Ammunition boxes and cartridges
A half-full box of ammo sitting out on the bench gets ignored until you are heading out the door to the range and you realize it is almost empty. There’s a dent in the cardboard flap, a hole in the plastic tray, and your local store might only carry ammo brands you haven’t shot before. Getting that caliber you have already tried online can eliminate the hassle of running around town, as long as you verify the label, the size of the package, the shipping time, and any special requirements before completing your purchase.
Find the Label You Want
If you are shooting a standard 9mm pistol for target practice, the easiest thing to start from is the empty box you left on the bench in the range bag. You want to read the entire label, not just the large caliber letters on the top of the box. Look at what kind of bullet is inside and its weight, whether it is a full metal jacket, and Britannica is the least fluffy write-up I’ve seen at www.britannica.com/technology, and whether it has worked well in your pistol. A used carton with a torn corner can give you all of that information.
The size of the box is also important. Sometimes a smaller box is sufficient for test-firing your handgun after cleaning it, while a full case will work better if you shoot regularly. Figure out how many rounds are in each box and compare that to what you typically shoot in a session. Don’t end up buying a bunch of different boxes because they are available.
Before you buy, make sure there is nothing left in your ammo safe. A handful of stray cartridges bouncing around next to your cleaning rod probably means you should have ordered more sooner.
.223 Rem vs 5.56 NATO on Your AR
Rifle and handgun ammunition
If you own an AR platform rifle, you might see both .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO available while ordering ammo to refill your stock. In this case, the markings on the barrel of your gun are the most important information to have on hand. Usually you’ll find them near the muzzle or under a coating of oil on the receiver. Make sure your ammo matches your chamber and consult your manufacturer’s instructions if you have any doubts about what your barrel is chambered for.
It is very easy to miss the difference between two listings that look nearly identical. Both product pictures could be of identical brass-cased bullets arranged neatly in a pile. Look at the specific caliber and bullet description before clicking add to cart. There are a lot of loads out there that will fit in a certain caliber, but they are designed for completely different uses. Practice, hunting, and duty ammo can all come in the same family but be very different types of ammo – more on Shop AmmoMan.com if you want that route.
Have the old carton sitting next to your computer while you search. It’s the simplest way to make sure you get the right ammo before opening the shipping box on your doorstep.
Order With the Calendar in Mind
If you have already marked a date on your wall calendar next to the fridge, it is harder to find time for a run to the store to get more ammo. If you already know which .308 Win load or 12 gauge shell you are going to need, the easiest way to stay on schedule is to order that same ammo ahead of time. It is easier to get that load than to grab the closest thing to it on a dusty shelf.
Make sure to have these details ready before you order:
- Specific caliber or gauge and full description of the load
- Size of the box, and whether you are buying a box or case
- Shipping lead time
- Any state or local restrictions on the ammo or delivery
If you don’t have plenty of time before your trip, make sure you are allowing for at least 7 days from the time you place the order. This becomes even more important if you need a signature upon receipt or if the shipping company can’t deliver on the day you were expecting. The shipping confirmation email is helpful, but it doesn’t help if you didn’t think to look at the date on your calendar.
Prepping for Reordering Online
Restocking ammunition online becomes much easier when you repeat the process every time. Start by opening your ammo safe, reading the labels on any remaining boxes, and writing down the exact ammo you need before browsing online stores. Check any state or local regulations and confirm delivery eligibility as early as possible, since those policies can change and you won’t be able to correct your mistake after you pay. Keep the old carton until the new box has arrived and you’ve verified that it is right for your firearm and intended use. Then put the new ammo away, recycle the empty packaging, and update your calendar.