When it comes to hunting, one of the most overlooked factors is ammunition. The right round can make the difference between a clean harvest and a missed opportunity—or worse, a wounded animal. At Scorpion Ammo, we supply a wide variety of reliable rounds for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, so hunters can head into the field with confidence. But picking the right cartridge isn’t always straightforward. Your firearm and your target both matter—sometimes more than most realize.
Choosing ammo isn’t just about grabbing the right caliber. You need to consider grain weight, bullet design, and terminal performance. From hogs in heavy cover to deer on the edge of a tree line, different game requires different loads. Let’s break down how to match your ammo to your gun—and your quarry.
Rifle Ammo: Precision For Big Game
Rifles are the backbone of most big game hunts. Their power and accuracy allow for clean kills at distance. But different rifles—and different situations—call for different loads.
For common deer hunting, rounds like .223 Remington and 5.56×45 NATO are popular among hunters using modern sporting rifles. While some states restrict their use for big game due to lighter projectile weight, these rounds can be effective for small to medium game like coyotes, foxes, or even whitetail in close-range conditions, especially with well-placed shots and expanding bullets.
Meanwhile, 300 BLK (Blackout) has gained a loyal following for hunting hogs and deer. Designed for optimal performance in AR-platform rifles, it delivers heavier bullets than .223 or 5.56, offering better terminal energy, especially in subsonic setups. It’s a strong choice for dense woods or areas where shots are under 150 yards.
If you’re hunting in thick brush or taking shots at larger game, a heavier caliber like .308 or .30-06 is often more appropriate. They maintain energy over distance and offer more reliable penetration for elk, bear, or mule deer.
Shotgun Ammo: Versatility in the Field
Shotguns provide unmatched versatility. From upland birds and turkey to deer and home defense, the same firearm can do it all—provided you choose the right load. Slugs are a favorite for hunters in areas where rifles aren’t allowed. A 12-gauge slug can bring down a deer cleanly at 100 yards, especially when paired with a rifled barrel and modern optics.
For turkey, high-density shot loads in 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells offer tight patterns and greater range. And for birds like pheasant or dove, lighter #6 or #7.5 shot will do the job. Choke selection plays a role too, tightening or spreading your shot pattern depending on distance and game type.
Handgun Ammo: Backup And Specialty Hunting
While handguns aren’t the primary tool for most hunts, they have a place—especially for backup or specialized scenarios like handgun hunting seasons or personal protection in bear country.
9mm ammo is the most widely used pistol cartridge in the U.S. While it isn’t commonly used for hunting large game, it’s frequently carried as a sidearm for protection or for dispatching trapped animals. In survival or pest control situations, it’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to shoot. However, for actual hunting, larger calibers like .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum are better suited thanks to greater penetration and stopping power.
Matching Ammo To Game Type
Different animals require different impact energy and bullet behavior. A round that works well on a fox might not even slow down an elk. To help guide your decisions, keep these general rules in mind:
- Small game (squirrels, rabbits): .22 LR, .17 HMR
- Varmints/predators (coyotes, foxes): .223 Rem, .22-250
- Medium game (deer, hogs): 300 BLK, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor
- Large game (elk, bear): .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag
Always consider the regulations in your hunting area, as some states have caliber or minimum energy requirements for big game.
Bullet Types Matter
Caliber is only half the equation. Bullet type and grain weight affect how your round behaves on impact. For hunting, avoid full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds—they don’t expand and are intended for training or target use.
Instead, look for:
- Soft Point (SP) – Good for deeper penetration with controlled expansion.
- Hollow Point (HP) – Opens rapidly on impact; great for lighter game or self-defense.
- Ballistic Tip – Aerodynamic, accurate, and delivers rapid expansion—ideal for deer and similar-sized animals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ammo isn’t a guessing game—it’s a critical part of responsible, ethical hunting. Whether you’re loading 9mm for your sidearm, 300 BLK for close-range hog hunting, or 5.56×45 for varmint control, understanding how each round performs helps ensure quick, humane kills and better overall success.
At Scorpion Ammo, we offer a wide selection of trusted brands and calibers—from .223 Rem to slugs and premium hunting rounds—so you can focus on your shot instead of second-guessing your gear. Whatever your firearm, and whatever your game, make sure your ammo is up to the task.
