Buying Ammo for Your First Range Trip (San Diego Edition)

You booked your first range session. Now the questions hit:

• What ammo do I buy?

• How much do I need?

• What if I show up with the wrong stuff and look dumb?

Relax. At LAX Ammo San Diego, we talk new shooters through this every week. This guide is the San Diego-specific version of how to get ready for your first range trip—especially when it comes to ammo.

We’ll keep it simple, safe and honest so you can walk into the range like you belong there (because you do).

1. Step one: confirm your caliber and range type

Before you buy a single round, you need two pieces of information:

1. What caliber is your firearm?

2. Are you going to an indoor or outdoor range (and which one)?

1.1 Know your caliber

Look for markings on your firearm:

• On the barrel, slide or receiver

• In your owner’s manual

You’ll see things like:

• 9mm

• .40 S&W

• .45 ACP

• .223 REM / 5.56 NATO

• .22 LR

• 12 GA

If you’re even a little unsure, take a clear photo of the markings and bring or text it to us:

858-987-0509 – “New shooter, want to double-check my caliber.”

We’ll confirm what ammo you actually need.

1.2 Indoor vs outdoor range (rules matter)

Most first-timers in San Diego start at an indoor range. These often have specific rules on:

• Which calibers are allowed

• Bullet types (no steel core, certain metals, etc.)

• Whether you can bring outside ammo at all

Before you come buy ammo:

1. Check your range’s website, or

2. Call and ask:

   
   

   • “Can I bring my own ammo?”

   • “Any restrictions on bullet type for my caliber?”

   
   

Then tell us at the shop:

“I’m going to Range Name. They said outside ammo is okay and no steel core.”

That one sentence helps us steer you toward ammo that matches your gun and their rules.

2. What kind of ammo should you buy for your first range trip?

For your first range day, think simple and forgiving, not exotic.

2.1 For most pistols (9mm, .40, .45, etc.)

We usually recommend:

• A quality FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) range ammo in your correct caliber

• Standard bullet weight for that caliber (commonly 115–124gr for 9mm, etc.)

This type of ammo:

• Is affordable enough to shoot a decent amount

• Runs well in most modern pistols

• Is what most people around you will be shooting

If you also bought a box of self-defense ammo, that’s great—but you don’t need to burn through that all day on your first visit. Focus on range ammo for now.

2.2 For rifles (.223/5.56, .308, etc.)

Again, keep it simple:

• Basic FMJ range ammo in your proper caliber

• Enough to get comfortable with the rifle and shoot a decent string of rounds

Many indoor ranges limit rifle calibers or certain loads, so always confirm with your range first. If you’re going to an outdoor range, we can help you pick ammo that matches both your rifle and what you’re actually doing there.

2.3 For shotguns (12 gauge, etc.)

For a first-time clays/target session:

• Light to medium target loads are usually the move

• Ask your range or instructor what they prefer for new shooters

Then come in and let us match you with appropriate target shells rather than heavy or specialty loads.

3. How much ammo should you bring?

This depends on how long you’re shooting and whether you’re sharing lanes, but here are simple starting points that work for most new shooters:

Pistols

• 100–150 rounds for a short first session

• 150–250 rounds if you plan to stay a bit longer or are training with a friend/instructor

Rifles

• 60–120 rounds of range ammo is plenty for a first day of focused shooting

Shotguns

• 1–2 boxes (25–50 shells) for a short first clays session

• Up to 4 boxes (100 shells) if you know you’ll be there a while

If you tell us at the counter:

“First range trip. I’ll be there about an hour; I have a 9mm.”

we’ll help you pick a quantity that makes sense so you’re not stuck with way too little—or blowing your whole budget on your first outing.

4. What else should you bring besides ammo?

We’re not your range, but we see what helps new shooters.

Here’s a basic kit we recommend for first timers:

• Eye protection – Clear or tinted shooting glasses

• Ear protection – Muffs, plugs or both

• Range bag or backpack – To keep things organized

• Targets (if your range allows you to bring them)

• Notebook/phone notes – To jot down what worked, what didn’t

• ID and any range paperwork – They’ll tell you what you need

• Water & light snacks – If you’re staying a while and the range allows it

The good news: at LAX Ammo San Diego we carry eyes, ears, bags and basic accessories, so if you’re missing something we can help you gear up without going overboard.

5. Common first-range-trip mistakes (and how to avoid them)

We see these all the time. You don’t have to repeat them.

Mistake #1 – Buying the wrong caliber “because it looked close”

Different ammo names can be confusing. Grabbing the wrong box is easy.

✅ Fix:

Bring photos of your gun’s markings and let us check before you buy.

Mistake #2 – Showing up with ammo the range doesn’t allow

Some ranges don’t allow outside ammo or certain bullet types.

✅ Fix:

Call the range first. Tell us what they said. We’ll match you to ammo that usually passes with them.

Mistake #3 – Bringing too little ammo

New shooters often underestimate how fast ammo goes on a good first session.

✅ Fix:

Use the quantities in this guide as a baseline and be honest about how long you plan to stay.

Mistake #4 – Overbuying fancy defensive ammo for a first range day

They spend a lot on high-end defensive rounds, then barely practice.

✅ Fix:

Buy solid range ammo first, then add defensive ammo later once you have more time on the gun.

6. How LAX Ammo San Diego sets you up for success

Come see us *before your first range trip and tell us:

“First time at the range. Here’s my gun, the range I’m going to, and my budget.”

We’ll:

• Confirm your caliber

• Make sure you understand range ammo vs defensive ammo

• Ask about the range’s rules

• Recommend:

  
  

  • A specific range load that matches your gun and plans

  • A reasonable quantity so you get quality time on the line

  
  

• Help you grab eyes, ears and basic accessories if you still need them

No pressure, no upsell for stuff you don’t need on day one. Just clean, straightforward prep.

7. A simple first-range-trip checklist (San Diego)

Before you head out:

1. Confirm your range

   
   

   • Name, indoor/outdoor, check their ammo rules

   
   

2. Confirm your caliber

   
   

   • Markings on your firearm or manual

   • Take photos on your phone

   
   

3. Visit LAX Ammo San Diego

   
   

   • 4411 Mercury St, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92111

   • Tell us it’s your first range trip

   
   

4. Buy:

   
   

   • Correct caliber range ammo

   • Eye & ear protection if you don’t have any

   • Optional: small bag and a notebook/targets

   
   

5. Check our deals

   
   

   • Look at the In-Store Deals page

   • Join the Deals List for one email a week with ammo deals and restocks

   
   

8. Ready for your first range day?

Your first time at the range should feel safe, clear and actually fun, not stressful.

If you’re in or around Kearny Mesa, let us help you get set up:

LAX Ammo San Diego

4411 Mercury St, Suite 103

San Diego, CA 92111

Call or text us at 858-987-0509 and say:

“I’m planning my first range trip. Here’s my gun and where I’m going. What do I need?”

We’ll walk you through ammo, gear and expectations so when you step onto that lane, you feel like you belong there from day one.