How Much Does Ammo Cost? (Detailed Prices Overview)
Ammo prices are still insanely high. The price depends entirely on the quality and caliber of ammunition you want.
As a gun lover, the question I get a lot is “how much does ammo cost?” Just for fun, I shopped for a variety of ammunition at different prices to enhance my shooting skills.
In this article, I put together details about the prices of ammo so that you can choose the one that fits your budget.
How expensive is the ammo for guns?
Ammunition will cost you $0.08 for a 22LR round to $3 for a .50 caliber round. In case you reuse your ammunition casings, the price falls. Ammo prices depend entirely on caliber, type, cost and supply of raw materials, demand and brand.
Next read: How much does a typical gun cost?
Average ammunition prices in June 2023
Ammunition comes in different types. Each type has a price tag. Luckily for you, I found that ammo for guns has fallen in recent years.
The table below shows the average ammo prices in recent times:
| Type | Class | Average Price |
| 9mm | Handgun | $0.30 |
| 22LR | Handgun | $0.08 |
| 22WMR | Handgun | $0.66 |
| 357 Magnum | Handgun | $0.36 |
| 40 S&W | Handgun | $0.36 |
| 45 ACP | Handgun | $0.38 |
| 10mm Auto | Handgun | $0.64 |
| 5.7x28mm | Handgun | $0.8 |
| 223 Remmington | Rifle | $0.43 |
| 22LR | Rifle | $0.08 |
| 5.56 NATO | Rifle | $0.47 |
| 5.45×39 | Rifle | $0.36 |
| 308 Win | Rifle | $0.62 |
| 243 Win | Rifle | $1.46 |
| 7.62x54R | Rifle | $0.64 |
| 7.62×39 | Rifle | $0.49 |
How much does ammo cost? (Factors that affect the cost)
There’s a range of factors that determine the cost of ammunition. They include;
- Caliber of ammos
- Type of ammunitions
- Availability of raw materials
- Manufacturer
- Seasonal and event demand
Yes there’s ammo to buy in the market. Most popular ammunition is available online in bulk. You can as well get them on store shelves.
Components of a modern ammunition round
What’s in the box? A modern ammunition round comes with;
- Cartridge case – it holds all components together.
- Bullet or the projectile
- Propellant – Can be either smokeless powder or black powder
- Rim – Lets the cartridge to extracted once you fire
- The Primer – Ignites the propellant inside the cartridge
I’ll walk you through the mentioned factors to give you an idea of how they affect the price of ammunition.
Ammo caliber
When we say caliber, we mean the diameter of the barrel of your gun. Being the object, the bullet is supposed to hit your target.
The whole unit that holds all components together is referred to as the cartridge. Bullet is the metal that travels through the barrel.
All the other components only help the bullet reach the target. For instance, a 308 caliber is 7.82mm in diameter. The cost for a typical .308 caliber round is approximately $0.62.
You’ll be required to pay around $3 for a larger caliber round. A good example is the .50 caliber used on machine guns (M2, M3 and M85).
The bullets are available in packs of 50 to 10 rounds.
Bullet types
What type of a bullet are you looking for? A bullet is basically a metal projectile that flies out of the gun when fired. It contains an explosive.
Bullet types can significantly impact ammo cost due to a variety of reasons. Typically, the materials used to manufacture ammunition cost differently.
For example, ammunition made with brass casings is more expensive than those made with steel casings. The availability of raw materials has a great impact on the final cost of the ammunition.
It is worth noting that a lot of bullets are made of lead or non-lead materials.
There are several types of bullets available on the market, each designed for specific purposes. The most common ones include:
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets: FMJ bullets are the most basic type of ammunition. They’re usually encased in a metal jacket that covers the entire bullet, except for the base. The applications of these bullets are; target shooting, training, and military applications.
- Hollow Point (HP) bullets: HP bullets have a hollow cavity in the tip. When the bullet hits a target, the cavity expands, causing the bullet to mushroom and transfer more energy to the target. HP bullets are typically used for self-defense and hunting as they offer better stopping power than others.
- Soft Point (SP) bullets: SP bullets are similar to HP bullets, but the cavity in the tip is smaller. SP bullets are typically used for hunting, as they provide a good balance of expansion and penetration.
- Boat-Tail bullets: Boat-tail bullets come with a tapered base that reduces drag, providing greater stability in flight. We use them for hunting and long-range shooting.
- Armor Piercing (AP): AP bullets are designed to penetrate armor. They have a hardened core that can penetrate metal. AP bullets are useful in military forces.
