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Ammo Caliber Size Chart

Ammunition Caliber Size, Usage and Ballistics Guide

Ammo caliber size chart

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.

.22 Long Range Bullet
Caliber.22LR
Bullet size30-40 grains
TypeRimfire cartridge
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity1,200-1,640 ft/s (40-30 gr)
Energy131-191 ft⋅lbf (30-40 gr)
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter0.223 in (5.7 mm) - 0.2255 in (5.73 mm)
Case length.613 in (15.6 mm)
Overall length1.000 in (25.4 mm)
Primer typeRimfire
22LR ammo
.22 WMR bullet
Caliber.22 WMR
Bullet size30-50 grains
TypeRimfire
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity1,530-2,300 ft/s (50-30 gr)
Energy300-324 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length1.055 in (26.8 mm)
Overall length1.350 in (34.3 mm)
Primer typeRimfire
.22 WMR ammo
9mm ammo size
Caliber9mm
Bullet size115-147 grains
TypePistol
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity1,180-2,010 ft/s (115-60gr)
Energy355-501 ft⋅lbf (115-124gr)
Bullet diameter9.01 mm (0.355 in)
Case length19.15 mm (0.754 in)
Overall length1.169 in (29.69 mm)
Primer typeBerdan or Boxer small pistol
9mm ammo
10mm Bullet
Caliber10mm Auto
Bullet size77-220 grains
TypePistol
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lb; Personal Defense
Velocity1,290-2,420 ft/s (180-77 gr)
Energy649-1,001 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameterSAAMI: .4005 in (10.17 mm)
Case lengthSAAMI: .992 in (25.2 mm)
Overall lengthSAAMI: 1.260 in (32.0 mm)
Primer typeLarge pistol
10mm ammo
.380 Auto Bullet
Caliber.380 ACP
Bullet size45-100 grains
TypePistol
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity1,025-1,835 ft/s (100-45gr)
Energy203-337 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter.355 in (9.0 mm)
Case length.680 in (17.3 mm)
Overall length.984 in (25.0 mm)
.380 ammo
.40 S&W Bullet
Caliber.40 S&W
Bullet size105-200 grains
TypePistol
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity1,050-1,130 ft/s (200-165 gr)
Energy468-490 ft⋅lbf (165-200 gr)
Bullet diameter.400 in (10.2 mm)
Case length.850 in (21.6 mm)
Overall length1.135 in (28.8 mm)
Primer typeSmall pistol
40 S&W ammo
.45 ACP Bullet
Caliber.45 ACP
Bullet size68-300 grains
TypePistol
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity835-2,036 ft/s (230-90 gr)
Energy356-829 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter.450 in (11.4 mm)
Case length.898 in (22.8 mm)
Overall length1.275 in (32.4 mm)
Primer typeLarge
45 Auto (ACP) ammo
38 Special Bullet
Caliber.38 Special
Bullet size110-158 grains
TypeRevolver
UsagePersonal Defense
Velocity900-1,150 ft/s (147-100 gr)
Energy264-333 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter.357 in (9.1 mm)
Case length1.155 in (29.3 mm)
Overall length 1.550 in (39.4 mm)
Primer typeSmall pistol
38 Special ammo
.357 Magnum Bullet
Caliber.357 Magnum
Bullet size100-200 grains
TypeHandgun; Carbine
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs; Medium Game 50-300 lbs; Personal Defense
Velocity1,080-1,450ft/s (180-125 gr)
Energy539-583 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter.357 in (9.1 mm)
Case length1.29 in (33 mm)
Overall length1.59 in (40 mm)
Primer typeSmall pistol magnum
.357 Magnum ammo
44 Magnum Bullet
Caliber44 Magnum
Bullet size180-340 grains
TypeHandgun; Rifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs; Personal Defense
Velocity1,180-1,475 ft/s (340-240 gr)
Energy741-1,533 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter.429 in (10.9 mm)
Case length1.285 in (32.6 mm)
Overall length1.61 in (41 mm)
Primer typeLarge Pistol
44 Magnum ammo
7.62x39 Bullet
Caliber7.62x39mm
Bullet size120-125 grains
TypeRifle
UsagePersonal Defense; Medium Game (50-300 lbs)
Velocity730-738 ft/s (122-154 gr)
Energy1,555-1,607 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter7.85–7.9 mm (0.309–0.311")
Case length38.70 mm (1.524 in)
Overall length56.00 mm (2.205 in)
Primer typeBoxer Large Rifle (brass); Berdan (steel case)
.223 Caliber Bullet
Caliber.223
Bullet size36-112 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50lbs; Personal Defense; Target/Match
Velocity2,750-3,750ft/s (77-36 gr)
Energy959-1,401 ft⋅lbf (36-77 gr)
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter0.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length1.76 in (45 mm)
Overall length2.26 in (57 mm)
Primer typeSmall rifle
.223 ammo
300 AAC Blackout Bullet
