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11 Essential Shotgun Shooting Tips for Success With Your Shotgun

Shotgun shooting is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires precision, practice, and patience. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, honing your skills can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment. At Elite Shotguns, we are passionate about helping shooters achieve their best. Here are some essential shotgun shooting tips to help you improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience.

1. Choose the Right Shotgun

Selecting the right shotgun is crucial to your success. Consider factors such as the type of shooting you’ll be doing (e.g., clay shooting, hunting, or home defense), the fit and comfort of the shotgun, and its gauge and weight. A well-fitted shotgun will help you aim more naturally and shoot more accurately. Visit Elite Shotguns for advice from our Elite Experts on finding the perfect shotgun for your needs.

2. Understand Your Shotgun

Before hitting the range, familiarize yourself with your shotgun’s mechanics and features. Learn how to properly load, unload, and clean your shotgun. Understanding the different chokes and their effects on shot patterns is also essential. This knowledge will give you confidence and control, making you a more effective shooter.

3. Focus on Your Stance

A solid stance forms the foundation of accurate shooting. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight slightly forward on the balls of your feet. Your body should be angled slightly toward the target, with your leading foot pointing in the same direction. A proper stance provides stability and allows for smoother, more controlled movements.

4. Master Your Mount

The way you mount your shotgun affects your aim and follow-through. Practice mounting your shotgun to your shoulder smoothly and consistently. The butt of the shotgun should fit snugly into the pocket of your shoulder, with your cheek resting firmly against the stock. A consistent mount helps ensure that your eye is aligned with the barrel, improving your accuracy.

5. Keep Both Eyes Open

When shooting, keep both eyes open to maintain depth perception and peripheral vision. This technique allows you to track moving targets more effectively. If you’re right-handed, your right eye should be your dominant eye (and vice versa for left-handed shooters). If you’re unsure which eye is dominant, perform a simple eye dominance test.

6. Follow Through with Your Shot

Proper follow-through is essential for hitting moving targets. After pulling the trigger, continue to swing your shotgun along the target’s path. Stopping your swing prematurely can cause you to miss. Practice smooth and continuous follow-through to improve your consistency and accuracy.

7. Practice Lead and Timing

Hitting moving targets requires understanding lead and timing. Lead is the distance you aim ahead of the target to account for its movement. The amount of lead depends on the target’s speed, distance, and angle. Practice estimating lead and timing your shots to improve your ability to hit fast-moving targets.

8. Work on Your Trigger Control

Smooth trigger control is vital for accurate shooting. Practice squeezing the trigger gently and steadily, avoiding any jerky or abrupt movements. Consistent trigger control helps prevent muzzle movement and ensures that your shots are on target.

9. Utilize Proper Breathing Techniques

Breathing can impact your shooting accuracy. Take deep, steady breaths and try to fire during the natural pause between exhalation and inhalation. This technique helps minimize movement and keeps you calm and focused.

10. Regularly Practice and Train

Like any skill, regular practice is essential for improvement. Set aside time for consistent practice sessions, focusing on different aspects of your shooting technique. Consider joining a shooting club or taking lessons from a professional instructor to receive feedback and guidance.

11. Safety First

Always prioritize safety when handling and shooting shotguns. Follow the fundamental rules of gun safety: treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and be aware of your target and what’s beyond it.

Improve Your Accuracy with These Shotgun Shooting Tips

Shotgun shooting is an art that combines skill, precision, and practice. By following these essential shotgun shooting tips and dedicating time to regular practice, you can improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience. At Elite Shotguns, we are committed to supporting your journey to becoming a better shooter. Whether you need a new shotgun, accessories, or expert advice, we are here to help. Visit us to explore our extensive range of shotguns and gear, and take the next step in mastering the art of shotgun shooting.

Let’s Talk Shotguns

Let’s say you’ve got a character in your story who had no background in firearms, yet needs to engage an armed bad guy. A shotgun may be your character’s best choice, especially at close quarters. Because every pull of the trigger sends multiple high-velocity projectiles downrange simultaneously, marksmanship is less of an issue when it comes to killing the enemy, but more of an issue when it comes to shooting only the enemy.

In previous posts, I’ve talked about rifles and pistols, so this week, I thought I’d devote some time to shotguns. As a first step, forget much of what you’ve learned about rifles and pistols. The rules of Newtonian physics all remain the same, but much of the terminology seems counter-intuitive when you deal with smooth-bore weapons.

