Rifle Ammunition

Premium loads for hunting, precision, and sport shooting

About Rifle Ammo

Engineering for accuracy, range, and terminal performance for hunting and sport shooting

Top Calibers

Detailed specs on the 10 most popular rifle ammunition calibers and manufacturers

FAQ

Find answers about caliber selection, storage, reloading, and hunting applications

Contact Us

Visit our store or call to check availability and get expert recommendations

Rifle Ammunition Engineering

Accuracy, range, and terminal performance

Rifle ammunition is engineered for accuracy, range, and terminal performance. Whether you're hunting, competing, or training, selecting the right rifle caliber and load is critical to success.

Hangtown Range carries rifle ammunition when available, including hunting, training, and specialty loads in popular calibers. Due to California's regulations and ammunition availability constraints, specific calibers and types may vary. Contact our staff to verify current inventory or discuss your specific ammunition needs.

Top 10 Rifle Ammo Calibers

Complete ballistic specs for the most popular ammunition

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.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

Grain Range: 40–77 gr (most common: 55, 62, 69, 75/77)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,700–3,300 fps (16–20" barrels)
Bullet Types: FMJ / FMJ-BT (training, bulk), Soft Point (varmint/hunting), OTM/HPBT (match/precision), Bonded / barrier loads (duty/defensive)
Top Manufacturers: Federal/Lake City, Winchester, PMC, IMI, Hornady, Speer, Fiocchi, Magtech

The most popular rifle caliber in America. Versatile for varmint hunting, competition, and home defense. .223 and 5.56 are similar but not identical - check your chamber.

7.62×39

Grain Range: 122–154 gr (most common: 122/123)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,200–2,450 fps (16" barrels)
Bullet Types: FMJ (bulk range), HP (often still non-expanding in imports), Soft Point (hunting)
Top Manufacturers: Wolf, Tula, Barnaul, Red Army Standard, PPU (Prvi Partizan), Hornady

Standard AK-47 caliber. Affordable, reliable, and effective for medium game and training. Steel-case options reduce cost significantly.

.308 Winchester / 7.62×51 NATO

Grain Range: 147–180+ gr (common: 147/150, 168, 175)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,500–2,850 fps (20–22" barrels)
Bullet Types: FMJ (M80-style ball), OTM/HPBT (match: 168/175), Soft Point / bonded (hunting), Polymer tip (hunting)
Top Manufacturers: Federal, Hornady, Winchester, PMC, Norma, S&B, PPU, Black Hills

Proven hunting and long-range caliber. Excellent for deer, elk, and precision shooting. Wide variety of match-grade loads available.

.30-06 Springfield

Grain Range: 125–220 gr (common: 150, 165, 180)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,600–3,000 fps (24" barrels; varies widely)
Bullet Types: Soft Point (classic hunting), Bonded (heavier game), Polymer tip (flatter hunting loads)
Top Manufacturers: Federal, Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Nosler, Norma

Classic American hunting caliber. Effective on all North American game. Widely available and versatile.

6.5 Creedmoor

Grain Range: 120–147+ gr (common: 140, 143, 147)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,600–2,900 fps (22–24" barrels)
Bullet Types: OTM/HPBT (match), ELD-M / similar (match), ELD-X / polymer tip (hunting)
Top Manufacturers: Hornady, Federal, Winchester, Norma, Berger, S&B

Rapidly growing in popularity for long-range precision. Excellent ballistic coefficient, low recoil, and superior wind performance.

.22 LR (rifle use / rimfire)

Grain Range: 29–40 gr (most common: 36–40)
Muzzle Velocity: Subsonic ~900–1,050 | Standard ~1,050–1,130 | High velocity ~1,200–1,300 fps
Bullet Types: LRN (lead round nose), CPHP (copper-plated hollow point), Target / match lead
Top Manufacturers: CCI, Federal, Aguila, SK, Eley, Norma, Remington

The ultimate budget caliber for training and plinking. Exceptional accuracy at reasonable distances with minimal recoil.

.300 AAC Blackout

Grain Range: Supersonic: 110–150 gr (common: 110, 125) | Subsonic: 190–220 gr (common: 200, 208, 220)
Muzzle Velocity: Supersonic ~1,900–2,350 fps (16") | Subsonic ~950–1,050 fps
Bullet Types: FMJ (training), OTM (match-style), Polymer tip / expanding (hunting/defensive)
Top Manufacturers: Hornady, Sig Sauer, Winchester, Remington, Barnes, Federal, Magtech

Modern specialized round for suppressed and subsonic shooting. Growing bulk availability from major manufacturers.

