Decide the job first, then the gun, then the cartridge. This plan sorts the shelf by what you want to do.

Plinking and small game

For practice and small game the .22 LR is the standard, and 40-grain loads are at 22lr 40 grain ammo. The .22 Short is a quieter, gentler option at very short range, and its loads are at 22 short ammo.

Varmints

For prairie dogs and ground squirrels, the .17 HMR is a long-standing choice, and its hollow-point loads are at 17 hmr hollow point ammo. The .17 WSM is faster and reaches farther, and its hollow-point loads are at 17 wsm hollow point ammo.

A step up

For fox-sized animals, the .22 WMR is the usual rimfire, and its 40-grain loads are at 22 wmr 40 grain ammo. The .22 WRF is an older alternative with 45-grain loads at 22 wrf 45 grain ammo. Check the rifle's chambering before you buy either.

Something new

Anyone who wants to buy 21 sharp ammo is buying into a new Winchester rimfire, so confirm that your rifle is chambered for it.

Shotguns

For deer in shotgun zones, buckshot is for close range, and Federal's buckshot loads are at federal 12 gauge buckshot ammo. Slugs reach farther, and 12-gauge slugs are at 12 gauge slugs for sale. Check the barrel type and local rules before choosing.

For waterfowl, where lead shot is not allowed, steel shot shells are at steel shot shells.

Buy and test

Buy a box or two of the load you plan to use, shoot it in your own gun and keep notes. Then buy the quantity you need, ideally from one lot, and keep the box, which carries the lot number, for later questions. Store ammunition cool and dry, locked and away from children.

Rotate your stock so that the oldest ammunition is used first, and check each box for damage or corrosion before you load it. Rimfire cartridges and shotshells that have been stored wet or hot should be set aside and disposed of safely.

Plans like this are general guidance. Match the name on your gun to the box, wear eye and hearing protection, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.