
At Gunner HQ in Sheffield, AL, our Ammunition collection includes everything shooters need for accuracy, reliability, and performance. Choose from Handgun Ammunition for personal defense or range practice, Rifle Ammunition for hunting or precision shooting, Shotgun Shells for sport or home defense, and Rimfire Ammunition for training and small game. Pair your ammo with dependable Magazines including Handgun Magazines and Rifle Magazines to stay prepared. For better accuracy, browse Scopes & Optics to complement your setup. Whether you’re practicing, competing, or keeping your firearms ready for protection, Gunner HQ supplies a full range of ammunition trusted by shooters across Sheffield, AL. Shop online today.
At Gunner HQ, located in Sheffield, Alabama, we know that ammunition is more than just the fuel for your firearm, it’s the foundation of accuracy, reliability, and overall performance. Whether you’re at the range, hunting in the field, or preparing for personal defense, choosing the right ammunition ensures you get the results you expect every time you pull the trigger. Our collection includes Handgun Ammunition, Rifle Ammunition, Shotgun Shells, and Rimfire Ammunition, all sourced from brands trusted by shooters worldwide.
Ammunition refers to the complete package of components used in firearms to fire a projectile. In modern firearms, this usually means a cartridge or a shotgun shell that contains a case, primer, propellant, and projectile. Ammunition provides the energy needed to launch the bullet or shot toward the target. Its design and quality directly affect accuracy, recoil, and stopping power, making it one of the most important decisions a shooter can make.
Every round of ammunition has four essential parts that work together:
Knowing these components helps shooters select ammunition that delivers the performance they need in hunting, training, or defense.
Handgun Ammunition is available in popular calibers such as 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. FMJ rounds are cost-effective for practice, while hollow points are designed for defense with reliable expansion. Whether you carry daily or train regularly at the range, handgun ammo remains one of the most versatile and widely used categories.
From tactical AR platforms to long-range bolt actions, Rifle Ammunition covers everything from .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO to precision calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. Hunters also rely on traditional choices such as .30-06 Springfield, while tactical shooters often prefer .300 Blackout for versatility. Rifle ammunition offers the highest variety in performance, making caliber choice critical for every shooting purpose.
Shotgun Ammunition comes in 12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, and .410 Bore, designed for sporting clays, bird hunting, and home defense. With options ranging from birdshot to buckshot and slugs, shotgun shells provide unmatched versatility. Each type is tailored for specific tasks, whether breaking clays at the range or defending your home with reliable stopping power.
Lightweight and affordable, Rimfire Ammunition such as .22 LR and .17 HMR is ideal for training, plinking, and small-game hunting. Rimfire rounds are easy to shoot, making them perfect for new shooters or those looking for cost-efficient practice. Though less powerful than centerfire, their accessibility and versatility have made rimfire rounds a staple worldwide.
The terms “bullet” and “ammunition” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things. Ammunition (or “ammo”) is the complete cartridge that a firearm fires, which includes the casing, primer, propellant (gunpowder), and the projectile. The bullet is only the projectile portion that leaves the barrel and impacts the target. In other words, every bullet is part of ammunition, but not all of ammunition is the bullet itself. Understanding this difference is key when selecting the right load for your firearm.
Bullets come in many designs, each created for a specific purpose such as training, hunting, or self-defense. The three most common types are:
FMJ bullets have a soft lead core encased in a harder metal jacket, usually copper. This design allows the round to penetrate targets effectively and cycle smoothly in semi-automatic firearms. FMJs are widely used for training, target shooting, and competition because they are affordable and consistent. However, they are not ideal for self-defense since they do not expand on impact.
Hollow Point bullets are engineered for self-defense and law enforcement. They feature a hollowed tip that causes the bullet to expand upon impact. This controlled expansion increases stopping power and reduces the risk of over-penetration, making them effective for personal protection. Though more expensive than FMJs, HPs are highly valued for their effectiveness in defensive scenarios.
Soft Point bullets have an exposed lead tip with a partial metal jacket. This design allows for controlled expansion while still providing deep penetration. SPs are commonly used in hunting because they balance accuracy, penetration, and terminal performance, making them suitable for medium to large game.
