77gr

Uses: AR-15 Platform Home Defense Varmint Hunting

5.56 NATO has higher pressure than .223 Rem. Check your rifle's chamber.

.308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO

Versatile medium-range cartridge excellent for hunting and precision shooting. Military standard.

Velocity:
2,600-2,900 fps

Energy:
2,500-2,800 ft-lbs

Weights: 147gr 168gr 175gr 180gr

Uses: Hunting Precision Rifle Military/LE

Excellent accuracy. Popular in bolt-action and semi-auto rifles.

.30-06 Springfield

Classic American hunting cartridge with over a century of proven performance. Extremely versatile.

Velocity:
2,500-2,900 fps

Energy:
2,700-3,000 ft-lbs

Weights: 150gr 165gr 180gr 220gr

Uses: Big Game Hunting Target Shooting Long Range

Can take any North American game. Vast selection of bullet weights.

.300 Blackout (7.62x35mm)

Designed for suppressed AR-15 use. Excellent supersonic and subsonic performance from short barrels.

Velocity:
Supersonic: 2,200 fps / Subsonic: 1,000 fps

Energy:
1,300-1,500 ft-lbs (supersonic)

Weights: 110gr 125gr 220gr

Uses: Suppressed Shooting Home Defense Hunting

Uses standard AR-15 magazines and bolt. Only change barrel. DO NOT MIX WITH 5.56!

6.5 Creedmoor

Modern precision cartridge with exceptional long-range ballistics. Low recoil with high BC bullets.

Velocity:
2,700-2,900 fps

Energy:
2,200-2,500 ft-lbs

Weights: 120gr 140gr 147gr

Uses: Precision Rifle Long Range Competition Hunting

Excellent ballistic coefficient. Less recoil than .308 with better long-range performance.

.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)

The most popular cartridge in the world. Excellent for training, small game, and plinking.

Velocity:
1,000-1,400 fps

Energy:
100-140 ft-lbs

Weights: 36gr 38gr 40gr

Uses: Training Small Game Plinking

Rimfire cartridge. Available in standard velocity, high velocity, and subsonic.

7.62x39mm

Soviet/Russian military cartridge used in AK-47 and SKS rifles. Reliable intermediate cartridge.

Velocity:
2,300-2,400 fps

Energy:
1,500-1,600 ft-lbs

Weights: 122gr 123gr 154gr

Uses: AK Platform Hunting Target Shooting

Effective to 300 yards. Known for reliability in adverse conditions.

Shotgun Gauges

12 Gauge

The most popular shotgun gauge. Extremely versatile with wide ammunition selection.

Velocity:
1,100-1,600 fps

Energy:
Varies by load

Weights: Various shot sizes 1 oz - 1.5 oz loads

Uses: Home Defense Hunting Sporting Clays

Available in 2.75", 3", and 3.5" lengths. Widest selection of specialty loads.

20 Gauge

Lighter alternative to 12 gauge with less recoil. Great for smaller-framed shooters and youth.

Velocity:
1,100-1,400 fps

Energy:
Varies by load

Weights: Various shot sizes 7/8 oz - 1.25 oz loads

Uses: Hunting Home Defense Youth Shooters

Approximately 25% less recoil than 12 gauge. Excellent for all-day hunts.

.410 Bore

Smallest common shotgun gauge. Very low recoil, ideal for beginners and small game.

Velocity:
1,100-1,300 fps

Energy:
Varies by load

Weights: Various shot sizes 1/2 oz - 11/16 oz loads

Uses: Youth Shooters Small Game Snake Shot

Actually a caliber (.410"), not a gauge. Popular in defensive revolvers.

External Ballistics Resources

Calculators

Federal Premium Ballistics Calculator
Interactive ballistics calculator from Federal Premium Ammunition
Hornady Ballistic Calculator
Calculate trajectory, wind drift, and energy for Hornady ammunition
Shooter Calculator
Free online ballistics calculator with trajectory tables

Data

Ballistics by the Inch
Real-world velocity testing from different barrel lengths
Lucky Gunner Ammo Ballistics Tests
Extensive gel testing and ballistics data for defensive ammunition

Standards

Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI)
Official specifications and standards for ammunition

Education

Ammunition Depot - Caliber Guides
Detailed guides on various ammunition calibers

Software

Applied Ballistics
Advanced ballistics software and data for long-range shooting

Common Ammunition Types

Type	Abbr.	Description	Best For
Full Metal Jacket	FMJ	Lead core with copper jacket. Does not expand.	Training, Target Practice
Jacketed Hollow Point	JHP	Hollow cavity expands on impact.	Self-Defense, Law Enforcement
Soft Point	SP	Exposed lead tip, controlled expansion.	Hunting
Ballistic Tip	BT	Polymer tip over hollow point.	Hunting, Long Range
+P Ammunition	+P	Higher pressure for increased velocity.	Self-Defense (check rating)
Frangible	-	Disintegrates on hard surfaces.	Indoor Ranges, Steel Targets

Ballistics Terminology

Velocity (fps)

Speed of bullet travel. Higher = flatter trajectory.

Energy (ft-lbs)

Kinetic energy. Higher = greater stopping power.

Grain (gr)

Bullet weight unit. 7,000 grains = 1 pound.

Ballistic Coefficient

Air resistance rating. Higher = better long-range.

Safety Warning: Always verify ammunition compatibility with your firearm. Using incorrect ammunition can cause catastrophic failure. Consult your firearm's manual.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Ballistics data varies based on barrel length, manufacturer, and conditions. Refer to manufacturer specifications.