Rifle Caliber Chart [Detailed Analysis]

Choosing the right rifle caliber is a big deal in hunting, target shooting, or ensuring home defense. The right caliber can make or break your shot, affecting accuracy, power, and overall performance. Below is the detailed rifle caliber chart table that explores different calibers, from smallest to largest, along with their uses, bullet sizes, and muzzle energy, helping you quickly compare your options.

Here’s the clear definition of caliber for your knowledge.

In firearm terminology, caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet and the internal width of the rifle barrel. It’s measured in inches or millimeters. However, caliber alone doesn’t define a bullet’s power. For example, the .308 and .300 Win Mag fire a .308-inch diameter bullet, but their cartridges differ in size and powder capacity, which directly affects velocity, energy, and performance.

You can also read our thoughts on the famous debate of two popular winchester magnum cartridges (.300 vs .338) after checking the rifle cartridges comparison chart with ultimate guide below.

Key Terms You Should Know:

• Bullet: The projectile that exits the barrel and hits the target.
• Cartridge: The complete package you load into the rifle, bullet, casing, powder, and primer.

Rifle Caliber Chart Smallest To Largest

The rifle caliber chart above shows the bullet diameter in both millimeters (mm) and inches, along with their muzzle energies and common uses. These include varmint hunting, plinking (informal target shooting), tactical applications, self-defense, small to large game hunting, and precision shooting for long-range accuracy, measured in meters, miles, or kilometers.

A higher muzzle energy value generally means greater stopping power and longer effective range, as it represents the bullet’s kinetic energy upon leaving the muzzle. However, not all rifle calibers have recorded muzzle energy values, and some serve multiple purposes depending on bullet type and load.

For shotguns, the term gauge refers to the number of lead balls of barrel diameter that equal one pound in weight (e.g., 12-gauge means 12 lead balls of that size make up a pound). Meanwhile, bore represents the internal diameter of the barrel. Certain calibers, like the 8mm Mauser, have historical significance due to their use in military applications, while others remain popular for modern hunting and shooting sports.

How to Choose the Right Rifle Caliber for Hunting

Balancing muzzle energy and recoil is key; choose a caliber that you can handle comfortably while maintaining accuracy. Always remember that,

• Higher muzzle energy = More impact power, better penetration
• More energy also means more recoil = Requires better handling and stability

When selecting a caliber, consider:

1. Game Type: Larger, tougher animals need more power.
2. Recoil Sensitivity: Choose something you can comfortably handle for longer hunts.
3. Hunting Distance: A flatter-shooting caliber like 6.5 Creedmoor works better for long-range shots.
4. Ammo Availability: Some calibers are harder to find or expensive to shoot.
5. Rifle Compatibility: Always use the cartridge your rifle is chambered for.

In addition to the details, we tested the long air guns during hunting small to big game species. See our guide to choose the best air rifles based on different caliber types and sizes.

Final Words

Rifle calibers are the most significant factor in determining the power of firearms. Choosing the right one is a personal decision based on the type of hunting. Know your rifle, practice often, and you’ll make the right shot when it matters most.

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