Ammo in Tarkov… Are you sure you need a guide on how to pick bullets and blow holes through helmets? Well, okay—catch this Escape from Tarkov ammo guide:
- Pick the right ammo.
- Shoot it.
- Kill stuff.
- Reload.
- Repeat.
That’s it. No magic tricks. No secret formulas. You’re just swapping rubles for better ammo. And of course, don’t skimp on the rounds—good ammo means good kills. Those detailed guides out there? They’re all about “Use this ammo.” Isn’t it obvious? Or you could load up on budget rounds and pray for headshots. Oh, and don’t waste your top-tier stuff on scavs—save it for when it really matters. Keep your mags loaded and your aim true. Honestly, that’s all.
You may also interested in the following Tarkov Guides:
- Tarkov Guide for Beginners – How to Start Playing EFT
- Escape from Tarkov Leveling Guide – How to Level Up Fast in EFT
- Tips For Success in Early Wipe Tarkov
- Escape from Tarkov Rubles Guide – How to Farm Currency Fast in EFT
- Escape From Tarkov Kappa Guide – How to get EFT Container
- Escape from Tarkov A Shooter Born in Heaven Guide
- Escape From Tarkov Collector Guide – EFT Tips
But if you’re still here and want the obvious tips, I’ll give them to you! Get ready for a straightforward, or maybe not-so-straightforward, guide on how to pick the right ammo and dominate every raid. May your bullets fly straight!
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What is Ammo in the Tarkov?
Ammo in Escape from Tarkov is your ticket to more damage, better gear, and a shot at survival. It’s not just bullets—different types of ammo have unique characteristics that affect how they penetrate armor, hit body areas, and even ricochet. The right round can mean the difference between a clean kill and getting wrecked. With so many types available, from SMGs to shotguns, choosing the right ammo is as important as picking your gun. Whether you’re buying from the flea market or looting in-game, understanding ammo is key to leveling up your game experience.
| Ammo Type | Caliber (mm) | Damage | Penetration | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance | Usable Weapons |
| 7.62x39mm BP | 7.62 | High | High | Low | Medium | AKM, SKS |
| 5.56x45mm M995 | 5.56 | Medium | High | Low | Low | M4A1, HK416 |
| 9x19mm AP 6.3 | 9 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Pistols, SMGs |
| .366 TKM EKO | 9.3 | High | Low | High | Low | VPO-209, VPO-215 |
| 12×70 Flechette | 12 | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Shotguns |
Why you have to focus on different ammo types in Tarkov?
Battlestate Games designed the ammunition to bring realism to the game, meaning the right rounds can make all the difference when you’re playing. For example, some rounds are better at piercing armor, while others do more damage to unprotected body areas like the head. To stay effective, especially after a wipe, you need to know which ammo to choose for your weapons.
- Survive Longer — The right ammo can save your ass in a tough fight.
- Kill Faster — You drop enemies quicker when you’re packing the right rounds.
- Counter Armor — Some ammo types turn armored players into easy targets.
- Adapt to Wipe Changes — Ammo effectiveness changes with every wipe; stay ahead.
- Dominate the Economy — Knowing your ammo helps you play the flea market like a pro.
- Stay Versatile — Different fights need different rounds—don’t be caught off guard.
Escape from Tarkov all ammo types
World of Tarkov ammo! You think you just need a bullet to do the job? Think again, friend! Whether you’re trying to pierce through armor like it’s made of tissue paper, or just trying to make sure that helmet doesn’t protect those peeking eyes, this list has got you covered. With a variety of rounds faster than a scav spawn and more detailed than your grandma’s recipe, you’ll find everything you need to learn, sell, or just click your way to victory.