The complexity of the manufacturing process, such as the number of steps involved in its production, will potentially influence the cost.
Different types of ammunition serve various purposes. They’ve varying levels of demand as well. For instance, hunting rounds will cost you more dollars than target ammo due to their higher demand as well as specialized use.
Similarly, ammunition intended for long-range shooting often costs more than that designed for short-range shooting. This is because it requires greater precision.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer can influence the cost of ammunition in a couple of ways.
The manufacturing process: The manufacturing process for ammunition is oftentimes complex and time-consuming.
This adds to the cost of production, which is then passed on to consumers. Different manufacturers employ varying technologies, equipment, and production methods.
Top manufacturers always invest in advanced machinery. They’re well-known to produce ammunition at a lower cost compared to those with less efficient methods.
Scale of production. This one plays a big role when it comes to determining the cost of ammunition. Manufacturers that produce ammunition in large quantities often achieve economies of scale.
By spreading fixed costs, such as machinery maintenance and raw material procurement, across a larger number of units, these manufacturers reduce the cost per round.
Conversely, smaller manufacturers with limited production capacity may have higher per-unit costs.
Reputation and brand value. Manufacturers with a history of producing high-quality ammunition too often command a premium price.
Consumers are willing to pay more for ammunition from reputable manufacturers due to perceived reliability.
Vendors that invest heavily in research, alongside testing new technologies may produce innovative firearm products, but the associated costs are passed on to users.
Season and event demand
When the demand for a particular type of ammo is high, manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand. As a result, the price of ammunition will increase.
For example, hunting seasons may lead to a sudden increase in demand for hunting ammunition. This surge in demand causes shortages, leading to price increases. When demand decreases, manufacturers lower their prices to encourage sales.
Demand for specific calibers also varies based on the popularity of certain firearms. Like, rounds used in popular sporting rifles, such as the AR-15, tend to be in high demand, resulting in higher prices.
Cost and supply of raw materials
The cost of raw materials can drive up the price of ammo. Brass, lead, and gunpowder are good examples. Manufacturers will put high price tags on their ammos if the market price of these materials rises.
Cartridge types and cost
The main type of ammo for all types of guns we currently use today is cartridges. Cartridges are also known as rounds.
They’re a type of firearm ammunition that consists of a projectile, propellant and an ignition device within a metallic or plastic case that is precisely made to fit within the barrel chamber of a handgun.
Today, cartridges come in a wide variety of calibers, each with its own unique characteristics.
There are two main types of cartridges:
- Rimfire
- Centerfire
- Shotgun
Rimfire ammo
Rimfire cartridges have a primer in the rim of the cartridge, which ignites the propellant when the firing pin strikes the rim.
These ammos are very prevalent in small caliber firearms, such as .22 rifles and handguns.
The construction of a rimfire is pretty simple. The base of the cartridge features copper casing with a rimmed base.
Inside the casing is a small amount of gunpowder, which is ignited by the primer when struck by the firing pin.
You’ll find a bullet at the front of the casing. The rim of the case is flattened to hold the primer material that’s commonly sensitive to impact.
Compared to other cartridges, rimfire is generally a little bit powerful. On top of that, it has less reliable ignition due to the limitations of the rimfire primer design.
The cost of rimfire cartridges depends on the brand, type, and quantity purchased.
Here are some examples of the cost of rimfire cartridges:
- .22 LR: A box of 50 .22 LR cartridges will cost you between $5 and $10.
- .17 HMR: A box of 50 .17 HMR cartridges ranges between $10 and $15.
- .22 WMR: A box of 50 .22 WMR cartridges costs around $15 to $20.
Rimfire cartridges become more expensive during the hunting season and shooting competitions. In the US, these ammos are more costly in the winter and fall months in the US.
Most people in the US go hunting for small game, such as squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs during these times.
Centerfire ammo
Centerfire is used in firearms that feature the primer at the center of the base of the cartridge. The cartridges are deployed in handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
The design of this cartridge is complex. The base consists of thick brass with a flat base. Inside the casing is a larger amount of gunpowder, which is ignited by the primer when struck by the firing pin.
Another thing is that the bullet is usually made of lead, and is located at the front of the casing.
Compared to rimfire cartridges, centerfire offers a more reliable ignition due to the design of the primer. If you’re like me, you can use this ammo for hunting during fall seasons.
The ammos are slightly more expensive than rimfire cartridges due to the complexity of their design and manufacturing process.