Caliber300 AAC Blackout
Bullet size78-220 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs; Personal Defense
Velocity1,010-2,800 ft/s (220-78 gr)
Energy498-1,377 ft⋅lbf
Bullet diameter0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length1.368 in (34.7 mm)
Overall length2.26 in (57 mm)
Primer typeSmall rifle
300 AAC Blackout ammo
5.56mm Nato Bullet
Caliber5.56mm Nato
Bullet size55-77 grain
TypeRifle, carbine, DMR, and LMG
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs; Target/Match; Personal Defense
Velocity2,790-3,260 ft/s (63-55 gr)
Energy1,679-1,859 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter5.7 mm (0.224 in)
Case length44.70 mm (1.760 in)
Overall length2.260 in (57.40 mm)
Primer typeSmall rifle
5.56mm Nato ammo
.22-250 Remington Bullet
Caliber.22-250 Remington
Bullet size35-75 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity3,500-4,224 ft/s (64-40 gr)
Energy1,585-1,751 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length1.912 in (48.6 mm)
Overall length2.35 in (60 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
.22-250 Remington ammo
.243 Winchester Bullet
Caliber.243 Winchester
Bullet size55-115 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs
Velocity2,960-3,925 ft/s (100-58 gr)
Energy1,873-1,994 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.243 in (6.2 mm)
Case length2.045 in (51.9 mm)
Overall length2.7098 in (68.83 mm)
Primer typeLarge Rifle
.243 Winchester ammo
7mm-08 Rem Bullet
Caliber7mm-08 Remington
Bullet size100-195 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,595-2,800 ft/s (175-140 gr)
Energy2,339-2,617 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow-Moderate
Bullet diameter0.284 in (7.2 mm)
Case length2.035 in (51.7 mm)
Overall length2.80 in (71 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
7mm-08 Rem ammo
6.5 Creedmoor Bullet
Caliber6.5mm Creedmoor
Bullet size120-150 grains
TypeCenterfire rifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs; Personal Defense
Velocity2,710-3,020 ft/s (143-120 gr)
Energy2,283-2,430 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.2644 in (6.72 mm)
Case length1.920 in (48.8 mm)
Overall length2.825 in (71.8 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle, Small rifle
6.5 Creedmoor ammo
.308 Bullet
Caliber.308
Bullet size100-240 grains
TypeRifle
UsageLarge Game (300-1500 lbs); Dangerous Game
Velocity2,510-3,100 ft/s (185-125 gr)
Energy2,588-2.668 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length2.015 in (51.2 mm)
Overall length2.800 in (71.1 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
308 ammo
.270 Winchester
Caliber.270 Winchester
Bullet size90-160 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,850-3,603 ft/s (150-90 gr)
Energy2,595-2,705 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.277 in (7.0 mm)
Case length2.540 in (64.5 mm)
Overall length3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
.270 Winchester ammo
.30-06 cartridge
Caliber.30-06
Bullet size110-220 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium-Large Game (50-1500 lbs)
Velocity2,500-2,910 ft/s (150-220 gr)
Energy2,820-3,036 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length2.494 in (63.3 mm)
Overall length3.34 in (85 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
.30-06 ammo
300 Win mag
Caliber.300 Win Mag
Bullet size110-250 grains
TypeRifle, Large Game
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,875-3,300 ft/s (220-165 gr)
Energy3,990-4,038 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate-High
Bullet diameter.308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length2.62 in (67 mm)
Overall length3.34 in (85 mm)
Primer typeLarge Rifle Magnum
.300 Win Mag ammo
7mm Rem Mag Bullet
Caliber7mm Remington Magnum
Bullet size110-175 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,860-3,500 ft/s (175-110 gr)
Energy2,992-3,221 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.284 in (7.2 mm)
Case length2.5 in (64 mm)
Overall length3.29 in (84 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle magnum
7mm Rem Mag ammo
300 Winchester bullet
Caliber300 Winchester
Bullet size150-220 grains
TypeRifle, Large game
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,875-3,300 ft/s (220-150 gr)
Energy3,628-4,038 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter .308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length 2.62 in (67 mm)
Overall length 3.34 in (85 mm)
Primer type Large rifle Magnum