Okay, what’s a smooth-bore weapon?

Whereas modern rifles and pistols fire bullets, shotguns fire either pellets or slugs. As a bullet is propelled down a rifle’s barrel, the lands and grooves that have been cut into the metal to form “rifling” impart a spin on the projectile that stabilizes it in flight and allows for greater range and accuracy. Standard shotguns, on the other hand, have no rifling down the bore. The barrel is simply a smooth tube. (Note: there is such a thing as a rifled shotgun, but I won’t be addressing that here.) Basically, a smooth-bore barrel is merely an extended pressure vessel that allows the projectile(s) to accelerate.

Think gauge, not caliber. Think spheres, not bullet-shaped.

It’s common to refer to rifles and pistols by the diameter of the bullets they fire. A “.30 caliber” rifle fires a bullet that is three-tenths (.30) of an inch in diameter at its widest point. A “.45” fires a bullet that is 45/100ths of an inch at its widest point.

Shotguns, on the other hand, are referred to by their “gauge” and the term has nothing to do with linear measurement. To understand the reason why, we need to geek out a little:

One characteristic of elemental lead is that when melted, its physical volume is a constant, relative to it’s weight. Thus, a one-pound sphere of lead will always be 1.66 inches in diameter (assuming I did the math correctly). From the days of the Napoleonic Wars through the American Civil War and beyond, one of the primary artillery cannons was the “twelve-pounder”, which, predictably, I suppose, fired a twelve-pound ball (also called a “shot”–as in the shot put event in track-and-field, get it?) out of a barrel that was 4.62 inches in diameter.

The concept of “gauge” is based on the same principle, but in this case dealing with fractions of a pound. The bore of a 12 gauge shotgun is the diameter of a lead sphere that weighs 1/12 of a pound, or 0.727 inches. A 20 gauge shotgun has a bore of 0.617 inches, which is the diameter of a lead sphere that weighs 1/20 of a pound.

Still with me?

One of the most counter-intuitive parts of discussing shotguns is the fact that unlike calibers, higher gauges actually mean smaller projectiles.

Buckshot, Birdshot, Slugs.

So, we’ve got our smooth-bore shotgun of a chosen gauge–for our purposes here, we’ll assume 12 gauge if only because it the most common shotgun deployed by law enforcement officers. The size of the bore is largely just a reference point; it has little to do with the weight of the projectile being sent downrange.

One of the strengths of a shotgun as a weapon platform is its versatility. The same gun can be used to hunt doves and deer, and then when you come home, it can be a great home defense weapon. Different applications require different ammunition, though, and here’s where things get complicated again.

Starting with the basics, each round of ammunition is called a “shell”, not a “bullet” or a “cartridge”, as would be case with rifle and pistol ammo. Inside the shell, the pellets (or “shot”) are separated from the propellant (or “powder”) by a plastic cup that is call the “wad.” Each pull of the trigger sends a “load of shot” or a “slug” downrange. Once spent, the “hull” is ejected.

When the load reaches the muzzle on its way downrange, the pellets are tightly grouped together, but as they travel through the air, they separate to form a spray of projectiles. The width of the spread and the terminal performance of individual projectiles has everything to do with their size and their weight. “Birdshot” refers to smaller, lighter pellets that are designed to kill smaller, lighter prey. “Buckshot”, on the other hand, is designed for larger prey. Within, say, 10 feet, both are equally lethal.

Here again, smaller is bigger. The size of individual pellets is described by industry-accepted numbers. On paper, you might read “#4 buck”, but you would pronounce it as “number four buck.” And #4 buck is smaller than #3 buck.

What most people think of when they’re talking about buckshot is #00 buck, which is commonly referred to as “double aught buck.” (Note: It’s NOT double ought.) Individual pellets are 0.33 inches in diameter (.33 caliber) and there are nine of them in an ounce. By contrast, #4 buck pellets are 0.24 inches in diameter (24 caliber) and there are 24 of them in an ounce.

Bird shot is also categorized by numbers, but on a different scale. For example, No. 4 bird shot pellets are 0.13 inches in diameter, and there are 135 of them in an ounce.

A slug is a single projectile that essentially turns the shotgun into a less accurate rifle and hits with enormous force. Slugs come in many different forms and perform many different functions. For example, when you hear of riots being dispersed by the use of “rubber bullets”, those “bullets” are really rubber slugs, or sometimes beanbag slugs.

Types of Shotguns.

