14 / FIELD GUIDE

Escape from Tarkov ammunition basics: match the round first

Ammunition planning begins with compatibility. Find the exact cartridge your weapon accepts, check the magazine and then compare the properties and cost of the options you can actually obtain.

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// A PRACTICAL START

Your next three steps

  1. Match the exact caliber

    Short labels can hide important differences. Read the complete cartridge name and inspect the weapon and magazine in game. A reference chart is useful for comparing ammunition after compatibility is confirmed; it should not replace that confirmation.

  2. Inspect the loaded magazines

    The app lists reference damage, penetration and velocity for individual cartridges. Compare a small set within your relevant caliber. Those properties describe the cartridge, while availability, price and your intended route describe the decision to buy it.

  3. Compare cartridge properties

    Separate loose stacks from rounds loaded in a weapon or magazine. An inventory counter attached to a loaded magazine is not another loose stack of ammunition. When reviewing a loot report, confirm the physical items and their quantities before using the total for a cost comparison.

Names are part of the equipment check

Short labels can hide important differences. Read the complete cartridge name and inspect the weapon and magazine in game. A reference chart is useful for comparing ammunition after compatibility is confirmed; it should not replace that confirmation.

Check the rounds already loaded in each magazine. A purchased magazine and a loaded magazine are different preparation steps, especially when you are reusing equipment from several raids.

Read damage and penetration together

The app lists reference damage, penetration and velocity for individual cartridges. Compare a small set within your relevant caliber. Those properties describe the cartridge, while availability, price and your intended route describe the decision to buy it.

Keep quantities meaningful

Separate loose stacks from rounds loaded in a weapon or magazine. An inventory counter attached to a loaded magazine is not another loose stack of ammunition. When reviewing a loot report, confirm the physical items and their quantities before using the total for a cost comparison.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get started with ammo basics?

Short labels can hide important differences. Read the complete cartridge name and inspect the weapon and magazine in game. A reference chart is useful for comparing ammunition after compatibility is confirmed; it should not replace that confirmation.

What should I check before the next raid?

Separate loose stacks from rounds loaded in a weapon or magazine. An inventory counter attached to a loaded magazine is not another loose stack of ammunition. When reviewing a loot report, confirm the physical items and their quantities before using the total for a cost comparison.

From the plan to the next raid.

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