So, no bullets for the Freman? The most powerful ranged weapon in the Duniverse is the Lasgun (countered by shields).
The Freeman use Maula Pistols from what I've heard (I'm into the second book, so I've only read from a Wikia about these).
Dart projectors and slow pellet stunners being secondary weapons and rather short range.
But, I'd imagine cheaper ballistic firearms still being kept by civilians who can't afford shields for self defense and hunting.

I'd imagine Freman (who scoff at shield usage) using superior ballistic weapons instead of dart pistols. 

Are bullets just forgotten tech? Is there any mention of their usage?