Handgun Cartridges
Photo by Federal Ammunition
Bullets used in handgun cartridges come in various designs, sizes and weights.
- It’s critical to select the correct cartridge for your handgun. 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 Handgun Bullets
- Roundnose Lead: Good penetration, little expansion
- Full Metal Jacket: High penetration, no expansion
- Semi-Wad Cutter: Balances penetration and expansion
- Hollowpoint: Designed for high expansion on impact
- Wad Cutter: Flat-ended, used for target shooting; creates clean hole in paper
