Bullet and Rifle Caliber Chart & Bullet Size Comparison

As a hunter, you want to be as proficient with your weapon as possible. Part of that is understanding the different calibers and what they can do. In this blog post, we’ll provide a chart comparing bullet sizes and calibers, along with some information about each including conversion of calibers from inches to millimeters. We’ll also discuss what type of game each caliber is best suited for. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right rifle and ammunition for your next hunt.

The Breakdown of a “Bullet”

A bullet is typically composed of four main parts: the casing, the primer, the bullet itself, and the propellant. The casing is the metal shell that houses the other three components. It is typically made of brass or steel. The primer is a small explosive charge that ignites the propellant and propels the bullet forward. The bullet itself is usually made of lead or copper and contains a hollow cavity that helps to increase its stopping power. The propellant is a controlled explosion that propels the bullet out of the casing and towards its target. When all of these components are combined, they create a powerful round that can be used for both self-defense and hunting.

Caliber Considerations

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing ammunition for a firearm. One of the most important is caliber, which is a measure of the bullet’s diameter. Common calibers include 9mm, .357, and .45. The larger the caliber, the more damage the bullet will cause. However, caliber is not the only factor to consider. Bullet weight, velocity, and type can also affect performance.

For example, a heavier bullet will penetrate deeper than a lighter one, and a hollow-point bullet will cause more damage than a standard round. As such, it is important to choose ammunition based on the intended use. Self-defense ammunition, for example, should be designed to cause maximum damage. For target practice or plinking, however, less expensive ammunition will suffice. Whatever the purpose, it is important to select the right ammunition for the job.

Caliber Defined

Caliber is the diameter of a bullet, typically measured in millimeters or hundredths/thousandths of an inch. It is also used to describe the internal diameter of the barrel of a gun, which must be slightly larger than the caliber of the bullet so that it can be fired through it. The word “caliber” comes from the Latin word “calibrum,” which means “stem” or “the point where two lines meet.” In other words, it is the width of a line at its narrowest point. When applied to bullets, this term refers to the diameter of the bullet at its base, not its point. The base is usually wider than the point, so the caliber refers to the widest part of the bullet. Caliber is important because it indicates how much energy a bullet has and how much damage it can do. A larger caliber bullet has more energy and can do more damage than a smaller caliber bullet.

Let’s Make Sense of This

Let’s break down an example so you get a better idea of how this all comes together. The .300PRC and the .308 Winchester are the same caliber, but have different names. Why? This is due to a rounding of the numbers, marketing mostly. The .300PRC and the .308 Winchester both fire a .308 caliber bullet but the .300PRC has been ’rounded down’ to have a nicer sounding name when it comes to marketing. Again, they both shoot a .308 bullet which is generally a 180 grain bullet, but, the .308 Winchester is a small cartridge relative to the .300PRC. Meaning it holds less gun powder thus causing less damage to the target compared to the .300PRC. The bullets are interchangeable, but the cartridges are not.

The Numbers

Pistol Chart

Cartridge	Diameter in MM	Diameter in Inch.
.50AE	12.7mm	.50″
.45ACP	11.5mm	.452″
.44 Magnum	10.9mm	.429″
.40S&W	10mm	.40″
9mm	9.02mm	.355″
.38 Special	9.10mm	.357″
.380ACP	9mm	.355″
.357 Magnum	9.10mm	.357″
.22LR	5.66mm	.223″

Rifle Chart

Caliber Name	Diameter in MM	Diameter in Inch.
.50	12.95mm	.51″
.416	10.57mm	.416″
.375	9.53mm	.375″
.366	9.3mm	.366″
.33	8.59mm	.338″
.325	8.2mm	.323″
.30	7.82mm	.308″
.280	7.21mm	.284″
.270	7.04mm	.277″
.260	6.71mm	.264″
.257	6.53mm	.257″
.243	6.17mm	.243″
.22 (not lr)	5.7mm	.224″
.22 (lr)	5.66mm	.223″
.223	5.7mm	.224″
.204	5.2mm	.204″
.17	4.32mm	.172″

FAQ

Is 308 bigger than 30 cal?

No, the .308 is 0.308″ while the 30 Cal generally ranges between 0.311″-0.312″

What caliber do snipers use?

Hands down the most popular military rifle is chambered in 7.62mm. Generally 7.62x51mm and 7.62x54mm.

Why is 308 so popular?

For starters it can be found just about anywhere, can function well when fired out of a sniper rifle, is compatible with belt fed weapon systems and works in many of the major assault weapons making it one of the best all purpose rounds available.

What is the most popular rifle caliber in America?

30-06 Springfield is the most popular rifle caliber in the United States. When it comes to hunting the vast majority of game is taken within 200 yards and the 30-06 Springfield is the most capable for this use.

What does 30 30 mean in a rifle?

This refers to the cartridge size and the design. It is a .30 caliber with 30 grains of powder, thus 30-30.