Practice ammo (aka range ammo, target ammo, or training ammo) is specifically designed for practice and recreational shooting at ranges and can’t be used for live targets. Unlike hunting ammo, built to maximize terminal performance (lethality) on game or defense ammo, designed to stop an attacker (not kill – an important distinction), target ammo simply needs to be cheap and consistent. You might have heard of match grade ammo, too. It’s a type of target ammo designed for precision shooting at long distances.
Now that we’ve defined these types of ammunition by their purpose, let’s explore the specifics of range practice ammo a bit further.
Important Ammo Terms, Explained
Caliber, Cartridge, Bullet
“Caliber” refers to the diameter of a bullet or the bore diameter of a gun and can be expressed in either metric or imperial measurements. For example, 9mm ammo uses a bullet that is 9mm (0.355 inches) in diameter while .22 ammo uses a bullet that measures .22 inches in diameter.
The term “cartridge” is more specific than “caliber” and describes the complete unit of ammunition, providing additional specifics. For instance, there are several types of .22 cartridges, such as .22 Short Rifle, .22 Long Rifle, and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire; while they all share the same bullet diameter, they differ in dimensions and performance.
“Bullet” is the projectile that flies from the gun and a part of the cartridge (round).
These terms primarily apply to rifle and handgun ammunition, while shotguns have their own terminology.
Bullet Weight
Bullets are measured in grains (gr), and their weight affects performance like recoil, velocity, and terminal ballistics. Heavier bullets hit harder, making them more effective for self-defense and hunting, but they also generate more recoil; lighter bullets fly farther and faster and have flatter trajectories.
For target practice and range training, you may either choose the cheapest ammo (take the 9mm ammo: the cheapest is usually the lightest of the standard loads – 115gr) or opt for a bullet weight similar to your carry ammo to mimic the same recoil and train recoil management.
Muzzle Velocity
Velocity is indicated in feet per second (fps), which measures how fast the bullet travels when it leaves the muzzle.
As for range ammo, some indoor ranges may ban ammunition whose muzzle velocity exceeds a certain limit. Usually, such limits apply to rifles.
Bullet Types: FMJ, Hollow Point, and others
Here’s where things get interesting. You now know that ammo rounds within the same caliber can have bullets of different weights. For example, a 9mm Luger might have bullets weighing 115gr, 124gr, or 147gr. The weight, or grain, of the bullet affects how it performs downrange, including its impact and trajectory.
But that’s not all—bullets also come in different designs, each serving a specific purpose like range shooting, precision competitions, hunting, or defense.
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
FMJ rounds have bullets coated with brass that completely covers the tip and most of the inner lead core. This impacts two things:
- FMJ bullets fly straight and far due to their aerodynamic design;
- The jacket prevents the bullet from fragmenting on impact, causing it to pass through multiple obstructions without losing much energy.
So, what does this mean for you? FMJ are perfect range training ammo. They’re cheaper than other designs because they’re easier to make, and they can’t be used for pretty much anything else—at least in civilian life. The military uses FMJ rounds for their consistency, reliability in automatic weapons, and ability to penetrate certain barriers.
TMJ (Total Metal Jacket)
TMJ and FMJ bullets are a lot alike. The main difference is that TMJ bullets are completely covered in brass, while FMJs have a bit of exposed lead at the base. In everyday use, there’s not much difference between them. Basically, TMJ exists to comply with certain regulations. If you happen to find TMJ rounds cheaper than FMJs, go ahead and snag them for your range practice – they’ll work just fine as target ammo.
JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point)
Alongside FMJ rounds, hollow points are some of the most popular bullets for handguns today. Unlike FMJs, hollow-point bullets have exposed lead tips with a hollow cavity in the middle of the bullet. As the hollow point strikes its target, it begins to fragment immediately, slowing its penetration and transferring the majority of its energy directly onto its target. This expansion creates a wider wound, causing more damage and bleeding. Plus, hollow points usually stay inside the target rather than passing through, unlike FMJ rounds. This makes them great for self-defense, as they offer maximum stopping power at close range without the risk of going through the target and potentially harming bystanders.
Usually, JHP rounds are only for carry, and you’ll rarely see them used at the range. However, you can practice with your carry hollow points to get a feel for their recoil and work on clearing malfunctions (since these happen more frequently with JHPs due to their design). It’s also a good idea to test out a new ammo brand or design you haven’t shot before.