| Caliber | Ammo Types |
| .366 TKM | AP-M, EKO, FMJ, Geksa |
| 11.43x23mm ACP | AP, FMJ, HydraShok, Lasermatch, RIP |
| 12.7x108mm | B-32, BZT-44M |
| 12.7x55mm STs-130 | PS12, PS12A, PS12B |
| 12ga | .50 BMG, 5.25mm, 7mm, AP-20, CSP, DualSabot, Express, FTX, Flechette, Grizzly 40, Magnum, Piranha, Poleva-3, Poleva-6u, RIP, SFormance, Slug |
| 20ga | 5.6mm, 6.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.5mm, Devastator, Poleva-3, Poleva-6u, Star |
| 23x75mmR | Barrikada, Shrap-10, Shrap-25 |
| 30x29mm | VOG-30 |
| 40x46mm | M381, M386, M406, M433, M441, M576 |
| 5.45x39mm | 7N40, BP, BS, BT, FMJ, HP, PP, PPBS, PRS, PS, SP, T, US |
| 5.56x45mm NATO | 6mm BB, FMJ, HP, M855, M855A1, M856, M856A1, M995, RRLP, SOST, SSA AP, Warmage |
| 5.7x28mm | L191, R37.F, R37.X, SB193, SS190, SS197SR, SS198LF |
| 7.62x25mm Tokarev | AKBS, FMJ43, LRN, LRNPC, P, PT, Pst |
| 7.62x35mm | AP, BCP FMJ, CBJ, M62, V-Max, Whisper |
| 7.62x39mm | BP, FMJ, HP, MAI AP, PP, PS, SP, T-45M1, US |
| 7.62x51mm NATO | BCP FMJ, M61, M62, M80, M993, TCW SP, Ultra Nosler |
| 7.62x54mmR | BS, BT, FMJ, HP BT, LPS, PS, SNB, SP BT, T-46M |
| 8.6x70mm | AP, FMJ, TAC-X, UCW |
| 9x18mm Makarov | BZhT, F1 Shrapnel, P, PBM, PPT, PPe, PRS, PS PPO, PSO, PSV, Pst, PstM, RG028, SP7, SP8 |
| 9x19mm Parabellum | AP 6.3, GT, Luger CCI, M882, PBP, PSO, Pst, QuakeMaker, RIP |
| 9x21mm Gyurza | BT, P, PE, PS |
| 9x33mmR | FMJ, HP, JHP, SP |
| 9x39mm | BP, PAB-9, SP-5, SP-6, SPP |
| HK 4.6x30mm | AP SX, Action SX, FMJ SX, JSP SX, Subsonic SX |
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The most popular ammo types in Tarkov
In Tarkov, some ammo types are the go-to for players because they hit hard and get the job done right. Whether you’re busting through armor or landing that perfect headshot, these rounds are what you want in your mag.
| Ammo Type | Use Case | Example | Why It’s Popular |
| 7.62x39mm BP | Mid-range, armor-piercing | AKM, SKS | Shreds through most armors, solid for mid-level play. |
| 5.56x45mm M855A1 | Versatile, early to mid-wipe favorite | M4A1, HK416 | Good balance of penetration and damage, accessible early. |
| 7.62x51mm M61 | Long-range, high penetration | DVL-10, M700 | Pierces high-level armor with ease, perfect for snipers. |
| 12/70 Flechette | Close-quarters, armor shredding | Shotguns | Turns shotguns into armor-piercing monsters up close. |
| 9x19mm AP 6.3 | SMG and pistol use, moderate penetration | MP5, P226 | Great for face shots and unarmored targets in close quarters. |
Where to find ammo in Tarkov?
You can find ammo in a bunch of places—loot it, buy it, or craft it. For the classic loot run, hit up places like Interchange for hidden stashes, or Reserve for those military crates that are just begging to be raided. If you’ve got the rubles, hit up traders like Prapor, Peacekeeper, or the Flea Market—they’ll sell you what you need, though prices can get spicy. And if you’re the DIY type, head over to your Hideout and start crafting those rounds yourself.
| Source | Location/Trader | Ammo Types Available |
| Prapor | Trader | 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm, 9x18mm, 7.62x54mmR, 9x19mm |
| Peacekeeper | Trader | 5.56x45mm NATO, 9x19mm, .45 ACP, 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Mechanic | Trader | .366 TKM, 9x39mm, 12.7x55mm |
| Jaeger | Trader | 12ga, 20ga, .300 Blackout |
| Skier | Trader | 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 5.7x28mm |
| Flea Market | Player Market | A mix of all ammo types—if it’s in the game, someone’s selling it (at a premium, of course). |
| Interchange | Map (Loot) | Hidden stashes, crates with random ammo loot |
| Reserve | Map (Loot) | Military crates, ammo boxes, raiders’ gear |
| Hideout | Crafting Location | Craft a variety of ammo types depending on your upgrades (e.g., 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, 9x39mm) |
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Escape from Tarkov Ammo Visible Stats
When it comes to picking the right ammo in Tarkov, you’ve got to know your stats. Whether you’re trying to blast through some dude’s armor or want to make sure your bullet doesn’t ricochet off a helmet, these visible stats are what you need to keep an eye on. Here’s a quick rundown that’ll save you a lot of headaches (or deliver them to others) when you’re out there in a raid.
