Frequently Asked Questions

Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days. Ammunition is shipped by ground transportation, and UPS Ground transit generally takes an estimated 2–10 business days, depending on the destination. These are estimates rather than guaranteed delivery times. Processing or transit may take longer during holidays, promotions, severe weather, or other periods of disruption.

We work to maintain consistent inventory across our product lineup and replenish out-of-stock items as quickly as production allows. Unfortunately, we cannot currently provide reliable restock dates for individual products. To receive an update, visit the product page on our website and sign up for its email back-in-stock notification.

You may also find our ammunition through retailers such as MidwayUSA and Bud's Gun Shop, or through your local independent firearms dealer. Local dealers may be able to order our products through distributors such as Zanders, Sports South, and CCSI. We fulfill dealer and distributor orders before making some inventory available on our website, so a retailer may have stock even when an item is unavailable directly from us.

For additional information regarding our shipping policy, please visit our Shipping Restrictions page.

No. UPS requires ammunition shipments to be transported via ground service, so we are unable to offer overnight, two-day air, or other expedited air-shipping options.

We ship exclusively through UPS because they provide the most competitive shipping rates for our customers. Additionally, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not accept shipments of ammunition, so USPS is not an available shipping option.

We do not ship to P.O. boxes.

We do not currently have a comprehensive dealer locator. Many retailers purchase our products through distributors, so we cannot reliably track inventory at every local store. We are exploring ways to make dealer information easier to find in the future.

Our products are available through major distributors, including Zanders, CCSI, and Sports South. Your local federally licensed firearms dealer may be able to order our ammunition through one of these distributors.

You can also check retailers such as Sportsman's Warehouse, Turner's Outdoorsman, OpticsPlanet, Target Sports USA, and MidwayUSA. Availability varies by retailer and location.

In Alaska, retailers to contact include Sportsman's Warehouse and Alaska Ammo.

Our Xtreme Defender lineup is our flagship defensive ammunition and one of our most popular choices for everyday carry (EDC). It uses a solid copper, fluted projectile that is designed to deliver consistent performance without relying on conventional hollow point expansion. Key characteristics include:

• Solid Copper Construction: These projectiles are precision-machined from solid copper and are lead-free. The design helps resist deformation and retain projectile mass during penetration.
  
  
• Fluted Projectile Design: The patented fluted profile is engineered to displace fluid and produce cavitation without requiring the projectile to expand.
  
  
• Performance Through Intermediate Barriers: Because the design does not depend on an open hollow point cavity, it is intended to provide more consistent performance when common barriers affect conventional hollow point expansion.
  
  
• Projectile Integrity: The nonexpanding design is intended to retain its shape and mass as it penetrates, producing cavitation along the wound path rather than relying on rapid expansion at initial impact.

Most of our blemished ammunition has cosmetic imperfections from the manufacturing process or may have an average velocity slightly below the published figure for the standard product. Cosmetic variations can include discoloration of the case or projectile, superficial scratches or small marks, differences in projectile tip appearance, missing polymer tips when disclosed, unplated brass, or variations in coated-bullet color. Some blemished lots may perform differently from our standard production ammunition.

Occasionally, a blemished lot may have another specifically disclosed difference, such as an alternate projectile or a primer-related performance concern. Always read the lot-specific explanation at the top of the product description before purchasing; do not assume that every blemish is cosmetic.

Many customers purchase blemished ammunition for range practice or to become familiar with a particular product at a reduced price. We recommend choosing ammunition with verified, reliable performance for defensive use.

All sales of blemished ammunition are final.

We periodically discontinue or temporarily remove products from our website because of component availability, changing demand, or production priorities. Our current focus is on supporting our existing lineup and maintaining reliable inventory levels.

We are also reviewing discontinued products, historical demand, and customer requests to identify potential candidates for reintroduction. While we cannot guarantee that a specific load will return, we welcome your feedback. If you tell us which product you would like to see again, we can document your interest for consideration during future product reviews.

We strive to respond to customer inquiries as quickly as possible, although response times may be longer during periods of high demand.

If you have not received an email from us, please check your spam or junk folder and confirm that messages from Underwood Ammunition are not blocked by your email provider. This includes order confirmations, shipping notifications, tracking updates, and responses from our support team.

