By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor

Modern tracer ammunition has been around since the first World War. Since it is primarily used by the military, the average shooter doesn’t really have experience with tracers. This is especially true since most ranges ban tracers because of the potential for fires. This prohibition, however, doesn’t affect Ammo Inc. Streak ammunition. 

The problem with tracers is that the chemicals used to make them viewable also create heat. Tracers are basically flying fireballs, using magnesium, aluminum or other metals as fuel. Most countries use different chemicals to create desired colors. The American military typically uses red tracers, while other countries use green or even white. 

The color doesn’t matter; they just need to be seen flying through the air. This allows adjustment of aim, without using sights. They are especially important with larger machine guns, such as those used in planes and on ships. 

Tracers have also been used in small arms throughout the world for a variety of reasons. This is mostly for impact determination, but also for fun. Tracers are just not easy to find or allowed to be fired at many locations. Unless, of course, they are non-incendiary, like Ammo Inc. Streak. 

How it Works

Called visual ammunition, Ammo Inc. Streak uses patented technology, allowing shooters to actually see the bullet as it heads to the target. Unfortunately, it only works in certain lighting situations, such as indoors and at night; it works really well at night. 

Streak works via a non-flammable, phosphor-based compound. This compound is similar to what is used in glow-in-the-dark toys. It becomes illuminated through other light sources, such as the flash of the round in this case. It continues to glow even after the initial flash ends. This is what allows shooters to see the bullet on its way to the target. 

Ripping Ammo Inc. Streak Ammunition

The feeling of seeing a projectile fly toward the target is hard to describe. I’ve never shot any type of tracer rounds. My most accurate description would have to be a laser. This is particularly shown in a video filmed of me shooting alternating red and green Ammo Inc. Streak out of a 9mm carbine. It worked pretty much the same out of a Ruger Max-9 and the Springfield Hellcat Pro. Even at dusk, you can see a colored trail heading away, quickly. 

Of course, regardless of the coolness factor, ammunition has to hit the target to be usable. And accuracy was well within par of high-quality range ammunition. Slow strings at 10 yards produced 2- to 3-inch groups, while during drills rounds rang steel and tore 10-ring holes at self-defense range. 

During the session, there were zero misfeeds or failures to fire. Recoil was also quite manageable. I have, however, heard that some shooters believe the felt recoil is higher due to the powder flash needed to light the phosphor. I just didn’t notice any increased recoil. To me it felt like standard 9mm training rounds. 

Training & Self Defense

Most people will probably use Ammo Inc. Streak for training. However, the company also offers self-defense ammo with the phosphor backing. This could be useful in a situation to determine hit location, or more accurately miss location. This allows shooters to adjust as needed. 

Currently, Ammo Inc. Streak comes only in handgun loads. This includes calibers such as 9mm, 45 ACP and 40 S&W. However, it also comes in 380 ACP, 45 Colt and 38 Spl. in both target and personal protection loads. 

Those who want to see those rounds flying now have a non-incendiary option that can be used anywhere. And it will garner attention when other shooters see red or green “lasers” coming out of a gun. 

While a separate entity, Ammo, Inc is the corporate parent of GunBroker. However, Ammo Inc. had zero editorial direction regarding this article. 

Tags: Ammo Inc., ammunition, Streak Visual Ammunition, tracer ammunition