A Comprehensive Guide to Hunting Rifle Calibers

Understanding hunting rifle calibers is crucial for hunters of all experience levels. A rifle’s caliber affects not only its performance but also its suitability for different types of game. In this article, I’ll be going over the most popular hunting rifle calibers, including some of the more extreme options, their characteristics, and the game they’re best suited for.

What Does Caliber Mean?

In firearms terminology, caliber refers to the internal diameter of a gun’s barrel or the diameter of the projectile it fires. It’s usually measured in inches or millimeters. For example, a .30 caliber rifle has a barrel diameter of 0.30 inches.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Caliber

• Type of Game: Different calibers are suitable for different sizes and types of game.
• Recoil: Higher calibers often produce more recoil, which can affect shooting comfort and accuracy.
• Ammunition Availability: Common calibers have readily available ammunition, which can be a practical consideration.
• Shooting Distance: Some calibers are better suited for long-range shooting due to their ballistic properties.

Popular Hunting Rifle Calibers

1. .22 Long Rifle

• Overview: The .22 LR is one of the most popular and widely used calibers globally.
• Suitable Game: Small game like squirrels, rabbits, and varmints.
• Characteristics:
  • Low recoil.
  • Affordable and widely available ammunition.
  • Limited range and stopping power.

2. .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO

• Overview: Originally developed for military use but popular among hunters.
• Suitable Game: Varmints, small predators like coyotes, and small deer species in some regions.
• Characteristics:
  • Flat trajectory suitable for medium-range shooting.
  • Moderate recoil.
  • High-velocity rounds.

3. .243 Winchester

• Overview: A versatile caliber suitable for both small and medium-sized game.
• Suitable Game: Deer, antelope, and varmints.
• Characteristics:
  • Low to moderate recoil.
  • Excellent accuracy.
  • Flat trajectory.

4. .270 Winchester

• Overview: A popular choice for medium to large game hunting.
• Suitable Game: Deer, elk, and moose.
• Characteristics:
  • Flat shooting with good long-range capabilities.
  • Moderate recoil.
  • Versatile bullet weights.

5. .308 Winchester

• Overview: A widely used caliber known for its accuracy and effectiveness.
• Suitable Game: Deer, elk, bear, and other large game.
• Characteristics:
  • Moderate to heavy recoil.
  • Excellent performance at various ranges.
  • Military equivalent is the 7.62x51mm NATO.

6. .30-06 Springfield

• Overview: A classic American caliber with a long history of use.
• Suitable Game: Suitable for almost all North American big game.
• Characteristics:
  • Versatile with a wide range of bullet weights.
  • Moderate to heavy recoil.
  • Good for long-range shooting.

7. .300 Winchester Magnum

• Overview: A magnum caliber designed for long-range and large game.
• Suitable Game: Elk, moose, and large predators.
• Characteristics:
  • Heavy recoil.
  • High velocity and energy.
  • Excellent for long-distance shots.

8. 7mm Remington Magnum

• Overview: Popular among hunters needing flat trajectory and long-range capabilities.
• Suitable Game: Deer, elk, and mountain goats.
• Characteristics:
  • Significant recoil.
  • High ballistic coefficients.
  • Effective at long distances.

9. .45-70 Government

• Overview: A large-caliber cartridge with historical significance.
• Suitable Game: Large game like bison and bear.
• Characteristics:
  • Heavy bullets with substantial stopping power.
  • Rainbow trajectory; not ideal for long-range.
  • Noticeable recoil.

10. 6.5 Creedmoor

• Overview: A modern caliber gaining popularity for its accuracy.
• Suitable Game: Deer and similar-sized game.
• Characteristics:
  • Moderate recoil.
  • Excellent long-range accuracy.
  • High ballistic coefficients.

Extreme Calibers: The .500 Nitro Express and .700 Nitro Express

.500 Nitro Express

• Overview: A powerful caliber originally designed for hunting large and dangerous game in Africa.
• Suitable Game: Elephant, rhinoceros, and other dangerous big game.
• Characteristics:
  • Extremely heavy recoil.
  • Massive bullet weights (typically 570 grains).
  • High kinetic energy for deep penetration.
• Considerations:
  • Not practical for most North American hunting scenarios.
  • Ammunition is expensive and less readily available.
  • Requires specialized rifles built to handle the immense pressure.