If the message is still missing after allowing time for delivery, please contact us again so we can help verify your email address and review the status of your inquiry or order.

Our Hard Cast lineup has long been a preferred option among our team and customers for wilderness defense involving bears and other large, potentially dangerous animals. Its design prioritizes projectile integrity and deep, consistent penetration.

• Heavy bullet weights: Heavier projectiles can retain momentum as they encounter dense tissue and bone, supporting deep penetration.
• 21 Brinell hardness: Our hard cast projectiles are manufactured to 21 Brinell hardness, providing a durable projectile designed to maintain its integrity during penetration.
• Flat-nose design: The broad, flat nose is intended to promote straight-line penetration and reduce deflection when encountering dense material.

Performance varies by caliber, firearm, and impact conditions. Select only ammunition approved for your firearm, and verify reliable function before relying on it for any critical application.

Each Xtreme-series projectile is designed with a different performance priority. Xtreme Defender emphasizes defensive performance and cavitation, with loads generally developed around the FBI's 12–18" ballistic gelatin penetration benchmark. Xtreme Penetrator emphasizes deeper penetration, making it an option for applications where penetration is the primary consideration. Xtreme Hunter combines design elements of the Defender and Penetrator to balance cavitation and penetration.

Actual penetration varies with caliber, velocity, barrel length, and the test medium. No individual projectile design can be guaranteed to remain within or exceed a particular penetration depth in every circumstance.

Yes. Our Xtreme Defender ammunition has functioned reliably in the vast majority of Bodyguard 2.0 pistols we have tested, consistent with the feedback we have received from customers. The Bodyguard 2.0 uses a two-piece feed ramp, and certain projectiles with a more rounded profile and flatter tip can be sensitive to differences in individual firearms. When feeding issues occur, our testing suggests they are often associated with feed ramp geometry, manufacturing tolerances, or machining imperfections rather than an inherent ammunition defect. If feeding problems persist, discontinue use of the affected ammunition and have the firearm inspected by Smith & Wesson or a qualified gunsmith.

No. Our 10mm Auto ammunition is loaded within the applicable SAAMI pressure specifications. You may notice a difference in performance between our ammunition and offerings from other manufacturers. This is because we aim to deliver the original full-power performance associated with the 10mm Auto cartridge, while some manufacturers offer reduced-power loads for reasons such as lowering felt recoil, reducing firearm wear, or managing production costs.

Higher-pressure ammunition can place additional stress on firearm components and may accelerate wear over time. We generally recommend standard-pressure ammunition for routine practice and only limited use of higher-pressure loads. Always verify that your specific firearm is capable of firing ammunition with increased pressure.

In our testing, the 68gr and 90gr Xtreme Defender loads have produced broadly similar results in bare ballistic gelatin and gelatin covered with four layers of denim. Under those conditions, the 68gr load has sometimes produced a slightly larger wound cavity and approximately an inch less penetration than the 90gr load.

Differences become more apparent with harder intermediate barriers, such as sheet metal, plywood, and glass. Both loads can be affected, but the lighter 68gr projectile generally has less momentum and may experience a greater reduction in penetration or cavitation after such barriers.

The 90gr load remains a well-established option in our lineup. The 68gr load offers higher velocity and typically less felt recoil, with a potential trade-off in performance through more demanding barriers. Results vary by firearm and testing conditions.

Not necessarily. A properly functioning, factory-configured 10mm firearm does not automatically require a recoil spring change solely because you are using our ammunition. Spring requirements depend on the specific firearm, its condition, and the ammunition being used. If you experience feeding or ejection problems, have the firearm evaluated before changing components.

In some compatible configurations, heavier recoil springs in the 20–22 lb range have been used, but this is not a universal recommendation. Likewise, AR-style firearms chambered in 10mm may require a buffer system matched to their particular operating configuration; some setups use buffer weights of 12.5 oz or more. Consult the firearm or component manufacturer, or a qualified gunsmith, to determine what is appropriate for your specific firearm.