.243 Winchester

Grain Range: 55–105 gr (common: 80, 95, 100)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,900–3,300 fps
Bullet Types: Varmint (light, fast), Soft Point / polymer tip (deer/antelope)
Top Manufacturers: Federal, Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Nosler

Excellent dual-purpose caliber for varmints and deer. Low recoil makes it ideal for youth and new hunters.

.270 Winchester

Grain Range: 110–150 gr (common: 130, 140, 150)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,850–3,100 fps (24")
Bullet Types: Soft Point, Bonded, Polymer tip
Top Manufacturers: Federal, Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Nosler

Flat-shooting hunting caliber with excellent range. Popular for deer, antelope, and sheep in diverse terrain.

#10

.30-30 Winchester

Grain Range: 150–170 gr (most common: 150, 170)
Muzzle Velocity: ~2,000–2,400 fps (lever guns vary)
Bullet Types: Flat/round nose soft point (traditional for tube mags), Flex-tip polymer (modern lever evolution)
Top Manufacturers: Hornady, Winchester, Remington, Federal

Iconic American hunting caliber. Ideal for medium game at moderate ranges, especially in dense brush and timber.

Rifle Ammo Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Load	Caliber / Bullet Type	Grain Weight
Training / Target Shooting	.223/5.56 FMJ	55gr or 62gr FMJ	55–62 gr
Precision / Benchrest	.308 Winchester Match	168gr or 175gr HPBT	168–175 gr
Deer Hunting (General)	.308 Winchester or .30-06 Soft Point	165–180gr Soft Point	165–180 gr
Long-Range Precision (600+ yards)	.338 Lapua Magnum or 6.5 Creedmoor Match	140–147gr 6.5 CM or 250gr .338	140–250 gr
Varmint Hunting (ground squirrels, coyotes)	.223 or .22-250 Varmint	40–55gr V-MAX or JHP	40–55 gr
Elk / Large Game	.308 or .300 Win Mag Bonded	180–200gr Bonded	180–200 gr
AR-15 / Intermediate Range	5.56 NATO or .223 FMJ	55–77gr FMJ or HPBT	55–77 gr
Youth / New Shooters	.243 Winchester Soft Point	95–100gr Soft Point	95–100 gr
Subsonic / Suppressed Shooting	.300 Blackout Subsonic	200–220gr Subsonic	200–220 gr
AK-47 / Plinker	7.62×39 FMJ	122gr or 123gr FMJ	122–123 gr

California Non-Lead Ammunition Requirement

California law requires the use of non-lead (lead-free) ammunition for all hunting statewide - including deer, wild pig, elk, pronghorn, bear, and all other wildlife. This applies on all California lands. Lead-core bullets and shot are prohibited for hunting. Hangtown Range carries California-compliant copper, monolithic, and other non-toxic rifle ammunition to meet this requirement. Ask our staff to confirm your selected ammo is certified lead-free before heading afield.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers on rifle ammunition selection and use

What does "match‑grade rifle ammo" mean, and does Hangtown Range stock it?

Match‑grade rifle ammo is built to tighter tolerances with consistent powder charges, premium bullets (like BTHP), and carefully selected brass. We carry match‑grade loads in popular calibers and brands chosen for precision shooters and hunters.

What rifle calibers for hunting can I buy at Hangtown Range for local game?

Popular calibers for deer hunting include .243, .270, .308, .30‑06, and .300 Win Mag. Because California requires non-lead ammo for hunting, Hangtown Range carries lead‑free copper and monolithic options.

Does Hangtown Range carry non‑lead rifle ammo that meets California hunting laws?

Yes. We specifically stock California‑compliant, non‑lead rifle ammo for popular hunting calibers. If you are unsure whether a particular box is certified non‑lead, just ask any staff member.

How should I store rifle ammo I purchase from Hangtown Range?

Once you buy rifle ammo from us, we recommend storing it in quality ammo cans or storage solutions we also sell.

Can I special‑order a specific rifle load through Hangtown Range?

Yes. If there's a particular brand, bullet type, or grain weight you rely on that we don't have on the shelf, talk to our team about special ordering.

Does Hangtown Range stock hunting rifle ammo tuned for local terrain and game?

We do. Ask our staff which rifle loads work well for local hunting and precision shooting, and we'll show you proven performers we keep in stock.

Can Hangtown Range help me zero my rifle for the ammo I buy here?

Yes, for a fee. We can offer basic zeroing guidance and help you understand how to get a reliable zero with your chosen ammo.