| Stat | Description |
| Armor Penetration | How well the bullet can punch through armor. Higher numbers mean less protection for your enemies. |
| Damage | The raw hit points a bullet takes off when it connects with an unarmored target. |
| Bullet Speed | How fast that bullet flies. Higher speed means less drop over distance, so aim true. |
| Tracer | Lights up your shots, so you can see where you’re shooting—good for night raids but gives away your position. |
| Recoil | Affects how much your gun kicks back after firing. Lower recoil helps keep your aim on point. |
| Accuracy | Impacts the bullet’s spread. The better the accuracy, the tighter your shots will group. |
| Ricochet Chance | The odds your bullet will bounce off a surface instead of penetrating. Lower is better unless you like surprises. |
| Fragmentation | Chance for the bullet to break apart on impact, dealing extra damage—great for making sure the job’s done right. |
These stats mean a lot when you’re trying to turn the tide in a firefight, so keep them in mind when choosing your ammo.
Escape from Tarkov Ammo Hidden Stats
hidden ammo stats in Tarkov—the ones you won’t find just by clicking around in-game. These are the sneaky little numbers that can make or break your raid. Knowing these stats can turn you into a deadly force, so here’s a quick look at what they mean.
| Hidden Stat | Description |
| Fragmentation Chance | The likelihood that a bullet will break apart on impact, causing extra damage—perfect for ruining someone’s day. |
| Armor Damage Ratio | The percentage of damage the bullet does to armor when it doesn’t penetrate—more damage means less protection for next time. |
| Penetration Power | The stat that shows how well your bullet can slice through armor. Higher is better if you’re aiming to pierce that fancy helmet. |
| Ricochet Chance | This stat tells you how likely your bullet is to bounce off a surface instead of hitting its mark—lower is better unless you’re feeling lucky. |
| Heat Generation | Affects how much your gun heats up when firing. Too much heat? Expect more malfunctions. |
| Durability Burn | Indicates how much your weapon’s durability decreases per shot—more burn means your gun might break at the worst time. |
These hidden stats are like the secret sauce that makes your ammo either fantastic or forgettable. Learn them, and you’ll have a lot more successful raids (and a lot more loot).
Escape from Tarkov Ammo management
Ammo management in Tarkov isn’t just about what you pack, but how you store it. Keeping your ammo organized and accessible can save your life during a raid. Use specialized containers to keep your rounds ready and your inventory clutter-free.
| Container | Capacity | Description |
| Ammo Case | 49 slots (7×7 grid) | Great for storing a large variety of ammo types in a compact space. |
| Lucky Scav Junkbox | 196 slots (14×14 grid) | Can hold ammo along with other miscellaneous items. Ideal for those who hoard. |
| THICC Items Case | 196 slots (14×14 grid) | Premium container with lots of space. Can hold ammo, weapons, and other gear. |
| Medcase | 49 slots (7×7 grid) | Primarily for meds, but can be used to store certain types of ammo if needed. |
| Magazine Case | 64 slots (8×8 grid) | Specifically designed to store magazines, which can be pre-loaded with ammo, making it easier to reload during intense firefights. |
| Grenade Case | 64 slots (8×8 grid) | Can hold a variety of grenades and also some ammo types if you’re low on space. |
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Keeping your ammo in these containers ensures you’re always ready to grab what you need, whether you’re prepping for a raid or selling off surplus.
Conclusion
Ammo in Escape from Tarkov is not just about bullets; it’s about choosing the right round to smash through armor, helmets, and any unlucky soul in your crosshairs. The variety of ammo types, from those designed to penetrate armor to those that excel in dealing damage to unprotected body areas, makes understanding ammo critical for survival in Tarkov. Different rounds come with unique statistics related to penetration, damage, speed, and even how they ricochet or fragment upon impact. Knowing these stats—and where to find the best ammo—can mean the difference between victory and a quick trip to the afterlife in Tarkov. Whether you’re looting, buying, or crafting your ammo, the key is to stay ahead of the game, especially after a wipe, and make sure you’re always prepared for whatever the raid throws at you.