While you may want to invest in expensive, premium bullets for self-defense, it doesn’t make sense to use this kind of ammo for training at an indoor shooting range. Instead, you’ll want to choose bullets that will mimic a real-life shooting experience while still being economical. If you’re new to training, Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL, offers a few tips for choosing the best target practice ammunition.

What to Consider When Selecting Ammo for Indoor Target Practice

Number of Rounds

In self-defense situations, you may only need a few rounds of ammunition to make the necessary impact. However, when you’re firing shot after shot during target practice, you can run out of bullets quickly. For optimal firearms training, choose a box of ammunition that offers 100 rounds or more at an affordable price.

Lead Exposure

It’s important to control the amount of lead that may be released into the air in an indoor shooting range. Many ammo brands produce Indoor Range Training bullets that are made to protect against lead exposure. These bullets are also referred to as Total Metal Jacket or TMJ. While they offer the stability of Full Metal Jacket ammo, TMJ products do not leave the base exposed, reducing the risk of airborne lead.

Frangibility

If you are using steel targets, you will not want to use Hollow Point ammunition, as these carry a higher risk of shrapnel ricochet. Instead, you may need to use a bullet that is frangible. It is packed with a copper powder—rather than a lead core—and will break apart upon impact.

Recoil

Repetitive fire can be tough on arms and shoulders—especially for those just learning how to handle their weapon. To minimize the force, it’s best to choose a low or “managed” recoil ammo if you’re planning on firing multiple rounds for target practice. If recoil is a particular challenge, it may also be wise to consider a heavy 9mm firearm, as 9mm ammunition is low-impact.

Although finding the right training ammunition can be overwhelming, the search is well worth the effort. Whether you’re a new or veteran gun-owner in Columbia, IL, Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range offers ample resources to help you enjoy a first-rate firing experience. This indoor shooting range is equipped to support practice with most handguns and can provide frangible bullets onsite. Visit them online to learn more about shooting range requirements and membership costs. You can also call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a friendly expert.