Popular Calibers

Most Popular Ammunition Calibers

9mm Luger: World's most popular handgun cartridge. Best balance of capacity, controllability, and effectiveness. Available in defensive loads (Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense) and training ammunition (Federal American Eagle, Winchester USA, PMC Bronze). Standard bullet weights: 115gr (high velocity), 124gr (balanced), 147gr (subsonic). Ideal for concealed carry, home defense, competition, and training.

.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO: America's most popular centerfire rifle cartridge. Chambered in AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles. Available in tactical loads (Federal XM193, PMC X-TAC), match ammunition (Federal Gold Medal, Hornady Match), and hunting loads (Hornady V-MAX, Federal Fusion). Common bullet weights: 55gr (varmints), 62gr (general purpose), 69-77gr (long-range precision). Mild recoil and economical ammunition.

.308 Winchester: Versatile hunting and precision cartridge for deer to elk. Available in match-grade (Federal Gold Medal 168gr, 175gr), hunting loads (Federal Fusion, Hornady American Whitetail), and training ammunition (PMC, Winchester USA). Effective range 800+ yards with match ammunition. Chambered in AR-10 platforms, bolt-action rifles, and semi-automatic battle rifles.

12 Gauge: America's most versatile shotgun platform. Available in target loads (#7.5, #8 shot for clays), hunting loads (#4-#6 for upland birds, steel shot for waterfowl), defensive buckshot (#00, #1), and deer slugs (rifled and sabot). Shell lengths: 2-3/4 inch (standard), 3 inch (magnum), 3-1/2 inch (super magnum). Suitable for all shotgun applications.

.22 Long Rifle: World's most popular cartridge. Unmatched versatility and economy. Available in high-velocity (CCI Mini-Mag, Federal Champion), standard velocity, subsonic (CCI Quiet), and match-grade (Eley Tenex, SK Rifle Match). Ideal for plinking, training, small game hunting, competition, and suppressed shooting. Minimal recoil perfect for new shooters.

.45 ACP: Classic American defensive cartridge. Substantial bullet mass (185-230gr) at moderate velocities. Available in premium defensive loads (Federal HST 230gr, Speer Gold Dot 230gr) and training ammunition (Federal American Eagle, Winchester USA). Manageable recoil with excellent stopping power. Preferred by 1911 enthusiasts.

6.5 Creedmoor: Modern precision cartridge for long-range accuracy with low recoil. Exceptional ballistic coefficient bullets (140gr, 143gr, 147gr) maintain velocity and resist wind drift. Available in match ammunition (Federal Gold Medal, Hornady Match) and hunting loads (Hornady Precision Hunter, Federal Fusion). Flatter trajectory than .308 Winchester with less recoil. Dominates PRS and long-range competition.

.40 S&W: Law enforcement cartridge bridging 9mm and .45 ACP. Available in 165gr (higher velocity) and 180gr (deeper penetration). Premium defensive loads include Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Duty. Training options from Federal American Eagle, Winchester USA, and PMC Bronze. Greater energy than 9mm with higher capacity than .45 ACP.

7.62x39: Soviet military cartridge chambered in AK-47, SKS, and AR-15 platforms. Economical steel-cased ammunition (Wolf, Tula) for training, plus brass-cased hunting loads (Hornady SST, Federal Fusion). Moderate recoil and economical ammunition. Effective for deer hunting within 200 yards and tactical applications.

.380 ACP: Compact concealed carry cartridge for subcompact pistols. Modern defensive loads (Federal HST 99gr Micro, Hornady Critical Defense 90gr, Speer Gold Dot 90gr) achieve adequate penetration with reliable expansion. Training options from Federal American Eagle, Winchester USA, and PMC Bronze. Less recoil than 9mm with smaller grip profiles.

.30-06 Springfield: Classic American hunting cartridge suitable for all North American game. Available in bullet weights from 150gr (deer) to 180gr (elk) to 220gr (heavy game). Hunting loads from Federal Fusion, Hornady American Whitetail, and Winchester Deer Season XP. Match ammunition for long-range shooting. Universally available and extremely versatile.

.300 Blackout: AR-15 cartridge offering .30-caliber performance. Available in supersonic loads (110-125gr for hunting/defense) and subsonic loads (190-220gr for suppressed shooting). Requires only barrel change from 5.56 NATO. Effective for home defense, hunting within 200 yards, and suppressed applications.