Firearm Basics | Ammunition Nomenclature

Ammunition and its nomenclature can be a confusing subject, particularly for new shooters who are just learning the fundamentals of firearms.

posted on April 10, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Ammunition and its nomenclature can be a confusing subject, particularly for new shooters who are just learning the fundamentals of firearms. Before you can properly feed it, you'll need to learn basic terminology for ammunition and its components. Watch the video above.

Latest

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol

The Armed Citizen® February 13, 2026

Teach your children well—and that means never to commit crimes, especially ones that can end your life.

New Guns 2026: Henry's Deadeye Revolvers now with Sight Upgrades

The new Deadeye models feature upgraded sights that enhance accuracy for target shooting and plinking.

Offensive Strategies for Defensive Driving

Incorporate these offensive driving tactics so you are less on the defense.

How to Train Cross-Eye-Dominant Firearm Students

If you are a firearms instructor, don't let a student simply "compensate" for being cross-eye dominant! Follow these tips for proper training and a more successful student.

Try Something New by Trying Something Old

Want to revive that "new hunter" feeling? Here are a few ways to keep the excitement going from year to year. 

We Love It: Lena Women's Stretch Flannel Shirt and Shirt Jacket from Vertx

We all crave our favorite “comfort foods” when cooler weather invites hibernal tendencies. Now, with the “Lena Collection” by Vertx, we have “comfort clothes.”

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.