Shotgun ammo
The other major category of ammo is the shotgun. Shotgun ammo is specifically designed for use in shotguns, which are renowned for not only their versatility but power as well.
Instead of firing one bullet like a rifle or handgun, a shotgun fires multiple steel or lead balls, or “shot.” That means the ammo consists of a shell, containing multiple projectiles.
These shots are usually available in various sizes, known as shot sizes. The specific type and size of shot determines the intended purpose and effectiveness of the ammunition.
Shotgun ammo has a plastic case. The case contains a primer, powder, and wadding. For example, a small shot is used to hunt birds, while larger shots are for hunting large games or for self-defense.
Some types of shotgun ammunition may also come with a single, larger projectile called a slug, which is designed for hunting large game.
The main calibers on shotgun ammo are 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore that correspond to the diameter of the shotgun barrel.
Bullet types and how they affect the prices of ammunition
As aforementioned, the type of bullet impacts the cost of ammo. The different types of ammunition you should be aware of include:
-
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) features a soft lead core enclosed in a harder metal jacket, usually made of copper. The purpose of the metal jacket is to prevent the lead core from deforming or expanding upon impact.
The most exciting thing of FMJ ammunition is its affordability. Due to its simple construction and wide availability, FMJ rounds are generally more budget-friendly than other bullet types.
The cost of FMJ ammo varies depending on factors such as caliber, brand, and quantity purchased. On average, FMJ rounds can range between $0.20 and $0.40 per round.
FMJ rounds are reliable in semi-automatic firearms. Like a smooth metal jacket helps facilitate the smooth cycling of the ammunition.
However, since FMJ bullets don’t expand significantly upon impact, they are less effective in creating large wound channels or stopping a threat quickly.
For this reason, FMJ isn’t the best choice for self-defense purposes. The lack of expansion may result in over-penetration and reduced stopping power.
This type also isn’t designed to transfer as much energy to the target as other bullet types. It therefore may not be as effective for hunting larger game, where controlled expansion and maximum energy transfer are desirable. Bullets like hollow point ammunition are preferred in such cases.
While FMJ ammunition may have limitations in certain applications, its cost-effectiveness. Shooters like me use it to shoot and train. It’s used in situations where over-penetration is a big concern.
-
Hollow Point (HP) bullets:
Hollow Point bullets are just like FMJ bullets, only that they have a hollowed-out tip. The hollow area helps them expand upon impact. It’s for this reason HP bullets provide greater stopping power than their counterparts.
When the bullet strikes an object, the hollow point causes the bullet to expand, creating a larger wound channel. It transfers more energy to the target.
This makes an ideal choice for self-defense and law enforcement purposes. The expanded bullet can cause more damage to the intended target.
Regarding the cost of hollow point bullets, it is relatively expensive compared to (FMJ) ammunition. This price difference is attributed to several factors like the manufacturing process.
Hollow point bullets are more complex. It requires additional steps, such as creating the hollow cavity which makes production costs rise.
These bullets are the most effective, but expensive at $1 to $3 per round.
-
Soft point (SP) bullets
It is named “soft point” because it has a lead core, but exposes the lead tip. The rest of the bullet is covered in a harder metal, such as copper. This allows for controlled expansion on impact.
The purpose of this bullet is to strike a balance between penetration and expansion. Practically, when the bullet hits a target, the exposed lead tip initiates expansion.
This causes the bullet to mushroom and create a larger wound channel. The bullet’s stopping power is enhanced eventually, increasing the chances of ethical kill during hunting.
The soft point’s design also helps minimize over-penetration. Unlike full metal jacket bullets that may pass through the target, this type tends to deform and transfer more energy to the target.
When it comes to the cost of soft point ammo, it generally falls within the mid-range compared to other bullet types. The manufacturing process for soft point bullets is somewhat simpler, which helps keep the cost down.
For common hunting calibers like .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, or .30-06 Springfield, you can get soft point bullets in the price range of $0.50 to $2 per bullet.
Other bullet types include:
- An armor-piercing bullet. It’s made to penetrate armor and other types of hard materials. These bullets are designed with a hardened steel or tungsten core that is surrounded by a softer metal, such as copper or brass. This bullet is used in military and law enforcement applications.
- Plated bullets. The bullets are coated with a thin layer of metal, usually copper, to reduce barrel wear and improve feeding and extraction.
Full Metal Jacket vs. Soft Point vs. Hollow Point
You want to start shooting or maybe you’re looking to step up your game to a new caliber. The options can seem endless.