Proper storage ensures your ammunition remains reliable for years. The key is controlling temperature, humidity, and exposure. Ammunition should always be kept in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight or fluctuating heat. Using sealed ammo cans or storage boxes with desiccant packs prevents moisture damage and corrosion. Avoid long-term storage in vehicles or damp areas like basements, as these conditions can reduce shelf life. With correct storage, quality ammunition can last for decades without losing performance. Safe storage not only protects your investment but also keeps your firearms ready when you need them most.
Ammunition quality depends on its manufacturer, which is why Gunner HQ carries only trusted names like Hornady, Federal Ammunition, Winchester, Remington, CCI Ammunition, and Fiocchi. Hornady offers precision-engineered bullets ideal for hunting, Federal and Winchester supply dependable training and defense rounds, Remington delivers proven rifle and shotgun loads, and CCI dominates rimfire with consistent reliability. By carrying these brands, Gunner HQ provides shooters with ammunition they can rely on every time.
For concealed carry and home defense, defensive loads are built for dependable performance under pressure. Hollow points, jacketed hollow points (JHP), and polymer-tipped designs are engineered to expand on impact, creating maximum stopping power while limiting the risk of over-penetration. Popular calibers such as 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP are stocked so you can match the right round to your handgun with confidence.
Hunters need cartridges designed for precision and ethical performance in the field. Rifle rounds such as .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, and .30-06 Springfield provide the accuracy and terminal ballistics required for medium to large game, while shotgun shells in 12-gauge and 20-gauge cover upland birds, turkey, and waterfowl. For varmint and predator control, lightweight, high-velocity rounds like .223 Remington and .22-250 offer flat trajectories and reliable impact.
For range practice and competition, consistency is key. Training ammo in full metal jacket (FMJ) configurations cycles cleanly and allows for affordable high-volume shooting. Match-grade options are also available for competitive shooters who demand tighter groupings and repeatable accuracy. From rimfire classics like .22 LR to centerfire calibers used in precision rifle matches, our inventory supports shooters of every skill level.
Choosing the right ammunition begins with defining your purpose. For training, FMJ rounds deliver accuracy at a lower cost. For defense, hollow points provide controlled expansion and stopping power. Hunters should rely on soft points or specialty hunting bullets designed for ethical and effective results. Always verify that your ammunition matches the caliber markings on your firearm, and pair your ammo with high-quality magazines and optics to get the most from every round.
At Gunner HQ in Sheffield, Alabama, we carry a full range of handgun, rifle, shotgun, and rimfire ammunition from trusted brands. Our team is dedicated to providing reliable products, competitive pricing, and expert guidance so every shooter gets the right rounds for their needs. Shop ammunition online today at Gunner HQ with confidence.
How long does ammunition last?
Quality ammunition stored in a cool, dry environment can remain reliable for decades. The shelf life is shortened if rounds are exposed to moisture, heat, or direct sunlight. Always check for corrosion or damage before use.
Can ammunition be reused or reloaded?
Yes, many shooters reload ammunition by reusing brass cases and replacing primers, powder, and bullets. However, reloading requires proper equipment, knowledge, and safety precautions. Not all cases are reloadable—steel and aluminum casings are generally single-use.
What is the difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition?
Centerfire cartridges have a primer located at the center of the base, while rimfire cartridges ignite from the rim of the casing. Rimfire is typically cheaper and used for small calibers like .22 LR, whereas centerfire covers most modern rifle, handgun, and shotgun ammunition.
Is it safe to use old or surplus ammunition?
Ammunition can still fire even if it’s decades old, but performance may be unreliable. Surplus ammo may also use corrosive primers, which require extra cleaning of your firearm after use. For safety and consistency, new factory-loaded ammo is always recommended.
Can ammunition be taken on airplanes?
Ammunition cannot be carried in your carry-on luggage, but small quantities (usually up to 11 lbs/5 kg) may be packed in checked baggage if properly stored in original boxes or approved containers. Always check TSA and airline regulations before flying.
Why do some firearms specify 5.56 NATO vs .223 Remington?
Although 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington look nearly identical, 5.56 NATO is loaded to higher pressure and requires a firearm chambered for it. Rifles marked for 5.56 can safely fire both, but rifles marked for .223 should not use 5.56 ammunition.
What does +P mean on ammunition?
+P (overpressure) ammunition is loaded to higher pressure than standard rounds, providing more velocity and stopping power. Only use +P ammo in firearms rated to handle it, as using it in non-rated firearms can cause excessive wear or damage.