OTM (Open Tip Match) and BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point)
Both open-tip and BTHP bullets are found in rifle ammunition and have a small cavity on the tip, which, however, isn’t built to cause the bullet to expand on impact but rather improve its ballistic coefficient to achieve better long-range accuracy. So while BTHP rounds are technically “hollow point,” they do not perform as JHP pistol ammunition designed for defense. The “boat tail” part means the bullet is tapered at the back instead of having a flat base.
Basically, both OTM and BTHP are match-grade ammunition built for long-range performance, so you’ll find they cost more than regular FMJ. But if you’re looking to boost your accuracy at the outdoor range, they’re definitely worth considering.
Plastic Tipped
Plastic-tipped bullets, mostly seen in rifle ammunition, are hollow-point bullets with a nose cone made of polymer. This plastic tip serves two purposes – it improves aerodynamics and causes the bullet to mushroom on impact. It means this ammo is used for hunting. When searching for bullets for sale, you may also find ammunition and bullets named “Ballistic Tip” – this is Nosler’s trademark for plastic-tipped bullets.
Handgun ammunition with plastic-tipped bullets also exists but features a more rounded tip intended to improve ammo feeding in guns that might jam with standard hollow points.
Other Types of Bullets
Soft Point (SP): Soft point bullets have a lead tip exposed at the front, which allows the ballistics of FMJ and expansion of HP. Nowadays, HP and plastic-tip bullets have surpassed SP in performance.
Lead Round Nose (LRN): Lead round nose bullets have a rounded tip and are made entirely of lead, meaning they don’t have a brass jacket. Generally, LRN bullets are used in revolver and rifle ammunition, such as .22LR, .38 Spl, and others. While having several disadvantages, such as more fouling, less-than-ideal expansion, and toxic gasses, LRN ammunition is good for target shooting and range practice. Lacking a brittle brass jacket, LRN is less likely to cause splash-back when hitting a steel target. Plus lead ammo is cheaper.
Wadcutter: With their flat-ended design, wadcutter bullets are perfect for target shooting, especially in competitions. Their shape ensures clean, round holes in paper targets.
Green tip: Green-tipped bullets are used in 5.56 NATO ammo, and while many believe that these rounds are armor-piercing, it’s not true. Actually, you can easily get a box of green-tip 5.56 ammo right at our store. Green tip 5.56 ammo (the M855) isn’t labeled as armor-piercing because of how it’s made – it has a lead core with a small steel tip. Armor-piercing bullets usually have a core made entirely of tough metals like tungsten or hardened steel to break through strong barriers. The M855’s steel tip helps with better penetration and range, but most of its core is still lead, which is why it doesn’t count as armor-piercing under ATF rules.
Frangible bullets are made from compressed powdered metal, which means when they hit a steel target, they break apart into dust instead of bouncing off. These are perfect for safely shooting steel targets up close.
+P Ammo
+P is usually defense hollow point ammo loaded to a higher pressure than standard ammo. This means increased velocity and energy. To use +P ammo, you must ensure your firearm is rated for +P ammunition to avoid potential damage or injury.
Supersonic & Subsonic Ammo
Ammo can be either subsonic or supersonic, depending on whether it travels slower or faster than the speed of sound. Subsonic ammo is quieter and pairs well with suppressors since it doesn’t break the sound barrier. On the other hand, supersonic ammo travels faster, providing more power but also producing a loud sonic crack.
Subsonics are great range rounds not only for those shooting suppressed firearms. Even in a non-suppressed gun, it usually generates milder recoil, feeling more like a push than a sharp kick. (Note: not all calibers are suited for subsonic use.)
Let’s talk about 9mm range ammo here. Most subsonic 9mm rounds use 147gr bullets that are heavier and slower. And we’ve already mentioned that heavier bullets usually generate more recoil. So how are heavier bullets easier to shoot?
The thing is bullet weight isn’t the only factor that impacts recoil. Subsonic ammo typically uses less powder, resulting in lower energy and velocity. Plus, heavy 9mm bullets take longer to exit the muzzle, spreading the recoil over a slightly longer period. These factors combined can make shooting 9mm subsonic ammo more comfortable, even without a suppressor.
If you train to improve recoil control and accuracy with your self-defense pistol accurately, pick training ammo that mimics the recoil of your carry ammo.
Ammo & Bullets Prohibited at Shooting Ranges
When you’re heading to the shooting range, it’s good to know that some kinds of ammo might be off-limits due to safety concerns and the potential damage they can cause to the facilities.
While FMJ ammo is commonly used for practice, some ranges won’t allow them due to the possibility of excessive ricochet and wear on backstops. But not at GRITR Range—we’re equipped with advanced ballistic bullet traps and we welcome FMJ ammo.
