Before loading a gun, what must you check with the ammunition?

Before loading a gun, it is essential to match the information on the ammunition box to the ammunition itself and ensure that the ammunition is compatible with the specific firearm. This is critical for safety, as using the wrong type of ammunition can cause malfunctions, damage the firearm, or lead to serious injury to the shooter and bystanders.

Correctly matching the ammunition helps verify several factors, including caliber, gauge, and type (such as lead, hollow point, or others), ensuring that the ammunition specifications align with the firearm’s requirements. This process includes checking for specific markings and descriptions on the ammunition packaging that provide vital information about its proper use.

Other factors, such as weight, cleanliness, and color of the ammunition casings, while they might have some relevance, do not address the fundamental safety checks required to confirm compatibility between the ammunition and the firearm. Hence, the specific focus on matching the information is crucial for safe hunting practices.