Do you go with a .22 for cheap target practice or splurge on a .308 for long-range precision? The choice comes down to how much you want to spend and what you plan to use the ammo for.
FMJ rounds have a lead core with a copper jacket. They’re cheap to produce and are mainly used for target practice since they can damage property. You’re looking at around 30-50 cents a round.
Soft point bullets also have a lead core. This allows for expansion on impact. They’re meant for hunting since they create larger wound channels. Expect to pay 50 cents to $1 per round.
Hollow point bullets have a hollowed out tip that creates maximum expansion. They’re the most effective for hunting and self-defense, but also the most expensive at $1 to $3 per round.
So which do you choose? It depends on your purpose. For casual target practice, FMJ is fine. For hunting, soft point or hollow point is better. And for self-defense, hollow point is really the only option.
In the end, you get what you pay for. FMJ is cheap but not very effective. A Soft point provides good expansion for the money.
And a hollow point, while pricey, gives the best stopping power. For most, a mix of FMJ and hollow point is a good, affordable combo.
Bullet weight and how it affects the price of ammo
Bullet weight does influence the cost of ammunition. The weight of a bullet is measured in grains (gr), with 1 grain being equal to approximately 0.0023 ounces or 0.0648 grams.
Generally speaking, heavier bullets use more material. And therefore, they can be more expensive to produce. This is particularly true when dealing with higher-end materials like copper.
Heavier bullets require more gunpowder to propel them at an equivalent speed to a lighter bullet. The additional propellant cost will impact the ammo price.
There are other factors to consider too. Heavier bullets are associated with specialized ammunition, such as hollow points, which can be more expensive due to their complexity to manufacture.
Lighter bullets, on the other hand, are found in bulk. So, they’re less expensive.
Cartridge case materials and how they affect the ammo price
Different materials are used to manufacture cartridge casings. These are:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Nickel
- Brass
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for cartridge casings because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and highly effective. Aluminum casings weigh about 60-70% less than brass, so you can carry more rounds without getting weighed down.
They’re also cheaper to produce, which helps keep ammo costs down for you.
Despite the lower cost, aluminum casings work great at containing the explosion of gunpowder and directing the bullet down the barrel. The soft metal expands to seal the chamber when fired, then contracts again for easy extraction.
The downside is that aluminum casings typically can’t be reloaded as many times as brass before they become damaged. But for high-volume target practice or competitions, aluminum is perfect.
Aluminum casings do have some differences in care and handling. They’re more prone to dents, so you have to be a bit gentler with them.
They also corrode more easily when exposed to moisture. That’ to say proper storage in a cool, dry place is important.
Most people recommend limiting the time aluminum casings spend in a magazine to avoid corrosion from humidity or sweat.
With the right precautions taken, aluminum cartridge casings offer an affordable option for target shooting. They work great for high-volume firing with only occasional reloads.
If you want an economical choice for casual practice at the range, aluminum casings are worth considering.
Steel
Steel is a popular material for many ammunition manufacturers. They’re durable, weather-resistant, and economical.
Steel casings can handle high pressures. They last through multiple reloads, too. They don’t crack easily compared to brass.
Steel is also unaffected by moisture and humidity, so your ammunition won’t corrode in storage. This material, however, doesn’t have the precision of brass and can’t be resized as often.
The bullets made of steel wear out barrel rifling slightly faster. But for most high-volume shooting, steel casings work great.
When it comes to cost, steel casings are very budget-friendly. The material is inexpensive, so manufacturers can sell steel-cased ammunition for significantly less than brass-cased.
Reloaders will pay less and reuse them several times. You require a few extra steps when reloading steel casings.
You’ll need to lubricate the cases to prevent sticking in the sizing die. Trim and deburr them regularly. With some extra care and the right tools, reloading steel can still be efficient.
For many shooters, the pros of steel cartridge casings clearly outweigh the cons. When cost and high-volume shooting are priorities, steel is an ideal choice.
Though it may never match the quality or precision of brass, steel has earned its place for more utilitarian purposes.
Nickel plated brass
Nickel is prized for its natural corrosion resistance. The material is used to make ammos because it prevents oxidation, allowing the casings to withstand exposure to moisture.
The nickel casings are best if you live in a humid environment. It stands out even in rainy or wet conditions. Nickel-plated brass helps the casings maintain shiny appearance even after so many years of storage.