Many ranges, whether indoor or outdoor, typically ban steel core ammo since it can damage range infrastructure and might spark when hitting backstops, creating a fire risk. Steel case ammo might also be on the banned list because it can’t be reloaded, which means it can’t be resold to handloaders. In contrast, brass cases are reloadable.
Shotshells are often banned at indoor ranges, although some may permit the slugs.
What Is Considered the Best Range Ammo for Practice
When shopping for the best practice ammo for range, keep in mind the following.
Ammo price is a primary consideration, making TMJ, LRN, and, of course, FMJ ammo ideal practice rounds due to their low cost.
Also, consider the bullet weight. For self-defense practice with FMJ, consider a load that closely matches the recoil of your defensive ammo.
But if you’re not focused on recoil control, try range ammo labeled subsonic, even if you shoot a non-suppressed firearm – these rounds can make shooting feel a bit smoother.
Consistency is crucial, so sticking with factory-loaded ammo ensures reliable performance.
Choosing the Right Target Training Ammo: 9mm, 22LR, 5.56
9mm Training Ammo
The 9mm Luger is the go-to pistol cartridge for many, thanks to its perfect balance and being the most affordable centerfire pistol caliber out there.
Among the various bullet weights, the most common for range training is 9mm 124gr, which strikes a balance between recoil management and performance. For those using suppressed firearms, the 9mm 147gr load is preferred for its subsonic characteristics. But if you’re just looking for the cheapest 9mm rounds, the 115-grain rounds are a solid choice for practice.
By the way, if you’re unsure which is the right 9mm defense load, consider the 147gr. It has more material to deform on impact, causing a larger wound cavity, and is unlikely to over-penetrate.
Best 9mm Luger (aka Parabellum) Range Ammo:
- CCI Blazer Brass 115gr
- CCI Speer Lawman 147gr
- Sellier & Bellot 9mm 115gr, 124gr
- Winchester White Box 115gr
- Norma Range & Training 115gr
- Magtech 9mm 115gr, 124gr, 147gr
- Federal Champion Training 115gr
- Federal American Eagle 70gr
- Federal Synthetic Action Pistol 150gr
- Fiocchi 9mm 147gr
- Speer Gold Dot 124gr
- PMC Bronze 115gr
.22LR Target Ammo
The .22LR caliber is known for being the cheapest caliber. Along with that, it’s the weakest, the quietest, and the least recoiling. You can easily see why it’s a go-to for training and practice, even for seasoned shooters.
When choosing .22LR ammo for plinking and casual practice, consider brands that manufacture cleaner-burning options, as .22LR rounds are waxy and leave more fouling in rifles and handguns.
If you’re preparing for competitions, opt for match-grade .22LR long range ammunition from reputable manufacturers, as it provides the consistency and accuracy needed for competitive shooting. Although premium options like Eley Tenex exist for serious marksmen seeking top-tier performance, most folks will do just fine with more budget-friendly alternatives.
As for ammo types, you can choose between .22LR lead standard velocity rounds or copper-washed rounds, which are known for reducing direct lead exposure. There’s a lively debate on gun forums about which type causes less wear on firearms. It might make sense to try out different brands, velocities, and materials to see what works best for you.
Best .22 LR Range Ammo
- CCI Standard Velocity 40gr
- Federal Champion 36gr
- Remington Thunderbolt 40gr
- Winchester Super Suppressed 45gr
Best .22 LR Competition Ammo
- CCI Standard Velocity
- SK Standard Plus
- SK Rifle Match
- Federal Gold Medal Target
- Federal Gold Medal Match
- PMC Match Rifle
- Eley Tenex
- Aguila Target Competition
- PMC Match Rifle
- Wolf .22lr Target
- Lapua Center X
- Lapua Midas
5.56 Range Ammo
The 5.56 NATO is the cartridge AR-15 rifles are chambered for.
Among the various bullet weights available, the two most common for range practice are 55 grains (M193) and 62 grains (M855). Many shooters prefer the 55-grain load due to its lighter recoil and flatter trajectory, making it easier to manage, especially for beginners. The 62-grain option is often chosen for its enhanced performance in terms of ballistic stability at longer distances.
There’s also a 77-grain variant out there, which is usually reserved for precision shooting.
Most of the 5.56 NATO ammunition available are FMJ or match-grade BTHP. If you’re looking for expandable 5.56 ammo, you need the .223 Remington caliber. The two cartridges are almost identical. However, never fire 5.56 out of a rifle marked for .223 only, as the former is loaded for slightly higher pressure.
Best 5.56 Range Ammo
- Winchester 5.56 55gr
- Winchester M855 Green Tip 62gr
- PMC X-Tac Green Tip 62gr