300 Winchester ammo
30-30 Winchester
Caliber30-30 Winchester
Bullet size110-170 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity2,227-2,684 ft/s (170-110 gr)
Energy1,760-1,873 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length2.039 in (51.8 mm)
Overall length2.550 in (64.8 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
30-30 ammo
28 Nolser overall size inches
Caliber28 Nosler
Bullet size55 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs; Large Game 300-1500 lbs
Velocity3,500 ft/s (1,100 m/s)
Energy1,496 ft⋅lbf (2,028 J)
RecoilModerate-High
Bullet diameter5.70 mm (.2245 in)
Case length44.7 mm (1.760 in)
Overall length 57.4 mm (2.260 in)
Primer typeRifle
222 Remington
Caliber222 Remington
Bullet size40-60 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity2,937-3,583 ft/s (60-40 gr)
Energy1,150-1,141 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length1.700 in (43.2 mm)
Overall length2.130 in (54.1 mm)
Primer typeSmall rifle
222 Remington ammo
22 Hornet size
Caliber22 Hornet
Bullet size35-55 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity2,652-3,060 ft/s (55-35 gr)
Energy728-859 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 (some older rifles use .223) ref Hornady
Case length1.403 in (35.6 mm)
Overall length1.723 in
Primer typeSmall rifle
22 Hornet ammo
220 Swift size
Caliber220 Swift
Bullet size40-60 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity3,647- 4,213 ft/s (60-40 gr)
Energy1,577-1,772 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length2.205 in (56.0 mm)
Overall length2.680, 2.580 H.P. Bullets
Primer typeLarge rifle
220 Swift ammo
224 Valkyrie Size
Caliber224 Valkyrie
Bullet size60-90 grains
TypeRifle
UsageTarget/Match
Velocity2,638-3,459 ft/s (90-60 gr)
Energy1,391-1,594 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter0.2245 in (5.70 mm)
Case length 1.60 in (41 mm)
Overall length 2.260 in (57.4 mm)
Primer typeSmall Rifle
224 Valkyrie ammo
22-250 Remington size
Caliber22-250 Remington
Bullet size64-40 grains
TypeRifle
UsageVarmint < 50 lbs
Velocity3,500-4,224 ft/s (64-40 gr)
Energy1,585-1,741 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter.224 in (5.7 mm)
Case length1.912 in (48.6 mm)
Overall length2.35 in (60 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
22-250 Remington ammo
257 Roberts size
Caliber257 Roberts
Bullet size75-117 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs
Velocity2,840-3,450 ft/s (117-75 gr)
Energy1,983-2,096 ft⋅lbf
RecoilLow
Bullet diameter .257 in (6.5 mm)
Case length2.233 in (56.7 mm)
Overall length 2.775 in (70.5 mm)
Primer type large rifle
257 Roberts ammo
257 Weatherby size
Caliber257 Weatherby Magnum
Bullet size87-120 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium Game 50-300 lbs
Velocity3,305-3,825 ft/s (120-87 gr)
Energy2,826-2,910 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.257 in (6.5 mm)
Case length 2.545 in (64.6 mm)
Overall length3.209 in (81.5 mm)
Primer type Large Rifle (magnum)
257 Weatherby Magnum ammo
375 Ruger
Caliber.375 Ruger
Bullet size270-300 grains
TypeRifle
UsageLarge Game (300-1500 lbs); Dangerous Game
Velocity2,660-2,840 ft/s (300-270 gr)
Energy4,713-4,835 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.375 in (9.5 mm)
Case length2.580 in (65.5 mm)
Overall length3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Primer typeLarge rifle
.338 Winchester
Caliber.338 Winchester
Bullet size200-275 grains
TypeRifle
UsageLarge Game (300-1500 lbs); Dangerous Game
Velocity2,489-2,950 ft/s (275-200 gr)
Energy3,784-3,866 ft⋅lbf
RecoilHeavy
Bullet diameter.338 in (8.6 mm)
Case length2.500 in (63.5 mm)
Overall length3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Primer type Large rifle magnum
Caliber.35 Whelen
Bullet size180-250 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium-Large Game (50-1500 lbs)
Velocity2,523-2,963 ft/s (250-180 gr)
Energy3,510-3,535 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter .358 in (9.1 mm)
Case length 2.494 in (63.3 mm)
Overall length3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Primer type Large rifle
300 H&H
Caliber300 H&H
Bullet size150-220 grains
TypeRifle
UsageMedium-Large-Dangerous game (50-1500 lbs)
Velocity2,743-3,362 ft/s (220-150 gr)
Energy3,676-3,766 ft⋅lbf
RecoilModerate
Bullet diameter.308 in (7.8 mm)
Case length 2.850 in (72.4 mm)
Overall length3.600 in (91.4 mm)
Primer typelarge rifle magnum

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.