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Rifle Cartridges

Rimfire ammunition

Bullets used in rifle cartridges come in various designs, sizes, and weights.

  • It’s critical to select the correct cartridge for your rifle. Carefully compare the barrel stamp on the firearm against the description on the ammunition box and the stamp on each cartridge.
  • The bullet usually is made of lead and may have a jacket made of copper, brass, or another metal. Bullets used for target shooting usually have solid points that make smaller holes.

Common Types of Rifle Bullets

  • Pointed Soft Point: High velocity, accurate bullets with a flat travel path (trajectory); excellent mushrooming
  • Rounded Soft Point: Popular for low-velocity calibers; recommended for tubular magazines
  • Protected Tip: Highly accurate with excellent expansion
  • Full Metal Jacket: Maximum penetration without mushrooming
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