Metallic Cartridges

A Word On Nomenclature

One of the most confusing things about shooting is the names of the various cartridges. If you're hoping for a few simple rules to make sense of it all, get used to disappointment, at least as regards American and British cartridges. Most of these cartridges have names that include a number that may or may not be the diameter of the bullet, and the name of either the original designer of the cartridge, or the company that first manufactured it, or maybe someone else altogether. Really, American and British cartridge names have more to do with marketing than describing a cartridge in a meaningful way.

European cartidges are named using a standard convention, using the diameter of the bullet and the length of the case, both in millimeters, and occasionally the designer or manufacturer's name. This scheme is generally adequate, although it does not completely describe the cartridge. A 7.92x57mm, then, has a bullet that is 7.92mm in diameter, and a case that is 57mm long. A rimmed cartridge will have an 'R' after the case length, for example the 7.62x54Rmm. Sometimes, though, common usage will abbreviate or otherwise muck up the proper designation. For instance, the 7.92x57mm is sometimes referred to as an 8mm Mauser, since it is primarily used in Mauser pattern rifles.

If you're already confused, perhaps you might want to peruse this primer on cartidge terminology.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is generally accurate, but intentionally omits some technical detail, and numerous exceptions, in the interest of clarity. For a more detailed discussion of metallic cartridges, try any one of a number of reloading manuals. For a more-or-less comprehensive review of current and obsolete cartridges, try the lastest edition of Cartridges Of The World.

Cartridges

Cartridges are listed in ascending order of caliber, and by muzzle energy within a caliber. Note that the photo for each cartridge includes a 22 Long Rifle cartridge for scale (except, of course, the 22 Long Rifle).

22 Long Rifle
22 Winchester Rimfire Magnum
223 Remington
22-250 Remington
6.5x55mm
284 Winchester
7.62x25mm
30-'06 Springfield
300 Winchester Magnum
7.92x57mm
9x19mm
416 Taylor
45 Automatic Colt Pistol
50 Browning Machine Gun
20 Gauge
16 Gauge
12 Gauge