Nickel is an expensive metal though, and the plating process adds to the overall cost of production. You can expect to pay 20-50% more for nickel-plated cartridges versus standard brass casings.
For some, the added cost is worth the benefits. If you’re on a tight budget, the higher price may be a deterrent.
The slick, smooth finish of nickel cartridge casings allows them to feed more reliably in some weapons. This improves the performance of semi-automatic firearms.
Additionally, the improved feeding also reduces wear and tear on the firearm, thereby prolonging its service life.
Nickel casing has enhanced aesthetics. The polished appearance of nickel cartridges is appealing. The nickel finish looks luxurious. Nickel casings make a visually stunning statement when loading a premium gun.
Brass
Brass cartridge casings are a traditional, reliable choice for ammunition. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has been used for over a century to make cartridge casings.
It’s a budget-friendly material. On top of that, brass can be recycled indefinitely without losing integrity, so you can reload your brass casings as many times as possible.
Brass casings won’t rust or tarnish easily, even when exposed to moisture. You use your ammunition in the rainy season without worrying about rusting.
Again, brass is a malleable metal. The casing can be easily resized to different calibers to fit your specific cartridge needs.
In summary, brass cartridge casings offer an ideal balance of cost-effectiveness, performance, and safety for most ammunition needs.
How much does handgun ammunition cost?
Handgun ammo prices vary widely depending on type, brand, availability, and supply/demand. As of my training cut-off in June 2023, prices could range between $0.20 and $1.00 per round.
Below are the average prices of various handgun ammo we have today.
|
Ammo Type |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .22 LR | $0.10 – $0.20 |
| 9mm | $0.15 – $0.40 |
| .380 ACP | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| .40 S&W | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| .45 ACP | $0.35 – $0.70 |
| .357 Magnum | $0.60 – $1.00 |
How much does rifle ammunition cost?
As of June 2023, the average price for rifle ammo is about $0.92 cents per round[2]. Remember that prices can fluctuate over time, depending on where you buy from, there might be differences as well.
Here are the average prices of the most common riffle ammunition:
|
Ammo Type |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .223 Remington | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| 5.56mm NATO | $0.40 – $0.80 |
| .308 Winchester | $0.70 – $1.20 |
| 7.62x39mm | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| .30-06 Springfield | $0.80 – $1.50 |
| .50 BMG | $3.00 – $5.00 |
How much does ar15 ammo cost?
The AR-15 fires .223 Remington or 5.56mm NATO ammunition. The cost varies depending on factors like the brand, type of round (e.g., full metal jacket, hollow point, soft point), and market demand.
As of June 2023, the average cost per round looked like this:
|
Caliber |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .223 Remington | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| 5.56mm NATO | $0.40 – $0.80 |
| .300 Blackout | $0.60 – $1.20 |
| 6.5mm Grendel | $0.75 – $1.25 |
| .50 Beowulf | $1.25 – $2.50 |
| 7.62x39mm | $0.25 – $0.50 |
How much does competition ammo cost?
Competition ammunition varies quite a bit in price due to several factors including the caliber, brand, and quality. On average, the price is $0.30 to $3.00 per round as of June 2023.
Below are the average prices of popular competition ammo for Handguns, Rifles, and Shotguns:
|
Caliber |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .22 LR Match | $0.10 – $0.20 |
| 9mm Match | $0.30 – $0.70 |
| .45 ACP Match | $0.40 – $1.00 |
| .223 Remington Match | $0.70 – $1.50 |
| 6.5mm Creedmoor Match | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| .308 Winchester Match | $1.00 – $2.00 |
These actual prices can vary significantly depending on the season.
How much does hunting ammo cost?
On average, though, as of 2023, you can expect to buy at $1.00 to $5.00 per round for premium hunting ammunition. Below are the average prices of popular hunting ammos as of June 2023:
|
Caliber |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .243 Winchester | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| .270 Winchester | $1.20 – $2.50 |
| .30-06 Springfield | $1.25 – $2.75 |
| .308 Winchester | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| .300 Winchester Magnum | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| .338 Lapua Magnum | $3.00 – $5.00 |
This is just a ballpark figure, of course. Ammo designed for hunting larger game can cost significantly more. Conversely, you may be able to find less expensive options if you’re hunting smaller game.
How much does home defense ammo cost?
