BASIC TO PRO GUIDE ABOUT BULLETS

The deer season is near, so we are going to talk about rounds and ammo for deer hunting. Choosing the correct ammo for our firearms whether for hunting or safeguard is a key point. If using guns is totally new to you then you need to first understand about rifle rounds, calibers, ammo, and bullets.

1. Ammunition:

Ammunition is the number of bullets and shells which we measured in “diameter to length”. They are in a ratio like 5.56x45mm is 5.56mm wide and 45mm long. Ammunition sizes are different for different types of gun, rifles, and shotguns.

2. Shotshells:

Shotshells are measured in “gauge”, with a smaller number being larger in diameter. For Example, A typical 12 gauge shell is 70mm long, which works out to be 2½” they are used in shotguns.

3. Cartridge:

A bullet cartridge is made up of four components case, primer, powder/propellant, and projectile. Rifle cartridges, gun cartridges, and shotgun cartridges all have the same components.

  1. Case: The case is usually prepared from brass, nickel, or steel.
  2. Primer: This is the ignition for the propellant, see the round dimple on the base of the cartridge.
  3. Powder/Propellant: It is the gunpowder.
  4. Projectile: It is the only part of the cartridge which is the actual bullet.

4. Bullets:

Bullets is a metal projectile for firing from a rifle, revolver, or other small firearms, normally cylindrical and pointed, and sometimes containing an explosion. In our time polymer bullets are also making their space in good hunting.

5. Caliber:

What does caliber mean? Or more likely define caliber is asked by many people. It is an approximate internal diameter of the gun barrel or the diameter of the projectile it shoots.

There are a variety of hunting rifle calibers and bullets used by different hunters for deer hunting, so we are going to explain about caliber comparison, and rifle bullet sizes and different gun calibers.

Now when all clears about bullets structure we can dig deep into its quality….

One of the most challenging things is finding the best caliber for deer hunting. Due to the Variety of guns, we required a cartridge comparison guide to choose caliber precisely.

We’ll try our best to cover entirely about bullet caliber comparison their size, their convenience, and flaw.

There is a long list of most common ammo but we will only cover the ones we are going to use the most. This article will come in handy for calibers comparison and to choose the best deer hunting caliber these bullets are easy to buy from online stores, and gun store.

The bullets for a rifle or handgun are commonly made out of lead and contain a jacket made of copper, brass, or another Meta.

There are lots of brands of bullets that are used by the hunters worldwide. There is a long list of bullets which has been used for hunting, but when we will be discussing about best deer cartridge. However, when we talk about the deer hunting, best rifle caliber selections come in handy. Right kind of bullets according to our needs can lead us to 100% success otherwise, we can ruin our hunting with the wrong selection.

To find best hunting rifle caliber we needs a rifle cartridge comparison for 100% results.

Every hunter has its own taste and experience for deer hunting as it said one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, but there are some points which we should keep in mind on buying ammunition for deer hunting. Some hunter selection include rifle ammo sizes, where as some hunter favors most accurate rifle over rifle caliber sizes. These point should keep in mind for rifle caliber, and handgun caliber.

  • They must give the highest accurateness, best quickness and quality results.
  • Best caliber for deer should carry the full energy from the projectile to the target without creating any disturbance.
  • Caliber size should be powerful enough to kill the deer in seconds.

If we select the most common rifle ammo for our hunting without acknowledging their specification we might end up not only damaging our firearm but also ruining our hunt. List of rifle cartridges with their details will help in rifle caliber comparison for the delighted hunt.

There are few best and outclass bullets for deer hunting which are even best for newbies.

There are various breeds of deer that are hunted worldwide by deer hunters, Hunters use best deer hunting rifle with the best caliber for deer. However, for successful hunting, we will not only need the best hunting caliber guide. Details understanding of deer rifles, finest caliber gun, and patience with practice. We will try our best to cover most common rifle calibers used by successful hunters. We have discussed different types of bullets and ammo which tend to be most popular and get the job done.

Soft-point bullet (SP):

Also known as a soft-nosed bullet they have a tendency to expand or flatten in the body making large wound for quick incapacitation. They are in soft metal core walled by a stronger metal jacket, its jacket often come in steel or copper alloyed with nickel or zinc. They are not very famous but mostly used by hunters with the deformation (jacketed soft point, or JSP), where they can’t use hollow point bullets (like in big hunting games in specific areas). Some commonly used SP bullets are 223 Rem Ammo, Golden Bear 7.62×39 Ammo, TulAmmo 308 Win Ammo etc.

Hollow Point Bullets:

A hollow-point bullet is mostly used for concealed carry or home defense because of their penetrate targets. Most bullets, we see, are made are called off a “jacket,” a harder outer shell whereas a soft inner shell. Hollow-point bullet on hitting soft tissue cause the bullet to spread easily that way they are used for safety. These bullets that have a hollowed-out shape tip often planned to cause the bullet to expand when entering a target as it penetrates and mess up more tissue.

