What kind of rounds are primarily used for training with small arms?

Dummy rounds or practice ammunition are primarily used for training with small arms because they allow shooters to practice weapon handling, drills, and malfunction clearing without the risk associated with live rounds. These rounds closely mimic the weight and feel of live ammunition, enabling trainees to become familiar with their firearms in a safe environment.

Using dummy rounds helps ensure that personnel can learn effective engagement techniques, sight alignment, and trigger control without the danger of live fire. Additionally, they can be utilized in various training scenarios, including dry fire exercises, to reinforce muscle memory and build confidence.

In contrast, while blank rounds may be used in certain training exercises to simulate the noise and recoil of actual firing without projectile discharge, they do not substitute effectively for learning the handling and mechanics of the firearm with a realistic weight and balance. Live ammunition, of course, involves actual projectiles and is generally reserved for qualification and real-world scenarios. Explosive rounds are utilized in specific applications and are not appropriate for standard small arms training.