We recommend standard-pressure 9mm ammunition in aftermarket SIG P365 barrels unless the barrel manufacturer specifically confirms compatibility with higher-pressure loads. Some aftermarket barrels are made from 416R stainless steel, whereas SIG factory barrels may use different steel alloys. Material type alone does not determine strength; heat treatment, barrel geometry, and chamber support are also important factors.

We have identified concerns with the chamber support and construction of certain earlier aftermarket P365 barrel designs. Combined with the pistol's relatively thin barrel profile, these factors may increase the risk of firearm damage or personal injury when firing higher-pressure ammunition. This concern is not limited to Underwood loads.

We have worked with a barrel manufacturer that has begun supplying an updated design intended for improved durability. However, we cannot reliably identify which finished barrels use the revised specifications. Please contact the manufacturer of your specific barrel to confirm its production version and approved ammunition pressure rating. Until compatibility is confirmed, avoid using +P or +P+ ammunition in that aftermarket barrel.

Our Black Cherry coating is designed to minimize lead fouling and help protect the hard cast projectile during firing. The hard cast alloy is substantially harder than conventional soft lead. This helps reduce the shedding of small lead particles during firing, limiting deposits that could otherwise accumulate in the barrel, ports, compensator, or suppressor. Many customers use these loads in compatible firearms with polygonal rifling, compensators, or ported barrels. However, compatibility depends on the specific firearm and accessory; we cannot guarantee suitability for every configuration. Before use, confirm that your firearm and any suppressor manufacturer permit coated hard cast ammunition. Follow their inspection and cleaning recommendations, and monitor for unusual fouling.

Both are excellent choices, but each offers different performance characteristics. Our Hard Cast ammunition generally provides deeper penetration, using a heavy, flat-nose projectile designed to maintain a straight penetration path. Our Xtreme Penetrator ammunition uses a solid copper, fluted projectile designed to provide substantial penetration while creating additional wound cavitation through hydraulic fluid displacement.

At this time, we do not ship internationally or to destinations outside the contiguous United States.

We are exploring opportunities to work with established international distributors and dealers, but we do not currently have an established international distribution network. We cannot provide a timeline for future availability outside our current shipping area.

Both are designed for deep penetration. The heavier 220gr projectile may offer an advantage in momentum and penetration in some circumstances, while the 200gr load may function more reliably in certain firearms that are sensitive to heavier bullets or recoil characteristics. Neither weight is universally superior. Choose the load that is compatible with your firearm and demonstrates reliable function during testing.

Our hard cast lead projectiles are manufactured using a proprietary lead alloy blend that naturally achieves 21 Brinell hardness (BHN) without the need for heat treatment. In contrast, some competing manufacturers use softer lead alloys that are subsequently heat-treated to increase their hardness.

Our harder alloy also helps reduce the shedding of small lead particles during firing, minimizing the buildup of lead fouling in the bore and other firearm components.

Our Platinum line features a protective black coating applied to the projectile.

The primary advantages of this coating include:

• Improved Corrosion Resistance: The coating helps reduce oxidation and surface discoloration of the copper during handling and storage. This can be particularly beneficial in humid or otherwise demanding environments, although proper ammunition storage remains important.
  
  
• Improved Lubricity & Feeding: The coating is designed to reduce friction during feeding and chambering.
  
  
• Reduced Barrel Wear: The coating reduces metal-to-metal contact between the projectile and barrel, reducing wear compared to our standard monolithic projectiles.

We discontinued Speer Gold Dot projectiles across our lineup after experiencing significant component-supply interruptions during periods of unusually high demand, including the COVID-19 pandemic and election cycles. During these disruptions, Speer prioritized components for its own ammunition production, limiting availability to independent manufacturers such as Underwood.

We made the decision to focus on projectiles with more dependable supply so we can maintain consistent production and product availability. We continue to offer other jacketed hollow point (JHP) loads, as well as our Xtreme Defender lineup, which is designed to perform consistently through common intermediate barriers without relying on traditional hollow point expansion.

Our +P .380 ammunition may be used in limited quantities in a Ruger LCP or LCP II equipped with a heavier aftermarket 13 lb recoil spring. We do not recommend using our +P loads with the standard recoil spring.