Ballistic Tip Bullets (Plastic-tipped bullet):

It’s a trademark name of hunting ammunition line by world famous company Nosler’s. They are hollow point bullets filled with the cavity of hard plastic polymer on its tip, which create a tremendously aerodynamic bullet shape. As they are getting more popular days by days due to their accuracy and uniform expansion they are Best deer caliber made for hunting rifles.

Partition Bullets:

Also, a hunting ammunition line by The Nosler’s company, its used dual-core alloy in the front core is specially designed jacket. This jacket enclosing two separate lead alloy cores the portion of the bullet behind the partition is fully metal jacket bullet. Upon expanding it leaves a large wound which provides deep penetration into the body and quicker results.

Accubond Bullets:

AccuBond is mainly a Ballistic Tip with an alloy lead core it’s another best deer hunting caliber by Nosler’s company introduced in 2001. Due to the white polymer tip, they give proper expansion and accuracy with a copper alloy jacket. The attachment of core to jacket completely prevents core/jacket separation after impact, increasing weight maintenance and penetration compared to a Ballistic Tip. Using the expansion and penetration features of the Partition bullet as their design goal, Nosler refined the performance of the AccuBond to match hunter’s need.

The Super Shock Tip (SST) bullets:

The Super Shock Tip (SST) is created and design by Hornady and it is used in a different range of their rifle rounds. The SST bullet is offered for calibers from .243 to .308.

Polymer tip increases the efficiency of SST bullets it creates a controlled expansion. This specific bullet is loved by reloaders because of its high-quality polymer tip and expending bullet quality. It is beneficial for everything from large hunting games to background shooting. Its boat-tail structure makes it quite easy for reloaders to work with, it delivers a fantastic expansion level. Hornady used a thicker material for it jacketed these characteristics make them the best deer hunting bullets.

Grand Slam Bullets:

Grand slam bullets were introduced by Speer in 1975 as their top bullet. They were designed to compete with other top bullets of their time which give deep penetration. They are built in heavy, tapered jacket up to 45% thicker than other bullets jacket with inner flutes at the tip to smooth expansion. These bullets are used typically for the bigger game and they have a secure soft nose that is much efficient in use. The lock jacket and core are locks together near to the base mechanically with the help of internal heel folds. They come in different variety and style for big game hunting almost for all calibers in reasonable price.

Barnes Triple-Shock X Bullets:

Barnes introduces Triple-Shock X Bullets in 2004 as one of the finest hunting rifle ammunition. Normally mentioned as Barnes X bullets, this ammo use equally thin diameter hollow section in the tip as compared to other. It comes in most rifle calibers, thin section works very well to create a constant expansion result when it hit the target. They are 100% copper built bullet provide deeper penetrate in the body of the deer. They retain 100% of its original weight even after tearing through deep tissue and thick bones. And they are one of the most accurate hunting bullets.

Now when the types of bullets are discussed well, here are some most commonly used rifle calibers and their Manufactures to Compare.

Hornady bullets:

When we say Hornady ammunition we actually refer to a company which ammunition back in 1964. They come in different varieties, sizes, types, and brand most common are Handgun Brass, Handgun Bullets, Handgun/Rifle Brass, Rifle Bullets, and Wads/Hulls/Shot.

  • 6.5mm Creedmoor: 6.5mm Creedmoor used in centerfire rifle cartridge and it was introduced by Hornady in 2007 which was the modification of (.30 TC). It was specially designed for long-range target shooting that’s why 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting is preferred by hunters.

Winchester ammo:

Winchester Repeating Arms Company manufactures ammo for all shooting activities: hunting ammo, shooting, target ammo, and personal defense ammo. Most famous are .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .243 Winchester.

  • .308 Winchester: It is pronounced (three-oh-eight) and one of the most in-demand, one of the famous US and definitely all hunters cartridge.
  • .270 Winchester: After successfully used in World War II it became popular among gun owners, shooters, and hunters.
  • .300 Winchester Magnum: Also known as (.300 Win Mag or 300WM) was introduced in 1963 it was designed for the standard rifle. Due to its flexibility, it is widely used by hunters, target shooters, military units, and law enforcement departments.
  • .243 Winchester: Is the most used sporting rifle cartridge it is used for animals like coyotes, blacktail deer, whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorns, and wild hogs.

Remington:

Remington is nearly 20 years in manufacturing firearms, and ammunition they are making bullets for all types of firearms. Most famous ammo is 7mm-08 Remington,7mm Remington Magnum,223Remington.