Double barrel shotguns have been around for a very long time, back to the days of the flintlock. The classic arrangement for the barrels was “side-by-side”, as characterized by bird hunters and stage coach security guys. You know that’s where the phrase “riding shotgun” originated, right?

The second configuration of a double-barrel shotgun is the “over and under” configuration, where the barrels are stacked. As a bit of trivia, you’ll note that there’s only one trigger on the gun. The act of closing the breech cocks the gun. The lower barrel shoots first and the recoil re-cocks the gun so the top barrel will fire.

Semi-automatic. As with its rifle counterpart, you can load the magazine to whatever its capacity may be, and every pull of the trigger sends a new load downrange until the magazine is empty.

Pump-action. This is the mainstay of cop shows and sound effects crews. Also called a “shucker”, this configuration requires the shooter to work the pump to eject one hull and put the next shell into battery.

So, there you have it, TKZers, this quarter’s offering of gun porn. All questions, comments and observations are welcome.

Best 5.7×28 Ammo

Best 5.7x28 Ammo

Looking for the best 5.7×28 ammo? It’s one of the more unique and versatile rounds available today, known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Initially developed by FN Herstal in the 1990s, the 5.7x28mm met NATO’s need for a new personal defense weapon (PDW) cartridge to penetrate body armor while maintaining low recoil and manageable performance.

Whether plinking at the range, using it for self-defense, or looking for a small, high-velocity round for your rifle or pistol, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers an intriguing alternative to more traditional rounds like the 9mm.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, ballistics, and specifications of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, compare it to the widely popular 9mm, and help you find the best 5.7×28 ammo for your needs, whether for range shooting or home defense.

Best 5.7×28 Ammo: Plinking & Defense

When choosing 5.7×28 ammo, it’s important to consider the grain weight and bullet type, especially if you’re using the round for different purposes like target shooting, self-defense, or plinking. Keep in mind, that most manufacturers use a 4″ or 4.5″ barrel for testing, so ballistic numbers will vary depending on your gun. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best 5.7×28 ammo available today:

Plinking/Range Ammo

Fiocchi FMJ 40gr

a photo of fiocchi range dynamics FMJ 40gr

Range Dynamics by Fiocchi offers shooters an affordable option for plinking and training at the range.

Fiocchi’s 40-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo is a great option for plinking and range practice. It’s affordable, consistent, and offers good accuracy. This is a solid choice if you want to spend time on the range without breaking the bank. The lighter bullet weight works well with both pistols and rifles. Fiocchi 40-grain FMJ cartridges leave the muzzle at about 1,700FPS. 

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmFMJ40gr1,700 FPS257 FT LBS1,562 FPS/217 FT LBS1,440 FPS/184 FT LBS1,225 FPS/133 FT LBS

Federal 5.7x28mm 40 Grain American Eagle FMJ – 50 Rounds

$36.85

Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm 40 Grain FMJ – 500 Rounds

$309.85

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Federal American Eagle FMJ 40gr

a photo of Federal American Eagle FMJ 40gr best 5.7x28 ammo

Keep more money in your pocket while training with Federal American Eagle FMJ 5.7x28mm ammo.

Federal’s American Eagle line is known for its reliable performance. Their 40-grain FMJ 5.7x28mm rounds are great for target practice and plinking. It’s a bit more refined than other range ammo, offering cleaner shooting and better accuracy over longer sessions. The projectiles leave the muzzle at about 1,655 FPS. 

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmFMJ40gr1,655 FPS243 FT LBS1,514 FPS/204 FT LBS1,387 FPS/171 FT LBS1,179 FPS/124 FT LBS
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Federal 5.7x28mm 40 Grain American Eagle FMJ – 50 Rounds

$36.85

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Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm 40 Grain FMJ – 500 Rounds

$309.85

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FN SS201 FMJ 40gr

a photo of FN SS201 FMJ 40gr ammo

The FN GUNR 5.7x28mm training round puts new targets in reach for 5.7 enthusiasts buying in bulk.

Made by FN Herstal, the same company that developed the 5.7x28mm, this 40-grain FMJ ammo offers top-notch reliability. It’s a premium option for those who want to ensure maximum performance during practice, especially for those using FN firearms. These projectiles leave the muzzle at 1,700 FPS. 