On average, as of 2023, expect to pay anywhere from $0.60 to $2.00 per round for high-quality home defense ammo. Here are the average prices:
|
Caliber |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .380 ACP HP | $0.50 – $0.80 |
| 9mm Luger HP | $0.40 – $0.70 |
| .40 S&W HP | $0.50 – $0.90 |
| .45 ACP HP | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| .38 Special HP | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| .357 Magnum HP | $0.80 – $1.20 |
| 12 Gauge Buckshot | $0.70 – $1.50 |
| .223 Remington HP | $0.60 – $1.00 |
Here, HP stands for Hollow Point. This price range is just a rough estimate, and actual prices can be higher or lower.
How much does concealed carry ammo cost?
The average price is anywhere between $0.50 and $1.50 per round for quality concealed carry ammo. Here is the representation data of a handful of firearms based on data up until June 2023:
|
Caliber |
Average Cost per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| .380 ACP HP | $0.50 – $0.80 |
| 9mm Luger HP | $0.40 – $0.70 |
| .40 S&W HP | $0.50 – $0.90 |
| .45 ACP HP | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| .38 Special HP | $0.60 – $1.00 |
As always, prices can fluctuate based on factors like demand and availability, so it’s a good idea to check with several different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Most importantly, when it comes to concealed carry, reliability and effectiveness are critical, so it’s worth investing in quality ammunition.
How much does shotgun ammo cost?
The table below provides a general overview of average prices for different shotgun ammunition calibers as of June 2023.
|
Shotgun Caliber |
Average Price per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| 12 Gauge | $0.20 – $2.00 |
| 20 Gauge | $0.30 – $2.50 |
| 16 Gauge | $0.50 – $2.50 |
| 28 Gauge | $0.70 – $3.00 |
| .410 Bore | $0.50 – $4.00 |
Again, I should point out that these prices are average estimates. They may vary from time to time. It’s always advisable to check with online stores to get the most up-to-date pricing information for shotgun ammo.
How much does pistol ammo cost?
You’ll get the pistol ammo at about $0.20 – $1.00 per round these days. Here are the pistol ammo and their recent prices.
| Pistol Caliber | Average Price per Round (USD) |
|---|---|
| 9mm | $0.20 – $0.40 |
| .40 S&W | $0.25 – $0.45 |
| .45 ACP | $0.30 – $0.55 |
| .380 ACP | $0.25 – $0.45 |
| .357 Magnum | $0.40 – $0.75 |
| .38 Special | $0.30 – $0.55 |
Please check with local retailers for the accurate pricing details for pistol ammunition.
How much does a .50-caliber bullet cost?
.50 caliber bullets are priced differently. This depends on several factors, including the specific type of .50 caliber round and the manufacturer. .50 caliber ammunition is commonly used in heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and some specialized handguns. Here’s a general estimate of the average price range for .50 caliber bullets:
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Rounds: $3 – $8 per round
- Hollow Point (HP) Rounds: $4 – $10 per round
- Armor-Piercing (AP) Rounds: $5 – $15 per round
- Incendiary Rounds: $10 – $25 per round
How much does a 30mm round cost?
30mm rounds are used in military applications, such as aircraft cannon. They’re not available for civilian purchase, so it’s hard to determine the average cost. But in a military context, a single 30mm round could go for hundreds of dollars.
FAQs about ammo cost
How much does a 20mm bullet cost?
The average price is $27 depending on the round. It’s used in specialized applications, which can trigger its availability and pricing.
What is the cheapest ammo to shoot right now?
If you’re looking for cheap calibers for big game hunting, consider the following: 9mm, 22 LR or .22 Long Rifle ammo. These are the cheapest ammunition your money can buy.
How much does 19mm bullets cost?
It costs around $0.20 to $0.50 per round for standard FMJ (full metal jacket) range ammo, and upwards of $0.50 to $1.00 per round for premium self-defense hollow point rounds.
How long does ammo last?
Ammo can last if stored and maintained properly. It can serve you for more than 10 years if stored in a cool, dry environment. Other factors such as storage conditions, quality of manufacturing, and type of ammunition can also affect its lifespan.
Does ammo expire?
No, ammo doesn’t expire. It only loses its potency over time, especially if stored in unfavorable conditions.
What makes ammo more expensive?
The high cost of raw materials, increased demand, shortages, season, and government regulations.
What bullet cost the most?
The Holland & Holland .600 or .700 Nitro Express. It costs around $140 per round.
Which ammo is powerful?
500 S&W is the most powerful ammo you can get in the market.
Can you save money reloading your casings?
Yes. Reloading is certainly cheaper. Most gun enthusiasts reload their own ammo because they’re likely to save 68% to 88%.
