Rifle Ammo

Your Ultimate Guide to Rifle Ammo: Choosing the Right Caliber and Bullet Type for Every Shot

Are you a hunter asking, "What's the best rifle ammo for deer?" or a target shooter wondering, "Which .223 ammo provides the most accuracy?" Perhaps you're new to the world of long guns and need to understand the difference between 5.56 centerfire ammo and .308 rifle rounds. Navigating the vast array of rifle ammunition types, calibers, and bullet designs can feel overwhelming.

At DEGuns, we understand that finding the best rifle ammunition for your shooting needs is crucial for success and safety. That's why we stock a complete variety of rifle ammo for sale, designed for every purpose from plinking and varmint control to competitive shooting and big game hunting. We make it easy to refill your ammo boxes with high-quality rifle rounds, ensuring you're always ready for your next adventure.

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What Exactly is Rifle Ammunition and Why Do Calibers and Bullet Types Matter?

Rifle ammunition consists of a cartridge—a single, self-contained unit comprising a bullet (projectile), a casing (cartridge case), propellant (gunpowder), and a primer. Unlike handgun ammo, rifle rounds are engineered to handle much higher pressures and velocities, enabling greater range, accuracy, and stopping power for specific applications.

Choosing the right rifle caliber is your first step. This determines which rifle your ammo will fit. Then, selecting the correct bullet type within that caliber fine-tunes the performance for your specific goal, whether it's precision shooting, deep penetration for hunting, or rapid fragmentation for varmints.

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Understanding Popular Rifle Calibers and Their Best Uses

The world of rifle calibers is diverse, with each designed for a specific purpose. Knowing the strengths of different calibers will help you make an informed choice.

.22 LR Rifle Ammo: The Ultimate for Plinking and Varmints

What is .22 LR rifle ammo best for?
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is the most popular and widely produced ammunition in the world. It’s a rimfire cartridge, meaning its primer is located in the rim of the casing, not in the center. This small, low-recoil rifle ammo is incredibly versatile and cost-effective.

Why choose .22 LR rifle ammo?

• Affordability: .22 LR ammo is incredibly inexpensive, making it perfect for high-volume shooting sessions without breaking the bank. It's the king of cheap rifle ammo.
• Low Recoil: The minimal recoil makes it ideal for new shooters, youth, and extended practice sessions without fatigue.
• Accuracy: Despite its small size, .22 LR rifles can be surprisingly accurate, especially at short to medium ranges.
• Quiet Operation: Many .22 LR firearms can be effectively suppressed, making them very quiet for discreet shooting or sensitive areas.

Common uses for .22 LR rifle ammo:

• Target Shooting and Plinking: The go-to choice for casual backyard shooting, steel targets, and marksmanship practice.
• Varmint Hunting: Highly effective for small pests like squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs due to its precision and low cost.
• Training: An excellent platform for teaching new shooters firearm fundamentals before moving to larger calibers.

At DEGuns, you'll find a wide selection of .22 LR rifle ammo from brands like CCI, Federal, and Remington, ensuring reliable and affordable practice.

.223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO Rifle Ammo: Tactical, Sport, and Varmint Versatility

What's the difference between .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO rifle ammo?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. While .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges are dimensionally very similar, they are not identical.

• 5.56x45mm NATO is loaded to higher pressures than .223 Remington.
• 5.56 NATO chambers have slightly different dimensions, allowing them to safely handle the higher pressures.
• The Rule: You can safely fire .223 Remington ammo in a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO. However, you should NOT fire 5.56 NATO ammo in a rifle chambered only for .223 Remington, as this can lead to dangerous overpressure conditions. Many modern sporting rifles (like AR-15s) are chambered in 5.56 NATO or have a .223 Wylde chamber, which safely handles both.

Why are .223/5.56 rifle rounds so popular?

• Versatility: These calibers are incredibly versatile, used across military, law enforcement, sport shooting, and hunting applications.
• Moderate Recoil: They offer a relatively light recoil impulse, allowing for fast follow-up shots.
• High Velocity: The small, light bullets achieve high velocities, resulting in flat trajectories over common engagement distances.
• Ubiquity: Widely available from a vast number of manufacturers, making 223 ammo for sale easy to find.

Common uses for .223/5.56 rifle ammo:

• Tactical Shooting Situations: The standard for AR-15 platforms, used for training, drills, and defense.
• Sport Shooting: Popular in 3-Gun competitions, varmint hunting, and general target practice.
• Varmint Hunting: Excellent for small to medium-sized predators due to their flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance with certain bullet types.