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmFMJ40gr1,700 FPS257 FT LBS1,560 FPS/216 FT LBS1,435 FPS/183 FT LBS1,220FPS/132 FT LBS
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Federal 5.7x28mm 40 Grain American Eagle FMJ – 50 Rounds

$36.85

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Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm 40 Grain FMJ – 500 Rounds

$309.85

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Self/Home Defense Ammo

Hornady Critical Defense 40gr 

a photo of hornady critical defense 40gr ammo

It’s the Critical Defense ammo you love, from Hornady, the American-made company you know, and trust. 

Critical Defense ammo from Hornady ammo provides solid penetration and expansion for self-defense. These projectiles boast 1,810FPS of muzzle velocity, making them one of the fastest options on the market. Their clog-resistant bullets are developed to provide the best performance for defensive or personal protection situations.

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmFTX40gr1,810 FPS291 FT LBS1,660 FPS/245 FT LBS1,525 FPS/207 FT LBS1,343 FPS/160 FT LBS
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FNH 5.7x28mm 27 Grain JHP – 50 Rounds

$54.85

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FN Herstal 5.7x28mm 27 Grain Lead Free JHP – 500 Rounds

$514.85

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FN DFNS SS200 JHP 30gr

a photo of FN DFNS SS200 JHP 30gr ammo

FN designed DFNS SS200 ammo for defensive situations, equipping it with a 30gr JHP bullet with a copper-tin powdered core.

Created for personal defense, FN DFNS ammo features a unique 30gr JHP bullet with a copper-tin powdered core. It’s designed to expand quickly, while expending energy quickly, and efficiently into targets. This cartridge features a high muzzle velocity of 1,894 FPS, and delivers 239 foot-pounds of energy.

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmJHP30gr1,894 FPS239 FT LBS1,752 FPS/204 FT LBS1,624 FPS/176 FT LBS1,394 FPS/129FT LBS
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FNH 5.7x28mm 27 Grain JHP – 50 Rounds

$54.85

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FN Herstal 5.7x28mm 27 Grain Lead Free JHP – 500 Rounds

$514.85

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FN SS197SR V-Max 40gr

a photo of the FN SS197SR V-Max 40gr round

The legend lives on. With three decades of trusted use, FN V-Max 40gr ammo still gets the job done.

The FN V-Max 40-grain bullet features a polymer tip designed for controlled expansion, making it excellent for self-defense and small-game hunting. This cartridge leaves the muzzle at 1,738 FPS. It offers a balance of accuracy, speed, and terminal performance.

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmPoly40gr1,738 FPS268 FT LBS1,598 FPS/227 FT LBS1,473 FPS/193 FT LBS1,258 FPS/141 FT LBS

FN Herstal 5.7x28mm 40 Grain V-MAX – 50 Rounds

$36.85

FN Herstal SS197SR 5.7x28mm 40 Grain V-MAX – 500 Rounds

$339.85

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Speer Gold Dot JHP 40gr

a photo of the best 5.7x28 ammo speer gold dot JHP 40gr

Speer Gold Dot JHP 40gr is regarded by the industry as the pinnacle of 5.7x28mm self-defense ammunition.

Speer’s jacketed hollow point rounds are a trusted name in defensive ammunition. Their 40-grain 5.7x28mm load is designed for rapid expansion and maximum stopping power, making it ideal for protecting homes or loved ones. They leave the muzzle at 1,800 FPS. 

CaliberBullet TypeBullet WeightVelocity (Muzzle)Energy (Muzzle)25 Yards (Velocity/Energy)50 Yards (Velocity/Energy)100 Yards (Velocity/Energy)
5.7x28mmJHP40gr1,800 FPS288 FT LBS1,651 FPS/242 FT LBS1,510 FPS/203 FT LBS1,271 FPS/144 FT LBS
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Speer Gold Dot 5.7x28mm 40 Grain JHP – 50 Rounds

$54.85

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Speer Gold Dot 5.7x28mm 40 Grain JHP – 500 Rounds

$459.85

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Cartridge Specs: Best 5.7×28 Ammo

a diagram of the 5.7x28 cartridge

Although its velocities exceed those of the 9mm, 5.7×28 cartridge falls behind in energy and stopping power.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a bottlenecked centerfire round, offering several advantages in terms of ballistics and versatility. Here are the key specifications of the 5.7x28mm cartridge:

Cartridge Specs5.7x28mm
Parent CasingN/A
Bullet Diameter.224″
Neck Diameter.251″
Base Diameter.313″
Case Length1.13″
Overall Length1.59″
Grain Weight27-40gr
Max Pressure (SAMMI)50,038 PSI

The 5.7×28’s small size and lightweight design allow it to achieve high velocities. Translating to excellent penetration and a flat trajectory. This makes it a highly efficient cartridge for longer-range shots compared to standard handgun rounds like the 9mm.

