Today is the beginning of a caliber discussion. It’s the first of four where we will discuss different calibers, what that means, and what they are used for. Let’s look at what a caliber actually is. The technical definition refers to the approximate diameter of the barrel or bore a bullet is fired out of. It has evolved into a term that defines not only the caliber be the cartridge a firearm shoots.
Quick definitions;
Bullet – The part that comes out when fired
Case – The part that stays in the gun when a bullet is fired. It contains the powder, primer and bullet on the end when unfired.
Cartridge or Round – Refers to everything put together ready to fire.
Here is a list of common calibers and what fires them.
Pistol, Autoloader (like a Glock) – .32 ACP, .380 Auto, 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 Sig, .45 ACP
Revolver – .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum
Hunting Rifle – 30-06 (Pronounced 30 aut six), .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 30-30 (pronounced thirty, thirty), 45-70 Government (pronounced Forty-Five, Seventy), and .375 H&H Magnum
Modern Military Rifles – .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO, 5.54×39, 7.62×39, and .50 BMG
Old Military Rifles – .30 Carbine, 6.5mm Swiss, 7.62x54r, and 8mm Mauser
Is that confusing or what? And by no means is that a complete list. We’ll look at a little part of that list for the next three days. At least enough so that when someone is talking about a “45” you’ll know what they are talking about.
Stay Safe,
Ben