Popular Ammo is an independent ammunition reference published by Brand Avalanche Media. We cover cartridge specifications, ballistics, ammunition law and the state of the ammo market — and we publish the source behind every number we print.
What we cover
- Caliber comparisons. Head-to-head cartridge breakdowns built on SAAMI and CIP pressure standards, including the test-barrel and measurement differences that make published figures hard to compare fairly.
- Ballistics explained. How velocity, energy, chamber pressure and bullet construction actually behave, in plain language.
- Best ammo. Defensive, hunting and range loads assessed against published specifications and independent testing rather than marketing copy.
- Ammo market and law. Supply, pricing pressure, and the federal and state rules that govern buying, shipping and storing ammunition.
- Subsonic and suppressed. What changes when the bullet stays under the speed of sound.
How we work
We build coverage on primary sources: SAAMI and CIP standards, manufacturer load data, ATF publications and statute text. Where a figure is not published by a reliable source, we say so instead of estimating it.
Reference desk
Two of our most-used pages are built to be looked up rather than read straight through:
- Caliber comparison chart — common cartridges side by side, with bullet diameter, case length and typical energy.
- Ammo types explained — FMJ, JHP, soft point, match, frangible and steel core, and what each is actually for.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, story tips and contributions all go through our contact page.