Ballistics Overview: Where 5.7x28mm Shines

One of the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s most defining features is its impressive ballistics. Because of its small bullet size and high velocity, the round can achieve armor penetration while maintaining a relatively low level of recoil. This makes it easy to handle, even in rapid-fire situations.

  • Velocity: With velocities reaching up to 2,500 feet per second (fps) in longer barrels, the 5.7x28mm far outpaces traditional handgun rounds like the 9mm, which typically max out around 1,200 fps.
  • Energy: Despite its small size, the 5.7x28mm bullet’s high velocity gives it sufficient energy for personal defense situations. Depending on the bullet weight and barrel length, it typically produces between 250 and 450 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
  • Penetration: The 5.7x28mm is designed to penetrate soft body armor, making it a unique option for those needing a cartridge that can pass through tough barriers while still being manageable.

Because the 5.7x28mm is a high-velocity round, it is well-suited for longer barrel firearms like carbines and rifles, though it can also be effective in pistols like the FN Five-seveN. When fired from a pistol, expect slightly reduced muzzle velocity and energy, but the cartridge still maintains its ballistic advantages over many other rounds.

Best Uses: 5.7x28mm Cartridge

a photo of a ruger 5.7 centerfire pistol with ammo

From plinking on the range, to self-defense, and hunting, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is highly versatile.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is highly versatile, making it suitable for a range of applications, including:

  • Target Shooting and Plinking: The 5.7×28’s flat trajectory and low recoil make it ideal for range practice and recreational shooting.
  • Self-Defense and Home Defense: With its armor-piercing capabilities and high velocity, the 5.7x28mm is a great option for personal protection, especially when barriers or soft armor may be a concern.
  • Small Game Hunting: The 5.7×28 mm’s high velocity and accuracy make it a solid choice for hunting small game, particularly with expanding rounds like the FN V-Max.

5.7×28 VS 9mm: A Quick Comparison

The 9mm Parabellum is one of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world, and many potential buyers of the 5.7x28mm wonder how it stacks up against this tried-and-true round. Here are some key differences between the 5.7x28mm and the 9mm:

  • Velocity: The 5.7x28mm typically has almost double the velocity of a standard 9mm round, with speeds up to 2,500 fps compared to the 1,200 fps typical of 9mm. This makes the 5.7x28mm more capable of long-range shots and better at penetrating soft armor.
  • Recoil: Both rounds are known for their relatively low recoil, but the 5.7x28mm often feels lighter due to its smaller bullet and higher velocity.
  • Stopping Power: The 9mm generally has greater stopping power because it fires heavier bullets (115-147 grains), whereas the 5.7x28mm fires lighter bullets (27-40 grains). However, the 5.7x28mm makes up for this with its ability to penetrate soft armor and barriers.
  • Capacity: Due to its smaller size, firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm can typically hold more rounds than their 9mm counterparts. For example, the FN Five-seveN holds 20 rounds compared to most 9mm pistols, which hold 15-17 rounds standard.

Both cartridges have their strengths, but the 5.7x28mm offers more versatility in range, penetration, and capacity. In contrast, the 9mm remains the go-to choice for raw stopping power and availability.

A Brief History: 5.7x28mm Cartridge

FN Herstal developed the 5.7x28mm cartridge in response to a NATO request in the late 1980s. At the time, NATO wanted a new PDW cartridge to replace the 9mm Parabellum. The requirement was that it offered superior armor-piercing capability with minimal recoil. The result was the 5.7x28mm, designed to penetrate soft body armor while being lightweight and low-recoil, ideal for close-quarters combat.

The first weapon chambered for the 5.7x28mm was FN’s P90 PDW, which gained popularity in military and law enforcement circles. FN also developed the Five-seveN pistol the P90. Making the 5.7x28mm a versatile cartridge suitable for both rifles and handguns.

Although initially designed for military use, the cartridge has since gained a following among civilians for self-defense, target shooting, and even hunting small game. Its unique combination of high velocity, low recoil, and flat trajectory makes it stand out from other cartridges like the 9mm, especially in niche use cases.

Big Fun: Best 5.7×28 Ammo

a photo of a sharp dressed man shooting an fn ps90 gun

If the greatest luxury is being able to live life by your own terms, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is living the high life.