DEGuns offers a robust selection of .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rifle ammo from top brands like Federal, Hornady, and Winchester, ensuring you get reliable performance for your AR-15 ammo needs.

.308 Winchester Rifle Ammo: Big Game Powerhouse

What is .308 rifle ammo best for?
The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular short-action rifle cartridges globally. It’s known for its excellent balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil, making it a favorite for big game hunters and tactical shooters alike.

Why choose .308 rifle ammo?

• Versatile Hunting: Highly effective for big game hunting across North America, including deer, elk, and bear at moderate ranges.
• Accuracy: Inherently accurate, making it a top choice for precision shooting, designated marksman rifles (DMRs), and tactical applications.
• Manageable Recoil: For its power, the .308 offers relatively manageable recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots compared to larger magnum calibers.
• Compact Platform: Its short-action design allows for lighter, more compact rifles.

Common uses for .308 Winchester rifle ammo:

• Big Game Hunting: A classic choice for deer, elk, and other medium to large game.
• Tactical/Law Enforcement: Used in sniper rifles and patrol carbines due to its accuracy and stopping power.
• Target Shooting: Popular in precision rifle competitions out to 800-1000 yards.

Find your ideal .308 rifle ammo at DEGuns, with options from leading manufacturers optimized for various hunting and shooting scenarios.

.30-06 Springfield Rifle Ammo: America's Classic Hunting Cartridge

Why is .30-06 rifle ammo a classic for hunting?
The .30-06 Springfield is an iconic American cartridge with a rich history, serving as the primary rifle cartridge for the U.S. military for over 50 years. It’s renowned for its power and versatility, making it a staple for hunters worldwide.

Why choose .30-06 rifle ammo?

• Exceptional Power: Capable of taking down virtually all North American big game, including moose, elk, and brown bear, with proper bullet selection.
• Versatile Bullet Weights: Can handle a wide range of bullet weights, from 110-grain varmint loads to heavy 220-grain dangerous game loads.
• Proven Track Record: Decades of use have proven its reliability and effectiveness in diverse hunting conditions.

Common uses for .30-06 Springfield rifle ammo:

• Big Game Hunting: An all-around excellent choice for nearly any North American big game animal.
• Long-Range Target Shooting: While often surpassed by newer calibers for extreme precision, it remains capable at extended ranges.
• Collector Firearms: Often chambered in historic military rifles like the M1 Garand.

DEGuns carries a robust selection of .30-06 rifle ammo to ensure you're well-equipped for your next hunt.

6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Ammo: The Modern Precision Darling

Why is 6.5 Creedmoor rifle ammo so popular for long-range shooting?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge, introduced in 2007, that quickly gained immense popularity for its exceptional long-range accuracy and mild recoil.

Why choose 6.5 Creedmoor rifle ammo?

• Superior Ballistics: Utilizes high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, which are more aerodynamic and resist wind drift better than many other calibers.
• Inherent Accuracy: Designed from the ground up for precision, making it incredibly accurate out to 1000 yards and beyond.
• Mild Recoil: Despite its long-range capabilities, it offers surprisingly light recoil, aiding in faster target reacquisition and more comfortable shooting sessions.
• Hunting Capability: Capable of ethical kills on medium-sized game like deer and antelope.

Common uses for 6.5 Creedmoor rifle ammo:

• Long-Range Precision Shooting: Dominates many precision rifle competitions.
• Hunting: Excellent for deer, pronghorn, and other medium game.
• Tactical/DMR: Increasingly adopted by military and law enforcement for its accuracy.

Find cutting-edge 6.5 Creedmoor rifle ammo at DEGuns, engineered for precision and performance.

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Understanding Rifle Bullet Types and Their Impact on Performance

Beyond caliber, the type of bullet used significantly affects how a rifle round performs. Knowing these differences helps you choose the right rifle ammunition for accuracy, penetration, or expansion upon impact.

1. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Rifle Bullets: The Training Standard

What are FMJ rifle bullets used for?
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rifle bullets feature a lead core completely enclosed by a harder metal jacket (usually copper). The jacket covers the entire bullet, except sometimes for a small portion of the base.

Why use FMJ rifle ammo?

• Cost-Effective: Often the most affordable rifle ammo, making it ideal for high-volume practice.
• Range Use: Designed to minimize bullet deformation upon impact, leading to clean holes in paper targets and less wear on steel targets.
• Reliable Feeding: The smooth, consistent profile aids in reliable feeding in semi-automatic rifles.
• Reduced Barrel Fouling: The jacket helps prevent lead buildup in the barrel.

