Military surplus ammunition is, essentially, the ammo that the various armed forces (Army, Navy. Marine Corps) have surplus to requirements. In the past, it also included ammunition that soldiers took home with them when they were discharged, and then later sold. These days, things are more strictly controlled and weapons and ammunition must be handed back before a soldier returns to civilian life.

Surplus ammunition isn't just limited to the US forces, however, it can also come from outside the US. An example that is the 7 62x39mm rifle cartridge which was designed during World War II and first used in the SKS carbine by the Soviet Union.

The cartridge was influenced by a variety of foreign developments and shortly after the war, the world's most recognized military pattern rifle - the AK47 - was designed specifically for it. The cartridge remained the Soviet standard until the 1970s, and is still one of the most common intermediate rifle cartridges used around the world.

It has to be said that Army ammunition has the reputation of being the best out there, beating what's usually available from the Navy and Marines.

Some weapons owners require very specific ammunition for their guns - weapons such as Winchesters, Enfields, Springfields, or the likes of an Ariska 38 or Caracano M91. It's also important to know the bolt action of the gun, whether it's a semi-automatic army rifle and to check for other fast loaders and if it's belt or gas driven.

Military surplus ammunition is one of the most sought after types of ammunition around because the savings in cost are usually pretty substantial when compared to the prices offered by hunting and outdoor speciality stores and more generic large sporting stores.

This type of ammunition has has a long history of being both reliable and trustworthy, as well as being cheap. Surplus ammunition is, in general, a pretty good deal, especially if bought in bulk.

However, you should take the time to check over any ammunition that you buy, on or offline. If the powder has been wet, there's a good chance that it simply is not going to work. You may be firing off a few rounds here and there but misfires aren't going to do a lot for you. If you buy direct from a walk-in store, check the ammunition before you take it out of the store. Look for a seal and make sure they haven't been tampered with. Unfortunately, when you buy military surplus ammunition online, you don't have that luxury so caveat emptor applies!