List of Bullets by Caliber
Each bullet is differentiated by its size, which is expressed either in millimeters or in fractions of an inch. This measurement is referred to as the bullet’s caliber.
Powder Valley is your superstore for reloading supplies, including bulk bullets of every caliber from all the top brands you trust – at the lowest price. From Barnes to Hornady, Berger to Nosler, find bullets from top manufacturers at your one-stop-shopping HQ for reloaders.
Bullet vs. Cartridge: What’s the Difference?
The term “bullet” refers to the actual projectile that comes out of the weapon’s barrel. “Cartridge” refers to the bullet plus the brass casing that holds the gunpowder. Most cartridges are reusable; bullets are not.
List of Bullets by Caliber
Firearms experts have developed hundreds of different types of bullets over the years. Listing and describing all of them would require an entire library. In the text below, you’ll find a list of bullets by caliber based on the best-known and most popular choices among today’s shooters.
- 17 HMR – this caliber was developed for those who need a light, compact type of ammunition that offers exceptional velocity and flat trajectory.
- 22 – this classic bullet is used primarily for target shooting and small game hunting. It offers good velocity and is very affordable but has less stopping power than larger calibers.
- 380 – developed for military and self-defense purposes, the 380 is perfect for use in small, easy-to-carry handguns. It’s also used in short, highly portable rifles known as carbines.
- 38 Special – this particular type of ammunition was used by American police departments from the 1920s until well into the 1980s. It offers manageable recoil, superior accuracy, and reasonable stopping power. It remains a good choice for self-defense to this day.
- 40 S&W – this caliber was developed in the late 1980s by Smith & Wesson specifically for law enforcement use. It’s more powerful than the 38 Special but is compact enough to fit inside a concealable firearm.
- 45 ACP – this caliber offers both massive stopping power and heavy recoil. It saw heavy use during both world wars and is synonymous with American military history.
- 9 mm – this is the first bullet we’ve considered that’s measured in metric terms rather than fractions of an inch. Considered an excellent all-purpose choice, it’s widely used in the 21st century by both the US Army and modern police departments.
- 357/44 Magnum – popularized by Hollywood, both the 357 and 44 are designed for ultra-high velocities and extreme stopping power, but at the cost of massive recoil. Still, they’re an effective choice for both hunting and self-defense when used by a skilled shooter.
- 7 mm Mauser – developed way back in the 19th century, the 7 mm Mauser is revered by hunters across North America. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it ideal for taking down a wide variety of prey.
- 308 Winchester – this cartridge rivals the 7 mm Mauser in terms of both performance and popularity. Many hunters say that the 308 Winchester inflicts less wear and tear on firearms than does the 7 mm, but this claim is hotly debated.
- 30-30 Winchester – this is an entry-level caliber for newcomers to the world of hunting. Factory versions generally work well at ranges up to 200 yards, although handloading can increase their effective range significantly.
- 30-06 Springfield – this is another caliber with a distinguished military history. It’s widely acclaimed for its moderate recoil, excellent accuracy, and extended range of more than 1000 yards.
- 460 Weatherby Magnum – first introduced in 1957, this caliber was designed specifically for hunting big game such as elephants and rhinoceroses. It has incredible stopping power but limited range.
Bullets by Caliber and Other Reloading Supplies from Powder Valley
Understanding bullets by caliber requires hands-on experience. One of the best ways to obtain this know-how is to reload your own cartridges. Talk to an experienced reloader or gunsmith in your area to learn more about this fun and fascinating pastime.
Once you’re ready to start reloading on your own, browse our website and order your equipment and supplies for reloading. We provide top-quality bullets by caliber and other reloading supplies at industry-low prices.