.700 Nitro Express

• Overview: One of the largest and most powerful rifle cartridges available to civilians.
• Suitable Game: Designed for the largest and most dangerous game animals.
• Characteristics:
  • Exceptionally heavy recoil; often considered unmanageable for most shooters.
  • Bullet weights up to 1,000 grains.
  • Generates tremendous energy, upwards of 8,900 foot-pounds.
• Considerations:
  • Extremely rare and expensive ammunition and firearms.
  • Typically used by professional hunters or in very specialized hunting situations.
  • Not practical for typical hunting due to recoil, cost, and overkill for most game.

Is Using Extreme Calibers a Good Idea?

• Recoil Management: The recoil from these calibers can be physically punishing, affecting accuracy and shooter comfort.
• Over-Penetration: The immense power can lead to over-penetration, posing risks in certain hunting environments.
• Ethical Hunting: While they offer maximum stopping power, the use of such calibers should match the game hunted to avoid unnecessary destruction.
• Cost and Accessibility:
  • Firearms chambered for these calibers are custom-made and extremely expensive.
  • Ammunition is costly and may require special ordering.
• Legal Restrictions: Some regions have regulations that may prohibit or limit the use of such high-caliber firearms.
• Recommendation: For most hunters, these calibers are impractical. They are generally reserved for specific dangerous game hunting scenarios and are not necessary for typical hunting activities.

Matching Calibers to Game

Small Game and Varmints

• Recommended Calibers: .22 LR, .223 Remington, .17 HMR.
• Considerations:
  • Lower calibers minimize meat damage.
  • Less recoil allows for quick follow-up shots.

Medium Game (Deer, Antelope)

• Recommended Calibers: .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester.
• Considerations:
  • Balance between stopping power and recoil.
  • Versatility for different hunting environments.

Large Game (Elk, Moose, Bear)

• Recommended Calibers: .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum.
• Considerations:
  • Higher energy for deep penetration.
  • Recoil management becomes more important.

Dangerous Game

• Recommended Calibers: .375 H&H Magnum, .416 Rigby, .500 Nitro Express.
• Considerations:
  • Maximum stopping power is essential.
  • Often regulated by law in certain regions.
  • Extreme calibers like the .700 Nitro Express are specialized and should be used only when necessary.

Ballistic Considerations

• Velocity: Higher velocity can result in flatter trajectories but may increase recoil.
• Energy: More energy equates to greater stopping power but can affect accuracy due to recoil.
• Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets offer deeper penetration but may drop more over distance.
• Ballistic Coefficient: Higher coefficients mean better aerodynamic performance, aiding in long-range accuracy.

Recoil Management

• Techniques:
  • Proper shooting stance.
  • Using recoil pads.
  • Practicing with lower-recoil ammunition before moving to higher calibers.
• Importance: Managing recoil improves accuracy and reduces shooter fatigue, especially important when using high-recoil calibers.

Ammunition Types

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Not typically used for hunting due to minimal expansion.
• Soft Point (SP): Expands upon impact; good for hunting.
• Hollow Point (HP): Expands rapidly; suitable for varmints.
• Ballistic Tip: Combines features of SP and HP; good for medium game.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Regulations: Always check local laws regarding allowable calibers for specific game.
• Ethics:
  • Choose a caliber sufficient to ensure a quick, humane kill.
  • Avoid excessive power that may cause unnecessary suffering or meat destruction.
  • Practice shooting to ensure accuracy.

Maintenance and Care

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the rifle to maintain accuracy and safety.
• Storage: Store firearms unloaded in a secure location.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect for wear and tear, especially in the barrel and firing mechanism.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right hunting rifle caliber is a critical decision that impacts your hunting success and safety. While extreme calibers like the .500 Nitro Express and .700 Nitro Express offer immense power, they are specialized tools that are impractical for most hunters. By considering the type of game, shooting distance, recoil tolerance, and legal requirements, you can choose a caliber that suits your needs. Always prioritize safety, ethical hunting practices, and continuous learning to enhance your hunting experience.

Additional Resources

• Books: The Hunter’s Guide to Accurate Shooting by Wayne Van Zwoll.
• Websites: Visit reputable hunting forums and manufacturer websites for detailed ballistic charts.
• Training: Consider taking a hunter education course to improve your knowledge and skills.