📊 Data Methodology & Sources
Every data point on MatchMyGun is sourced from published manufacturer specifications, industry standards, or verified third-party references. We don't guess — we cite.
🏛️ SAAMI Specifications
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) is the primary source for caliber specifications: bullet diameter, case length, maximum pressure, and chamber dimensions. All caliber baseline specs come from SAAMI Z299.3 (Centerfire Pistol & Revolver) and Z299.4 (Centerfire Rifle) standards.
🔬 Factory Load Data
Muzzle velocity and muzzle energy figures are based on published data from major ammunition manufacturers using standard test barrel lengths (5" for pistols, 24" for rifles unless otherwise noted). Primary sources:
- Federal Premium — Ballistics Charts (2024-2025 catalog)
- Hornady — Standard Ballistics & Superformance Data
- Winchester Ammunition — Ballistics Calculator & Catalog
- Speer/CCI — Reloading Manual #15 & Factory Load Data
- Remington — Ammunition Ballistics Tables
📖 Reloading Reference Data
Handloading data on caliber pages is compiled from published reloading manuals. Start/max charges, velocities, and COAL measurements are referenced from:
- Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (11th Edition)
- Lyman Reloading Handbook (51st Edition)
- Nosler Reloading Guide (9th Edition)
- Hodgdon Annual Reloading Manual
- Vihtavuori Reloading Guide
📐 Ballistic Coefficients
Ballistic coefficient (G1) values are sourced from manufacturer-published data and verified against Doppler radar measurements where available. BC values are for standard factory loads at sea level. Values shown are average G1 BC from test velocities.
🔫 Firearm Specifications
Gun specifications (barrel length, weight, capacity, dimensions) are sourced from manufacturer product pages, operator manuals, and industry publications. Data is cross-referenced against at least two sources where possible. When discrepancies exist between published specs, we note the discrepancy in the firearm's description.
🔥 Deal Scanner
Deal data is sourced from publicly listed prices on major US firearm retailers including Brownells, MidwayUSA, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Sportsman's Warehouse, and GrabAGun. Prices are checked against current listings.
📋 Quality Control Standards
All ballistic data is verified against at least two independent sources before publication.
Caliber data is reviewed quarterly against updated manufacturer specifications.
Users can report data discrepancies via the Contact page. Verified corrections are applied within 48 hours.
Each ballistic data point includes a "last verified" date. Data older than 12 months is flagged for review.