The Key Differences Between Indoor Range and Match Grade Ammunition
The Key Differences Between Indoor Range and Match Grade Ammunition
Indoor range ammunition and match grade ammunition have several key differences, which can affect their performance and suitability for different shooting applications. Here are some of the main differences:
- Manufacturing standards: Match grade ammunition is manufactured to very high standards with extremely tight tolerances, which ensures consistent performance from round to round. Indoor range ammunition, on the other hand, may not be held to the same rigorous standards and may have more variability in its performance.
- Quality of components: Match grade ammunition typically uses the highest-quality components, such as precision bullets, carefully measured propellant, and high-quality brass or nickel-plated cases. Indoor range ammunition may use lower-quality components to save costs.
- Consistency: Match grade ammunition is designed for extreme consistency, with every round performing as closely as possible to the previous one. This makes it ideal for competition shooting, where small differences in accuracy can make a big difference in the final score. Indoor range ammunition may have more variability in its performance, which is less of a concern for casual target shooting.
- Cost: Match grade ammunition is typically more expensive than indoor range ammunition due to the higher quality of its components and the more rigorous manufacturing process. This higher cost can make it impractical for some shooters who are not focused on competition shooting.
- Accuracy: Match grade ammunition is designed to be extremely accurate and consistent, with tight groupings and minimal variation between shots. Indoor range ammunition may have more variability in its accuracy, which is less of a concern for casual target shooting.
Indoor Range Ammunition:
Indoor range ammunition, also known as training or practice ammunition, is designed for use in indoor shooting ranges. It is typically loaded with full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, which have a copper or brass coating that covers the entire bullet, leaving no exposed lead. This helps to reduce lead exposure and minimize the amount of lead residue left in the shooting range.
Popular Indoor Range Ammunition Products:
- Federal American Eagle FMJ
- Winchester USA Full Metal Jacket
- Remington UMC FMJ
- Magtech First Defense Indoor Range
Match Grade Ammunition:
Match grade ammunition is designed for use in competitive shooting events, where accuracy and consistency are critical. It is loaded with high-quality components, including precision bullets, carefully measured propellant, and high-quality brass or nickel-plated cases. Match grade ammunition is manufactured to very tight tolerances, ensuring consistent performance from round to round.
Popular Match Grade Ammunition Products:
- Hornady Match Ammo
- Nosler Match Grade Ammo
- Federal Gold Medal Match Ammo
- Barnes Match Burner Ammo
In addition to the differences in manufacturing standards, component quality, consistency, cost, and accuracy, it's important to note that match grade ammunition may not function reliably in all firearms. Some guns may be finicky about the type of ammunition they shoot, and may experience feeding or ejection issues with match grade ammo. Shooters should test their firearms with a variety of ammunition to determine which type works best for their gun and shooting application.
Overall, the key differences between indoor range ammunition and match grade ammunition are their manufacturing standards, component quality, consistency, cost, and accuracy. Shooters should choose the type of ammunition that best fits their needs and intended shooting application.