An aftermarket barrel is not automatically required. Our 10mm Auto ammunition is intended for firearms properly chambered for 10mm Auto and in safe working condition. However, compatibility cannot be guaranteed for every factory barrel or firearm. Follow your firearm manufacturer's ammunition guidelines, particularly if you have concerns about chamber support or a specific load.

Yes. Our solid monolithic projectiles are designed to be safe for use in tube-fed firearms. Their profiles are similar to those of traditional FMJ round-nose, FMJ flat-nose, and JHP projectiles, including Xtreme Defender projectiles that feature a nose cavity, making them suitable for use in tubular magazines.

No. Our Black Cherry–coated lead projectiles do not require separate gas checks. Gas checks are primarily used on cast lead bullets to help prevent hot propellant gases from escaping past the base of the projectile, a phenomenon known as gas blow-by. This can cause gas cutting, lead fouling, and reduced accuracy.

Our Black Cherry coating and controlled manufacturing tolerances are designed to help minimize gas blow-by and the associated lead fouling without the need for a separate gas check. By eliminating this additional component and manufacturing step, we can also reduce production costs and pass those savings along to our customers.

No. You do not need to replace the factory barrel in your Colt Delta Elite with a fully supported aftermarket barrel to use our 10mm ammunition. Our 10mm loads are designed to be compatible with factory 10mm barrels, including the Colt Delta Elite, provided the firearm is in proper working condition.

While we previously offered a load specifically for the Colt Delta Elite, our current 10mm ammunition is designed to be compatible with factory 10mm barrels, including the Colt Delta Elite. A separate Delta Elite-specific load is no longer necessary for use in a factory-configured pistol that is in proper working condition.

Compatibility depends on your specific Charter Arms model and its ammunition rating. Some .44 Special loads generate more recoil and stress than others, so we do not recommend assuming that every load is suitable for every revolver. For routine shooting, our 245gr FMJ and 200gr Wadcutter offerings may be options if they meet the firearm manufacturer's specifications. Before using any other load, confirm its suitability with Charter Arms and follow the firearm's published guidance.

Our .44 Magnum items #723, #743, and #328 have a cartridge overall length (C.O.A.L.) exceeding 1.600", which may prevent them from fitting or feeding properly in Desert Eagle magazines. Some lever-action firearms may also have difficulty feeding cartridges of this length.

When troubleshooting 12.7x42 (.50 Beowulf-type) feeding or chambering issues, it is important to verify that the upper, bolt, and bolt carrier group are designed to work together and are correctly specified for the cartridge.

We have encountered Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) uppers using Type 1 bolts, commonly associated with 7.62x39-pattern designs, which have a nominal .125" bolt-face depth. In comparison, Type 2 bolts commonly associated with 6.5 Grendel have a nominal .136" bolt-face depth.

Because the Type 1 bolt face is shallower, it can affect cartridge positioning and potentially push the case farther into the chamber than intended, contributing to feeding or chambering issues. Verify you have the correct Type 2 Bolt.

Buffer-system compatibility and magazine condition can also affect function. Some 12.7x42 configurations work better with a H2 or H3 buffer, but the correct setup depends on the upper manufacturer and the complete firearm.

Some of our .460 S&W ammunition has been manufactured with CCI primers, which may require more firing-pin energy than certain other primer types. We have also evaluated Federal primers for future production. Primer selection can vary by production lot. Some Performance Center revolvers have lighter trigger pulls, and changes to the hammer or mainspring system can reduce the energy available to ignite a primer reliably. Similar issues can occur in firearms that have undergone trigger work.

If you experience repeated light primer strikes, the strain screw near the front of the grip frame may be adjusted to increase mainspring tension and hammer-strike energy. We recommend following Smith & Wesson’s guidance or consulting a qualified gunsmith before making any adjustments. Future production of this ammunition is planned to use primers that require less firing-pin energy for reliable ignition.

No. .40 Super and .40 S&W are different cartridges and are not interchangeable. The .40 Super is a wildcat cartridge derived from the .45 Winchester Magnum case and necked down to accept a .40-caliber projectile. Some compatible .45 ACP platforms have been converted to .40 Super, but that does not make the cartridge suitable for use in a firearm chambered for .40 S&W. Use only the cartridge designated for your firearm's chamber.