Essential for any armed activity—hunting, sport shooting, self-defense, or collecting—ammunition lies at the heart of ballistic performance. Choosing the right caliber, understanding its characteristics, staying updated on legislation, and following the latest innovations ensures a safer, more efficient... and responsible practice.
Calibers: Understanding the Basics
The Caliber refers to the diameter of the projectile. It can be expressed in millimeters (e.g., 9 mm) or inches (e.g., .308″). Each use requires specific calibers.
Hunting Calibers
- Small game :
- 12 gauge: the most versatile for bird hunting.
- 20 gauge: lighter, appreciated for its moderate recoil.
- Big game :
- 7×64, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Win: commonly used for driven and stand hunting.
- 9.3×62 ideal for wild boar and large game.
> See hunting ammunition on Europarm
Sport Shooting Calibers
- .22 LR : very popular for beginners and precision shooting.
- 9 mm Parabellum : standard handgun caliber.
- .223 Remington or .308 Win : used for long-range or tactical shooting.
Self-Defense Calibers
- .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .45 ACP or 9×19 : suitable for handguns.
- Blank or rubber cartridges: for non-lethal weapons.
Ballistic Performance
Each type of ammunition is defined by several characteristics:
Projectile Weight
Expressed in grains (gr) or grams (g), it affects:
- the Impact power,
- the Trajectory (lighter bullets = faster but more wind-sensitive)
Muzzle Velocity
Determines :
- the Effective range,
- the Stopping power (critical in hunting),
- the Flatness of trajectory (important in long-range shooting)
Accuracy
Depends on the weapon/ammunition pairing. Each barrel “prefers” certain types of bullets based on:
- the Bullet shape (e.g., spitzer, semi-wadcutter)
- his coating (lead, copper-plated, jacketed)
- the Crimp quality.
Need to test? Targets available at Europarm
Recent Innovations
Ammunition is evolving with a focus on better performance and lower environmental impact.
Lead-Free Ammunition
In response to environmental concerns, more cartridges now feature projectiles:
- in pure copper, brass, or composite alloys,
- with lead-free primers, reducing pollution in shooting areas
> Lead-free hunting cartridges – Europarm
Smart Cartridges
Some defense or military rounds include:
- some Fragmenting projectiles, to limit ricochets
- some Adjustable charges depending on distance
Improved Powders
Modern powders offer:
- a Cleaner combustion,
- a Reduced recoil,
- a Better pressure control, extending firearm lifespan
French Ammunition Laws
French law strictly regulates the sale, possession and transport of ammunition:
Categories
- Category B : ammunition for handguns or semi-automatic firearms for civilian use
→ Requires prefectural authorization - Category C : hunting ammunition
→ Requires a valid hunting license or shooting license - Category D : blank or non-lethal ammunition
→ Freely available to adults over 18
> Legal requirements reminder on Europarm
Transport and Storage
- Always transport ammunition separately from the firearm.
- Store in a locked or secure container, out of reach of children
- Mailing by post is prohibited (use an approved carrier instead)