when selecting ammunition, you must choose the correct cartridge or shotshell for your firearm. what else should you consider?

You should also consider the species you will be hunting.

Why the species matters

Different game animals require different ammunition to ensure a quick, humane, and ethical kill. Using ammo that is too light may wound rather than cleanly harvest the animal, while ammo that is too heavy can cause excessive meat damage.

How this applies in practice

• Small game (like rabbits or squirrels) typically calls for small-caliber rifles or light shotgun loads.

• Medium game (like deer) usually requires more powerful cartridges or heavier shotgun slugs or buckshot.

• Large game (like elk or moose) demands high-energy cartridges designed for deep penetration.

In most hunter education materials and practice tests, “the species you will be hunting” is specifically identified as the correct factor to consider in addition to choosing the proper cartridge or shotshell.

TL;DR: When selecting ammunition, choose the correct cartridge or shotshell for your firearm and make sure it is suitable for the species you will be hunting.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.