HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

The most important thing to remember about ammunition is that the cartridge name (this is the head stamp on the ammunition) matches the information on the barrel of the firearm (this is the data stamp, also called a ‘barrel stamp’).

Once you’ve matched your head stamp to your data stamp, you’ll need to choose the right type of ammo for the type of game you’re hunting. Gobblers and grizzlies are different kinds of targets and will require different types of ammo. If you’re ever in doubt, consult a firearms or ammunition dealer—but look for a real one, not the nervous part-timer who occupies the firearms counter after school.

In case it isn’t obvious, firing ammunition from a firearm that it’s not designed for can cause serious damage to both you and your firearm. In a worst-case scenario, the shooter can be killed. So make sure you’ve got a match.

Wise Words: Stamp Safety

Some firearms won’t have a data stamp so you’ll need to have a pro measure the bore to determine the correct ammo match for the firearm. This is often the case with older firearms where the markings may no longer be legible. Likewise, some types of ammo won’t have a head stamp (like, some types of rimfire cartridges). If this happens, don’t get experimental. Have the bore measured by a pro.