Comprehensive Overview of Calibers: From .17 HMR to .50 BMG

Understanding the various calibers available for firearms is essential for shooters, hunters, and enthusiasts alike. Below is an extensive guide covering a range of popular calibers, including both rimfire and centerfire, along with notable brands of ammunition suited for multiple applications, as well as shotgun cartridges.

Rimfire Calibers

.17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)

• Description: The .17 HMR is known for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory, making it ideal for varmint hunting and small game.
• Brands:
  • Hornady: Offers match-grade ammunition designed for accuracy.
  • CCI: Renowned for reliable performance and consistent ignition.

.22 LR (Long Rifle)

• Description: The most popular rimfire cartridge in the world, it’s widely used for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Known for their Champion and AutoMatch lines featuring consistent accuracy.
  • Winchester: Offers a variety of options, including SuperX for reliable performance.
  • Fiocchi: Provides good quality ammunition at economical prices.

.22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire)

• Description: The .22 WMR offers greater power than the .22 LR, making it better suited for small game and varmint hunting.
• Brands:
  • CCI: Famous for their Maxi-Mag line, providing high velocity and reliable performance.
  • Federal: Game-Shok line ensures dependable expansion and precision.

Centerfire Handgun Calibers

.380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

• Description: A compact and popular caliber for concealed carry and self-defense, known for manageable recoil.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Personal Defense line is highly respected for its reliable stopping power.
  • Winchester: The PDX1 series is designed specifically for personal protection.

5.7x28mm

• Description: Developed for military applications, this high-velocity caliber is effective for self-defense as well as varmint hunting.
• Brands:
  • FN Herstal: Original manufacturer known for quality ammunition.
  • Federal: Offers reliable options in their American Eagle series specifically for this caliber.

9mm Luger

• Description: One of the most popular handgun calibers globally, favored for self-defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting due to its versatility.
• Brands:
  • Federal: HST and American Eagle lines are popular for various applications.
  • Winchester: Their White Box and Defender rounds offer reliable performance.

10mm Auto

• Description: Known for its higher power, the 10mm is versatile and can be used for personal defense and hunting applications.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Premium ammunition for both self-defense and hunting scenarios.
  • Hornady: Features Critical Defense loads tailored for performance.

.40 S&W (Smith & Wesson)

• Description: Balances power and capacity and is frequently used in law enforcement.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Hydra-Shok line is a popular choice for self-defense.
  • Winchester: Their Ranger line is trusted for effective personal protection.

.45 ACP

• Description: Known for its stopping power, this caliber is popular among self-defense and competitive shooters.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Offers reliable options like Personal Defense and American Eagle.
  • Winchester: Defender and White Box FMJ are widely used in this caliber.

.357 Magnum

• Description: Versatile and powerful, the .357 Magnum is excellent for both self-defense and hunting.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Vital-Shok and American Eagle lines provide reliable options.
  • Remington: Known for high-quality offerings suited for various applications.

.44 Magnum

• Description: Known for its significant power and recoil, frequently used in hunting large game.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Produces high-performance loads specifically tailored for this caliber.
  • Winchester: Offers the Super X line that delivers reliable performance.

Centerfire Rifle Calibers

.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

• Description: Commonly used in AR-platform rifles, both calibers provide high velocity and accuracy, making them suitable for varmint hunting and tactical applications.
• Brands:
  • Federal: American Eagle and Fusion lines are popular choices among shooters.
  • Hornady: Known for their Match and Frontier lines designed for precision.

.300 Blackout

• Description: Designed for close-quarters combat, this caliber offers versatility in both subsonic and supersonic loads for tactical and hunting applications.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Offers subsonic options for suppressed shooting.
  • Hornady: Black line provides effective hunting and tactical loads.

6mm

• Description: Most commonly referring to the 6mm Remington, this caliber is versatile for varmint hunting and even deer hunting.
• Brands:
  • Hornady: Provides precision loads for accuracy.
  • Winchester: Offers effective hunting rounds for this caliber.

7mm

• Description: Widely used for big game hunting, particularly the 7mm Remington Magnum, known for its flat trajectory and effective energy transfer.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Vital-Shok and Fusion lines suitable for hunting applications.
  • Nosler: Known for premium hunting ammunition with exceptional performance.

.30-30 Winchester

• Description: A classic caliber ideal for deer hunting, particularly with lever-action rifles.
• Brands:
  • Winchester: Super X line is well-regarded among hunters.
  • Remington: Offers reliable options for hunting applications.

.30-06 Springfield

• Description: A powerful and versatile caliber frequently used for big game hunting in various environments.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Fusion and Vital-Shok lines deliver excellent performance.
  • Hornady: American Whitetail series is known for effective hunting capabilities.

.243 Winchester

• Description: Popular for varmint hunting and deer, noted for its low recoil and accuracy.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Various options suitable for performance-based applications.
  • Winchester: Provides effective hunting loads for this caliber.

.270 Winchester

• Description: High-velocity round ideal for long-range hunting, particularly for deer and larger game.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Fusion and Premium lines are trusted for performance.
  • Hornady: American Whitetail and Precision Hunter options are favored by hunters.

.308 Winchester

• Description: A staple in military and civilian applications, known for its accuracy and versatility across various shooting disciplines.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Gold Medal Match and Fusion lines are popular options.
  • Winchester: Super X line provides consistent and reliable choices.

.45-70 Government

• Description: Known for its heavy bullets and significant stopping power, popular in lever-action rifles for large game hunting.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Offers effective hunting loads designed for big game.
  • Hornady: LEVERevolution line is built for performance in this classic caliber.

Shotgun Cartridges

.410 Bore

• Description: Smaller shotgun shell ideal for small game, often used for beginners due to its low recoil.
• Brands:
  • Federal: Offers various loads for small game hunting.
  • Winchester: Known for producing effective and reliable ammunition.

20 Gauge

• Description: A versatile shotgun cartridge providing a balance of power and recoil, commonly used for bird hunting.
• Brands:
  • Remington: Offers Nitro and Express lines trusted among shotgun enthusiasts.
  • Federal: Their Premium and Top Gun lines are popular choices.

12 Gauge

• Description: The most common shotgun gauge, used for a wide range of applications from hunting to home defense.
• Brands:
  • Winchester: The Super X line offers reliable options for various shooting scenarios.
  • Federal: Premium and Top Gun lines ensure performance and reliability.

Conclusion

The expansive selection of calibers from .17 HMR to .50 BMG, encompassing both rimfire and centerfire cartridges, meets various shooting needs, whether for defense, target practice, or hunting. Brands like Federal, Winchester, Hornady, CCI, and others provide a diverse array of ammunition suited for different firearms and purposes. Always adhere to local laws and guidelines when purchasing and using firearms and ammunition.