There’s no two ways around it, 5.7×28 is a niche caliber. It didn’t end up replacing the 9mm cartridge but created its own following in the personal defense category. Decades after its introduction, myths and wild speculation about its performance have largely been put to rest. However, it has shown to have serious staying power, even though it comes at a cost for enthusiasts. 

The 5.7×28 ammo cartridge offers a unique combination of high velocity, low recoil, and impressive penetration. It’s a versatile choice for a variety of shooting needs. Whether you’re looking for ammo for plinking, self-defense, or specialized purposes, the 5.7x28mm provides options that many other calibers simply can’t match.

Police Ammo: What Do They Use?

Police Ammo

The difficult job of being a police officer requires purpose-driven ammunition. For this article, we’ve interviewed Officer Mike Perez of the Metro DC police. Perez explains common police ammo, and why there’s been a shift in ammunition choice with ballistic advancements.

As you’ll see, police officers share many of the same concerns about ammunition as any other firearm user. Power, capacity, and accuracy all play a significant part in the decision to carry specific types of ammunition. Let’s dive into some details on popular police ammunition.

Police Ammo:  Popular Handgun Options

a photo of police ammo federal premium 9mm 124gr hst

Federal’s tactical HST bullet offers consistent expansion, optimum penetration, and superior terminal performance.

While preparing for a hunt, ammunition is chosen based on the purposes of the hunt. In police work, ammunition is chosen in much the same way. Police officers have several concerns that most hunters don’t, including heightened worries about bystander injury and increased capacity.

Some of the most common handgun ammunition law enforcement chooses:

  • 9mm Federal HST 147 grain: Carried by the Arlington County Police Department in Virginia
  • 9mm Speer Gold Dot 124 grain JHP: Carried by ICE Agents with the Marshals Task Force
  • 9mm Federal HST 124 gr plus-P (Hollow Point): Carried by the Rochester Police Department in New York
  • Federal Premium 9mm Luger 147 grain plus-P: Carried by the Rockville Police Department in Maryland
  • Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 124 grain Plus-P: Carried by many FBI Agents and ATF Agents
  • 9mm Winchester Ranger 124 grain plus-P: Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
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Federal Premium Law Enforcement HST 9mm 124 Grain JHP – 50 Rounds

$39.85

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Federal Premium Law Enforcement 9mm 147 Grain HST JHP – 50 Rounds

$39.85

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Now let’s take a moment to look at why 9mm is so popular among LE these days.

If you’ve been reading this article up to this point and looking at all the ammunition chosen by police departments, you’re probably asking a simple question: what about the 40-caliber? What about the 45-caliber? The choice to use 9MM comes down to three points: capacity, recoil, and ballistic damage.

Officer Perez provides some insight. Here’s what he has to say about the shift toward 9mm:

“With advancements in ballistic technology, departments are moving back to the 9mm. You can carry more ammunition while having the same amount of internal ballistic damage.” – Officer Perez on why many departments choose 9mm over .40 S&W.

Why Police Choose 9MM: Capacity

Officer Perez explains that with 9MM, an officer can carry a few more rounds when compared with the .40 S&W. While these extra rounds may not seem that significant, officers are looking to maximize their firepower while reducing weight.

Why Police Choose 9MM: Recoil

The 9MM is a familiar round. Even for those who aren’t part of the police force, if someone has had any contact or practice with firearms, they have likely used the 9mm. This familiarity helps ease the learning curve for those who are training to become police officers.

9MM is also an incredibly popular round, so there is little worry about ammunition shortages. Finally, the 9MM typically has less recoil, ensuring that police officers of all physical build and strength can adequately control their sidearm.

However, more than any of these reasons – capacity or ease of use – modern technology is giving 9MM more damage potential.

Why Police Choose 9MM: Sufficient Ballistic Damage

As Officer Perez explained in the quote earlier, modern ballistics make the 9MM a clear choice. In the past, people mentioned everything from capacity to recoil to ease of use, but there was always one final boulder the 9mm couldn’t climb: it doesn’t have the stopping power of the .40 S&W.

Except, these days, the 9mm can offer very comparable ballistic damage to the .40 S&W, while offering all the aforementioned benefits.

Police Ammo: Popular Rifle Options

a photo of federal premium law enforcement tactical tru 223 rem ammo

Quality materials and proven performance make Federal Premium Law Enforcement ammo a perfect choice for on-duty officers.

Officer Perez provided some insight into the reasoning behind PD’s use of rifles, and the specific ammunition they choose to get the job done. On the top of their list is concern about accidentally harming someone.

