Intro
Discover the top 10 most common gun calibers by size, from smallest to largest. Learn about popular rifle and handgun calibers, including.22, 9mm,.45 ACP, and.308. Understand the differences in bullet diameter, case length, and muzzle energy to make informed decisions for hunting, self-defense, or target shooting.
Gun calibers can be a confusing topic for many, especially those new to firearms. With so many different calibers available, it can be difficult to know which ones are the most common or popular. In this article, we will explore the 10 most common gun calibers by size, starting from the smallest to the largest.
Introduction to Gun Calibers
Before we dive into the list of most common gun calibers, it's essential to understand what gun calibers are and how they are measured. Gun calibers refer to the diameter of a gun's barrel, which is typically measured in inches or millimeters. The caliber of a gun determines the size of the bullet it fires, which in turn affects the gun's accuracy, range, and stopping power.
Small Calibers (.22 -.25)
Small calibers are often used for hunting small game, target shooting, and pest control. These calibers are typically less powerful than larger calibers but are still effective for their intended purposes.
*.22 LR (Long Rifle) - This is one of the most common and popular calibers for small game hunting and target shooting. *.22 Magnum - This caliber is similar to the.22 LR but has a slightly larger case and more powerful load. *.25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) - This caliber is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and is known for its compact size and moderate power.
Medium Calibers (.32 -.38)
Medium calibers are often used for self-defense, law enforcement, and hunting medium-sized game. These calibers offer a good balance between power and control.
*.32 ACP - This caliber is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and is known for its compact size and moderate power. *.380 ACP - This caliber is similar to the.32 ACP but has a slightly larger case and more powerful load. *.38 Special - This caliber is commonly used in revolvers and is known for its versatility and moderate power.
Large Calibers (.40 -.45)
Large calibers are often used for self-defense, law enforcement, and hunting large game. These calibers offer a good balance between power and control.
*.40 S&W (Smith & Wesson) - This caliber is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and is known for its moderate power and compact size. *.45 ACP - This caliber is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and is known for its powerful load and large size. *.45 Colt - This caliber is commonly used in revolvers and is known for its powerful load and large size.
Extra Large Calibers (.50 -.60)
Extra large calibers are often used for hunting large game and are typically more powerful than smaller calibers. These calibers are often used in rifles and are known for their long range and high stopping power.
*.50 AE (Action Express) - This caliber is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and is known for its powerful load and large size. *.50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) - This caliber is commonly used in rifles and is known for its powerful load and long range. *.600 Nitro Express - This caliber is commonly used in rifles and is known for its powerful load and large size.
Comparison of Gun Calibers
Here is a comparison of the 10 most common gun calibers by size:
| Caliber | Diameter | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| .22 LR | 0.22 in | 0.71 in | 40 gr |
| .22 Magnum | 0.22 in | 0.87 in | 40 gr |
| .25 ACP | 0.25 in | 0.68 in | 50 gr |
| .32 ACP | 0.32 in | 0.68 in | 71 gr |
| .380 ACP | 0.38 in | 0.95 in | 95 gr |
| .38 Special | 0.38 in | 1.16 in | 158 gr |
| .40 S&W | 0.40 in | 0.85 in | 180 gr |
| .45 ACP | 0.45 in | 0.85 in | 230 gr |
| .50 AE | 0.50 in | 1.29 in | 300 gr |
| .600 Nitro Express | 0.60 in | 2.95 in | 900 gr |
Gallery of Gun Calibers
Gun Caliber Image Gallery
We hope this article has helped you understand the different gun calibers and their uses. Remember to always handle firearms with care and follow proper safety procedures. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.