Welcome, fellow second amendment enthusiasts, to another KIR Ammo blog. As a leading online retailer of high-quality ammunition, we know a thing or two about what makes a successful day at the shooting range. We want to help you have an enjoyable and safe time, so we’ve put together this guide with essential tips for handling ammunition at the range.
Know Your Ammo: No Surprises at the Range
Before you hit the range, make sure you’re familiar with the types of ammunition you’ll be using. Indoor ranges tend to be better for handgun and small rifles. Some ranges have restrictions on the ammo they allow, usually due to safety considerations or local regulations. Commonly banned ammo types include tracers, armor-piercing rounds, and incendiary ammunition. Whatever you do, don’t go shooting any Dragon’s Breath Incendiary shells indoors! If you’re unsure whether your ammunition is suitable, always check with the range officer.
Picking Up Brass: More Than Just Cleaning Up
A well-maintained shooting range is a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone. One key aspect of range etiquette is picking up your spent brass casings. By doing this, you prevent potential slipping/tripping hazards and make it easier for everyone to find a clean firing point. Plus, collected brass can be recycled or sold, which can offset some of your shooting costs. Remember, though, never put misfired rounds or ‘duds’ into a spent brass bag or container – more on that later.
Steel Core Ammo: Ricochets and Risks
Steel core ammo can be problematic at some ranges due to its tendency to ricochet. A ricochet is when a bullet or fragment bounces off a surface instead of penetrating it. In a confined range environment, this can be hazardous. While all bullets can ricochet under certain conditions, steel core ammo poses a higher risk due to its hardness. If you’re considering using this type of ammo, be sure to check whether it’s permitted at your range and always follow safety instructions.
Store Your Ammo Safely
At the range, keeping your ammunition organized and properly stored is crucial. Avoid keeping unused rounds near your firing station. Spent shells ejected from your firearm can potentially land on live rounds and cause those rounds to discharge, resulting in a dangerous situation. Does that sound hokey? We thought so, too! Of course, until we saw this video!
Always keep your ammunition safely stored until you’re ready to use it.
Bring Plenty of Ammunition
The joy of shooting can be surprisingly addictive. Between aiming for perfect shots and the sheer thrill of handling a firearm, you might find yourself going through your ammunition faster than expected. It’s always a good idea to bring more ammo than you think you’ll need. After all, running out of ammunition can bring an abrupt and disappointing end to a great day at the range.
Dealing With Duds: Safety First
Occasionally, you might encounter a round that fails to fire, also known as a ‘dud’. It’s important to handle these rounds with care, as they can still be dangerous. Typically, ranges have a specific place to put this type of ammo. Please do NOT add this ammo to a spent brass container!
Indoor vs Outdoor Shooting: Choose According to Your Caliber
Both indoor and outdoor ranges have their advantages. If you’re shooting smaller calibers, an indoor range can provide a controlled environment that’s less affected by wind and weather. On the other hand, larger calibers and rifles might be better suited to outdoor ranges where there’s more space and fewer noise restrictions. Remember, the right environment can significantly improve your shooting experience. If you aren’t sure where you should be shooting, you can always ask the range officer.
When in Doubt, Ask the Range Officer
The range officer is your go-to resource for all matters related to safety and range protocol. If you have questions about which types of ammo are acceptable, where to place your misfires, or any other concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Their experience and expertise are there to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at the range.
Ammunition at the Gun Range FAQ:
Q: Should I Pick Up Spent Ammunition Shells?
A: Absolutely. Some ranges (indoor especially) have dedicated personnel to clean up spent brass. If your range doesn’t have such a person on staff, you should put all of your empty shells in the appropriate container. These containers are almost always situated around the range and will be labeled as such. If you have questions regarding this, ask the range officer about cleaning up your brass. Remember, you can recycle and/or reload your spent shells. At minimum, pick up after yourself!
Q: Can I Shoot Hollow Points (or special ammo) at the Range?
A: Every range is different. Some don’t mind special ammunition, but in some cases shooting special bullets can be dangerous. Always ask the range officer before you shoot anything you might think is out of the ordinary. This can save you a lot of trouble and/or embarrassment!
Q: Is Ammo More Expensive at the Range?
A: More expensive than buying ammunition from KIR Ammo? Probably! We often sell to shooting ranges, so they’re certainly marking it up from our price! Your best bet is to buy ammo in bulk from KIR Ammo. We process orders same day and offer free shipping on ammo over $199+. We offer a wide variety of pistol ammo, rifle ammo, and shotgun shells for all types of situations.
Q: Can I Shoot a Shotgun at the Gun Range?
A: As always, it depends on the range. But, in general you can shoot shotguns at gun ranges provided the shotgun ammunition you use are slugs or 00-Buckshot.