Probably even more so in police work than in any other situation, police officers need to worry about innocent bystanders. For this reason, officers don’t always reach for the most powerful ammunition they can get their hands on. Rather, they choose what they need to get the job done while causing the least unintended damage (overpenetration in buildings, etc).

With that being said, the 223 is probably the most common round chambered in police rifles.

Some of the most common rifle ammunition law enforcement chooses:

  • Remington 55 Grain .223: Used by the Arlington County Police Department in Virginia
  • Federal 55 Grain .223: Carried by the Rochester Police Department in New York
  • The Metro Police Department of the District of Columbia (Metro DC) has two choices, For the patrol officers, they carry 223 Federal Premium LE Tactical TRU, 55 Grain Sierra Game King BTHP. However, their SWAT (or Emergency Response Team) carries Federal Premium 223 Tactical Bonded Soft Point, 62 grain.
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Federal LE Tactical 223 Rem 55 Grain SP – 20 Rounds

$23.45

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Federal LE Tactical TRU 223 Rem 64 Grain SP – 20 Rounds

$21.85

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Police Ammo: Popular Shotgun Options

a photo of federal premium law enforcement 12-gauge shotgun ammo

On patrol, a shotgun loaded with Federal Premium Law Enforcement ammo can end a violent threat quickly.

Officer Perez states that shotguns have been a tricky topic for police departments, particularly in the last couple of years. While some departments worry about “show of force” tactics and public perception, other police departments have chosen shotguns due to their clear-cut advantages.

Officer Perez states that shotguns are reliable, powerful at close range, and there’s much less worry about over-penetration (as opposed to rifles). Perez states that some departments have moved away from shotguns, but he also believes that many departments may be getting them back in the years to come.

Some of the most common shotgun ammunition law enforcement chooses:

  • Federal Law Enforcement 12-Gauge Rifled Slugs: Used by the Rochester Police Department in New York City.
  • Federal Premium Tactical Law Enforcement 12-Gauge 00 Buckshot: Used by various Police Departments in New York City in the 8-9 pellet variety.
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Federal Power-Shok 12 Gauge 2 3/4″ 1 1/8 Ounce 00 Buckshot – 5 Rounds

$7.85

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Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 2-3/4″ #00 Buck Shot – 250 Rounds

$259.85

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The Most Popular Law Enforcement Ammunition

a photo of a police officer's belt

Statistically, if you see a police officer with a holstered handgun, there’s a good chance it’s chambered in 9mm.

There is no single standard when it comes to the ammunition carried by police officers. For handguns, some form of 9mm +P ammunition is popular. When it comes to rifles, .223 soft points are often used. For shotguns, police officers usually stick with the reliable and versatile 12G, often chambered with rifled slugs.

About Officer Mike Perez: Officer Perez is a Metro DC police officer with over eight years of experience. In addition to his roles in the department’s Violent Crime Suppression Unit, Officer Perez is a professional shooter who participates in competitions nationwide.

How to Accurately Shoot a Reverse-Draw Crossbow

When shooting a reverse-draw crossbow accurately, you need to be aware of why and how the crossbow will react when being shot. If shooting off of a rest, there are certain techniques that can help you achieve tighter shot groupings.

When Shooting from a Bench, Rest, Lead Sled, or Sandbag You Must Hold the Fore-Grip Tightly with Your Off Hand

Pass-thru fore-grips are a big advantage with this type of shooting since you may be able to get most, if not all, of your hand through it. By putting your hand inside the fore-grip you should be able to put a good amount of downward pressure on the fore-grip to keep the front-end from bouncing when you shoot.

When Shooting Off of a Clamp-On/Clamp-In Style Rest, Hold the Front of the Crossbow Securely

Just bringing the crossbow back into and tight to the shoulder isn’t going to stop the front-end from bouncing. If you can’t grip the fore-grip, make sure you hold the bipod, tripod, etc. securely.

Shooting offhand there’s not as much “bounce” since you are already holding the crossbow at the fore-grip and pulling it into your shoulder.

4 Summer Crossbow Shooting Tips for Fall Hunting Success

Ask any good crossbow shooter what the secret to their shooting success is and they will tell you that PRACTICE is essential to becoming a more accurate shooter. The more you practice shooting your hunting crossbow, the more consistent you will become in shooting tighter groups. Put simply, consistency is the key to shooting the best arrow groups from your hunting crossbow. By educating yourself on how to properly use your crossbow and by developing a consistent crossbow shooting routine, you will help to make yourself a better shot and will likely become a more successful crossbow hunter this fall.

summer crossbow practice with target
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Know and understand how to properly use your crossbow cocking device.