Common uses for FMJ rifle ammo:

• Target Practice: The primary use for casual shooting and honing skills.
• Training: Essential for drills and familiarization with your rifle.
• Plinking: Affordable fun at the range.

2. Soft Point (SP) Rifle Bullets: Controlled Expansion for Hunting

What is Soft Point (SP) rifle ammo best for?
Soft Point (SP) rifle bullets have an exposed lead tip at the bullet's nose, with the rest of the core encased in a metal jacket. This exposed lead allows for controlled expansion upon impact with soft tissue.

Why use SP rifle ammo for hunting?

• Controlled Expansion: The soft lead nose deforms and expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy to the target.
• Good Penetration: The jacketed base helps the bullet maintain integrity and penetrate deep enough to reach vital organs in game animals.
• Versatile Hunting: A popular and effective choice for a wide range of big game hunting scenarios.

Common uses for SP rifle ammo:

• Big Game Hunting: Excellent for deer, elk, bear, and other medium to large game where controlled expansion and deep penetration are desired.

3. Hollow Point (HP) Rifle Bullets: Specialized for Expansion and Accuracy

Are hollow point rifle bullets different from handgun hollow points?
Yes. While both expand, Hollow Point (HP) rifle bullets are often designed differently than handgun hollow points. Many rifle HP bullets are actually designed for accuracy (e.g., MatchKing types), where the hollow point is a manufacturing byproduct that creates a more consistent bullet base, improving ballistic coefficient. Other HP rifle bullets are designed for expansion.

Why use HP rifle ammo?

• Controlled Expansion (Hunting): Specific hunting-designed hollow points (e.g., V-Max, A-Max from Hornady, or Nosler Ballistic Tip) are designed for rapid, often violent, expansion, making them devastating for varmints and appropriate for some medium game.
• Superior Accuracy (Target/Match): Open-tip match (OTM) or hollow-point boat-tail (HPBT) bullets are renowned for their aerodynamic efficiency and precision, favored in long-range target shooting. The hollow point itself is often tiny and serves to make the bullet more consistent.

Common uses for HP rifle ammo:

• Varmint Hunting: Highly effective for small, fragile targets where rapid expansion is desired to prevent ricochet.
• Long-Range Target Shooting/Competition: Open-tip match designs are staples for competitive shooters demanding the utmost accuracy.
• Medium Game Hunting: Certain heavier, bonded hollow point designs can be effective for deer and similar game.

4. Boat Tail (BT) Rifle Bullets: Enhancing Long-Range Performance

What is a Boat Tail (BT) rifle bullet?
A Boat Tail (BT) rifle bullet refers to the shape of the bullet's base, which tapers inwards towards the rear, resembling the stern of a boat. This design contrasts with a flat-base bullet, which has a blunt, cylindrical base.

Why are Boat Tail bullets important for rifles?

• Improved Aerodynamics: The tapered base reduces drag as the bullet flies through the air, especially at longer ranges. This helps the bullet maintain its velocity and reduces wind deflection.
• Enhanced Stability: The aerodynamic shape contributes to greater stability in flight, leading to better accuracy over extended distances.
• Reduced Drop: By maintaining velocity more effectively, boat tail bullets experience less bullet drop at long ranges compared to flat-base designs of similar weight.

Common uses for Boat Tail rifle ammo:

• Long-Range Shooting: Essential for precision rifle matches and hitting distant targets accurately.
• Hunting at Range: Hunters taking shots at extended distances benefit from the flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.
• Competitive Shooting: Widely used by precision rifle competitors for its superior ballistic performance.

Many rifle bullet types designed for long-range performance, such as MatchKing or A-Max, often incorporate a boat tail design.

5. Lead Projectile (LP) / Cast Lead Rifle Bullets: Traditional and Cost-Effective

What are Lead Projectile (LP) or cast lead rifle bullets?
Lead Projectile (LP) or cast lead bullets are simply bullets made entirely or primarily of lead, without a full metal jacket. They may have a wax or polymer coating to reduce leading in the barrel.

Why use LP rifle ammo?

• Affordability: Often very inexpensive, especially if hand-cast by reloaders.
• Reduced Barrel Wear: Softer than jacketed bullets, they can be gentler on older barrels.
• Subsonic Loads: Ideal for suppressed rifle shooting as they can be easily loaded to subsonic velocities, minimizing the sound signature.

