Ammo Caliber Size Chart

Ammunition Caliber Size, Usage and Ballistics Guide

The following bullet caliber size charts show a measurement in inches and millimeters of the most common rifle and handgun ammo cartridges. Details and specs for each bullet caliber include size, type, recoil primer and performance ballistics.

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*Cartridge ballistics, usage and recoil taken from Sportsman's Warehouse rifle ballistics and rifle recoil tables.

Bullet Grain Weight

Bullet size may vary within a given cartidge, or a cartridge may have a standard bullet size. For example, .308 rifle bullet size varies from about 125 to over 185 grains. Bulllet size for the 9mm Luger cartidge varies from 60 to 160 grains. However, AR-15 ammo has a standard bullet size of 55 grains. Even when you purchase a standard .308 rifle, you still have the option of firing various sizes of bullets.

Impact of Bullet Weight on Shooting

Bullet weight impacts bullet performance. Bullet weight impacts trajectory, terminal ballistics, impact to target, and recoil. When determining what size of bullet to use, it's important to consider how you'll be using your firearm. If you're going to be target shooting at close range, your bullet weight really isn't going to be that important. A lighter, less expensive bullet should work just fine. However, if distance, accuracy and takedown are factors, then bullet weight matters.

A lighter bullet typically is faster than a heavier bullet. It often maintains a flatter trajectory as well. However, light weight bullets are much more susceptible to wind than heavier bullets. On a winding day, a lighter bullet may be blown off target far easier than a heavier bullet. When it comes to accuracy, bullet weight is only one of several factors to consider.

Bullet Weight vs Recoil

Recoil is a simple function of physics. For every action there is an equal and opposition reaction. It requires more energy to move a heavier bullet. Hence, a heavier bullet generally generates more recoil than a lighter bullet. However, there are many factors beyond bullet weight, such as firearm weight and cartidge load, that play into recoil. For target partice, lower bullet weights, that generate less recoil, are typically ideal.

Why Choose a Larger Cartidge and Heavier Bullet?

There are pros and cons to using a lighter weight bullet versus a heavier weight bullet. However, when energy at the target is a top priority, it makes sense to go with a larger cartridge and heavier bullet. Using a larger caliber cartridge with a heavier bullet provides better expansion, penetration and take down power for hunting and humanely taking down large game.

Heavier bullets are also ideal for self defense weapons where stopping power is essential -- and your first shot may be your only shot.

Disclaimer: Sportsman's Warehouse assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information on this page. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.