Since there are several steps involved with the cocking, loading, and firing of a crossbow, you should develop a routine that you practice and maintain every time you cock and shoot it. Familiarize yourself with the correct method for using your crossbow cocking device and follow this method every time. Not only will this help you avoid future cocking problems in the field, but it will also help to ensure that the string latch engages the string in a consistent fashion every time, which is necessary to achieve a high degree of accuracy. You may have recently purchased one of our crossbows with the ACUslide silent cocking and safe de-cocking system, or an ACUdraw or ACUdraw De-Cock silent, simple, and safe model. Be aware, they differ from our ACUdraw, ACUdraw PRO, and ACUdraw 50 cocking devices so be sure to familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for using them.

Learn how to safely load a crossow arrow.

When loading a crossbow bolt, hold it towards the front, near the field point or broadhead, with your index and middle fingers and your thumb. Grasping the bolt in this position keeps your fingers away from the path of the bowstring. Insert one of the vanes into the barrel’s flight groove and slide the nock end of the bolt under the arrow retention spring or brush, lowering the front of the bolt into the barrel’s groove. Continue sliding the bolt shaft into the trigger box’s string slot until you feel the nock stop against the bowstring. If possible, visually inspect the nock and bowstring for proper contact. For crossbow bolt loading instructions and safety information specific to your model, consult the General Owner’s Manual for your hunting crossbow.

proper arrow loading square
summer practice with the siege rs410

Practice a regular breathing and trigger pull routine.

Practicing a regular breathing routine is essential to achieving a high degree of accuracy because your body naturally moves when you are inhaling or exhaling. Your body’s natural movement can be enough to move your crossbow, causing your shot to be errant. Proper breathing helps you to hold your hunting crossbow steady when aiming for the shot and helps you to maintain the best sight picture throughout. When focusing on your trigger pull, apply slow and steady pressure to the trigger until your hunting crossbow fires. Jerking the trigger in anticipation of the shot will likely cause you to move the crossbow out of position just before it fires, resulting in a poor shot.

Watch your arrow hit the target through the scope.

After you pull the trigger and the string launches the arrow from your hunting crossbow, your shooting routine is not finished. After your crossbow fires, do not immediately lift your head from the scope or move your crossbow. Concentrate on maintaining your sight picture and watching the arrow hit your intended target through the scope. Maintaining your shooting position and properly following through with the shot prevents you from moving your crossbow before the arrow has left the flight rail and will help to improve your accuracy.

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Shot Placement Is Vital When Crossbow Hunting for Turkeys

Crossbow hunting for wild turkeys is exciting, challenging, and rewarding.  Each spring, many turkeys are shot with crossbow bolts, but some are never recovered.  In most cases, poor shot placement is to blame, as a gobbler’s feathers hide the outline of the turkey’s body while it is in full strut, making it difficult for the crossbow hunter to determine exactly where the vital organs are located.

Knowing where to shoot a turkey with a hunting crossbow is critical — as proper bolt placement can make or break your chances of harvesting the bird.  A turkey’s vitals are only about the size of a softball — much smaller than the basketball-like size of a deer’s vitals. Since the area that you need to hit is small, you need to know exactly how to select the ideal spot for your shot and that you can hit that spot accurately, with little margin for error.

Jo Smith - Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 - first ever hunting kill - Tennessee

The graphics below show the proper shot placement on wild turkeys from different angles that you will encounter in the field – quartering to you, facing you, broadside, and facing away from you.

Quartering

If a turkey is quartering to you when it is coming in, identify where the neck meets the body and aim about an inch low of that spot, while also aiming a couple of inches into the turkey’s body from the front of the breast.

Turkey Quartering

Facing You

If a turkey is facing you when it presents you with a shot, identify where the neck meets the body and aim about an inch below it, or midway between the neckline and beard.

Turkey Facing Towards

Broadside

If a turkey is positioned broadside or sideways to you, aim about an inch down from the neckline and a few inches into the turkey’s body.

Turkey Broadside

Facing Away

If a turkey is facing directly away from you, yes, you guessed it – shoot him “where the sun doesn’t shine”. 

Turkey Facing Away

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Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country.

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Shooting Range Seminar

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country.

Continue Reading
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