Common uses for LP rifle ammo:

• Plinking and Casual Shooting: Especially popular in rimfire calibers like .22 LR rifle ammo.
• Cowboy Action Shooting: Many traditional calibers for lever-action rifles use cast lead bullets.
• Reloading: A common choice for those who hand-load their own ammunition.

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Rifle Ammunition Lifespan and Proper Storage

How long does rifle ammo last?
Like handgun ammo, modern rifle ammunition is designed for impressive longevity. Properly stored, rifle rounds can easily last over a decade, and often much longer (30-40+ years has been documented for well-preserved ammo).

How to properly store rifle ammo to maximize its lifespan:

• Cool, Dry Place: Store in a stable environment away from extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool, dark closet or an ammunition safe is ideal.
• Low Humidity: Humidity is the enemy of ammunition. Use desiccant packs in sealed ammo boxes or airtight containers to absorb moisture.
• Original Packaging: Keeping ammo in its original boxes provides some protection and easy organization.
• Away from Chemicals: Avoid storing near solvents, oils, or other chemicals that could degrade the brass casings or primers.

Proper rifle ammo storage solutions are a wise investment for any shooter.

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Buying Rifle Ammo Online: Convenience and Compliance with DEGuns

The convenience of purchasing rifle ammunition online has made it easier than ever to keep your ammo boxes full, but understanding the legalities is key.

Can I buy rifle ammo online?
Yes, you can absolutely buy rifle ammo online! In most cases, you do not need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to purchase ammunition. You can buy rifle rounds and have them shipped directly to your residential address, depending on your state and local laws.

Important considerations before buying rifle ammo online:

• Check Local and State Laws: Before making any purchase, it's absolutely crucial to check your local and state laws to confirm that rifle ammunition can be shipped to your specific address. Some states (like California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, etc.) have specific restrictions on online ammo sales, requiring it to be shipped to an FFL or requiring a permit.
• State-Specific Taxes: Be aware that state-specific armament taxes or other fees may apply at checkout during your ammunition purchase.

Reputable online retailers, like Deguns.net, facilitate this process by often accounting for applicable laws and taxes at checkout. This ensures a compliant and straightforward purchasing experience, allowing you to get the rifle ammunition you need conveniently and legally, helping you find that perfect rifle ammo for sale.

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Popular Rifle Ammo Brands Carried by DEGuns

When it comes to rifle ammo brand selection, DEGuns offers an unparalleled choice from the industry's most trusted manufacturers. We strive to bring you reliable performance and value across all rifle calibers and bullet types.

Some of the best-selling and most trusted rifle ammo brands we carry include:

• Federal Ammunition: A leading name, offering a vast array of rifle ammo for everything from precision target shooting (Gold Medal Match) to hunting (Fusion, Power-Shok).
• Hornady Ammunition: Known for its innovative bullet designs (ELDM, V-Max, SST, CX) that deliver exceptional accuracy and terminal performance for both hunting and long-range shooting.
• Winchester Ammunition: An iconic American brand with a long history, providing reliable rifle ammo for hunting, target, and plinking needs across many calibers.
• Remington Ammunition: Another historic manufacturer, offering dependable rifle rounds for hunters and shooters.
• PMC Ammunition: Provides reliable and often affordable rifle ammo, popular for training and range use.
• Wolf Ammunition: Known for its steel-cased rifle ammo, offering a cost-effective option for high-volume shooting.
• Fiocchi Ammunition: Offers a wide range of high-quality rifle ammo, including sporting and hunting loads.
• CCI Ammunition: Particularly dominant in .22 LR rifle ammo, known for its reliability and consistency in rimfire cartridges.

When it’s time to fill your rifle ammo boxes with .22 LR, .223/5.56, .308, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, or any other rifle caliber you’re looking for, be sure to check out our rifle ammo for sale first. We always carry a massive inventory of rifle bullet types and calibers to ensure you get high-quality rifle ammunition precisely when you need it for your next range session or hunt.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Rifle Ammunition

Selecting the right rifle ammo is a critical decision that impacts your shooting experience, safety, and effectiveness. By understanding the nuances of different rifle calibers and bullet types, you can confidently choose ammunition that perfectly matches your rifle and your intended purpose, whether it's precision competition, ethical hunting, or reliable tactical performance.

At DEGuns, we're here to support your journey. Explore our comprehensive selection of rifle ammo for sale and equip yourself for success.

What kind of shooting are you planning next?