Ammo Glossary

The total price of a box of ammunition divided by the number of rounds. CPR is the most reliable way to compare ammo prices since box sizes vary (20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 rounds). A $300 case of 1000 rounds (30.0¢ CPR) is cheaper per round than a $16 box of 50 (32.0¢ CPR). Ghost uses CPR as the primary price metric across all listings.

The price the manufacturer recommends retailers charge. Actual street prices are almost always lower than MSRP, especially for ammunition.

The lowest price a retailer is allowed to advertise publicly. Some retailers show ‘Add to Cart for Price’ because the actual price is below MAP. Ghost captures the real transaction price when possible.

Discounted per-round pricing when buying large quantities (typically 500+ or 1000+ rounds). Bulk ammo is usually loose-packed rather than boxed, which reduces cost. Ghost normalizes all prices to CPR so you can compare bulk vs boxed directly.

A bullet with a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell (usually copper). FMJ is the most common and affordable type, ideal for target shooting and range practice. Not recommended for self-defense as it tends to over-penetrate.

A bullet designed to expand on impact, creating a larger wound channel and reducing over-penetration. JHP is the standard choice for self-defense and law enforcement. More expensive than FMJ.

Similar to FMJ but with the lead base also enclosed in copper. Reduces lead exposure at indoor ranges. Slightly more expensive than FMJ.

A precision bullet with a small opening at the tip, designed for long-range accuracy. Despite the open tip, OTM bullets are not designed to expand like hollow points.

A bullet with an exposed lead tip that expands on impact but less aggressively than a hollow point. Common for hunting.

Bullets with a hardened steel or tungsten core designed to penetrate body armor. Heavily regulated and restricted from civilian sale in many states.

Bullets containing a pyrotechnic charge that burns in flight, creating a visible trail. Used primarily by military for target marking. Banned at most civilian ranges due to fire risk.

Bullets designed to disintegrate on impact with hard surfaces, minimizing ricochet risk. Popular for close-quarters training and steel target shooting.

The internal diameter of a gun barrel, which determines what ammunition it fires. Expressed in inches (.45, .308) or millimeters (9mm, 5.56mm). Not all cartridges with the same caliber are interchangeable — always match the full cartridge name.

The unit of weight used to measure bullets. One grain equals 1/7000th of a pound. Heavier bullets (higher grain) generally travel slower but retain energy better at distance. Common 9mm weights: 115gr (range), 124gr (general), 147gr (subsonic/defense).

The cartridge case material. Brass is reloadable, feeds reliably, and is gentler on extractors. Steel is cheaper but not reloadable and may not be allowed at some ranges. Aluminum cases exist too — also non-reloadable but lighter.

The small ignition charge at the base of a cartridge. When struck by the firing pin, it ignites the powder. Centerfire (most handgun and rifle ammo) and rimfire (.22 LR) describe where the primer is located.

The speed of the bullet as it leaves the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps). Higher velocity generally means flatter trajectory. Standard 9mm FMJ: ~1150 fps. 5.56 NATO: ~3100 fps.

Ammunition loaded to higher-than-standard pressure for increased velocity and energy. +P is within SAAMI spec; +P+ exceeds it. Only use in firearms rated for +P. Causes more wear on the gun.