  • 7mm-08 Remington: Is a rifle cartridge and it is a direct copy of the wildcat cartridge introduced in 1958 under the name of 7mm/308. They are famous for varminting, game-hunting, Metallic Silhouette, and long-range shooting.
  • 7mm Remington Magnum: It was introduced in 1962 with Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle. It is most popular for Western plains use in U.S and Africa.
  • .223Remington: It was basically developed for a lightweight combat rifle, it is also famous among hunter for deer hunting.

Comparison different bullets which are mostly used and liked by hunters:

7mm-08 vs 270:

Specifications 7mm-08 Remington .270 Winchester
Designer
Remington Arms
Winchester
Designed 1980 1923
Parent case .308 Winchester.30-03
Bullet Diameter 0.470 in (11.9 mm) .277 in (7.0 mm)
Neck Diameter 0.315 in (8.0 mm).308 in (7.8 mm)
Base Diameter
0.470 in (11.9 mm) .470 in (11.9 mm)
Case Length 2.035 in (51.7 mm)2.540 in (64.5 mm)
Overall Length 2.80 in (71 mm) 3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Case Capacity 48.6 gr H2O 67 gr H2O (4.3 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)61,000 psi (420 MPa)65,000 psi (450 MPa)

.243 vs .308:

Specifications.243 Winchester .308 Winchester
Designer
Winchester
Winchester
Designed1955 1952
Parent case.308 Winchester .300 Savage
Bullet Diameter.243 in (6.2 mm)0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter276 in (7.0 mm)0.3433 in (8.72 mm)
Base Diameter
.471 in (12.0 mm)0.4709 in (11.96 mm)
Case Length 2.045 in (51.9 mm)2.015 (51.18 mm)
Overall Length 2.7098 in (68.83 mm)2.800 (71.12 mm)
Case Capacity 52 to 54.8gr H2O56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)60,000 psi (410 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

7mm-08 vs 6.5 creedmoor:

Specifications 7mm-08 Remington 6.5mm Creedmoor
Designer
Remington Arms
Hornady
Designed1980 2007
Parent case.308 Winchester.30 TC
Bullet Diameter0.470 in (11.9 mm) .2644 in (6.72 mm)
Neck Diameter0.315 in (8.0 mm).2950 in (7.49 mm)
Base Diameter
0.470 in (11.9 mm) .4703 in (11.95 mm)
Case Length 2.035 in (51.7 mm)1.920 in (48.8 mm)
Overall Length 2.80 in (71 mm) 2.825 in (71.8 mm)
Case Capacity 48.6 gr H2O 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)61,000 psi (420 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

.243 vs 6.5 creedmoor:

Specifications.243 Winchester6.5mm Creedmoor
Designer
Winchester
Hornady
Designed19552007
Parent case.308 Winchester.30 TC
Bullet Diameter.243 in (6.2 mm).2644 in (6.72 mm)
Neck Diameter.276 in (7.0 mm).2950 in (7.49 mm)
Base Diameter
.471 in (12.0 mm).4703 in (11.95 mm)
Case Length 2.045 in (51.9 mm)1.920 in (48.8 mm)
Overall Length 2.7098 in (68.83 mm)2.825 in (71.8 mm)
Case Capacity 52 to 54.8gr H2O52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)60,000 psi (410 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

6.5 creedmoor vs 30-06:

Specifications6.5mm Creedmoor .30-06 Springfield
Designer
Hornady
United States Military
Designed20071906
Parent case.30 TC.30-03 Springfield
Bullet Diameter.2644 in (6.72 mm).308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.2950 in (7.49 mm).340 in (8.6 mm)
Base Diameter
.4703 in (11.95 mm).471 in (12.0 mm)
Case Length 1.920 in (48.8 mm) 2.494 in (63.3 mm)
Overall Length 2.825 in (71.8 mm)3.34 in (85 mm)
Case Capacity 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3) 68 gr H2O (4.4 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)62,000 psi (430 MPa)60,200 psi (415 MPa)

300 win mag vs 6.5 creedmoor:

Specifications.300 Winchester Mag6.5mm Creedmoor
Designer
Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Hornady
Designed19632007
Parent case.375 H&H Magnum.30 TC
Bullet Diameter.308 in (7.8 mm).2644 in (6.72 mm)
Neck Diameter.339 in (8.6 mm).2950 in (7.49 mm)
Base Diameter
.513 in (13.0 mm).4703 in (11.95 mm)
Case Length 2.62 in (67 mm)1.920 in (48.8 mm)
Overall Length 3.34 in (85 mm)2.825 in (71.8 mm)
Case Capacity 93.8 gr H2O (6.08 cm3)52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)64,000 psi (440 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

.45-70 vs 308:

Specifications .45-70 .308 Winchester
Designer
US Government
Winchester
Designed18731952
Parent caseNo.300 Savage
Bullet Diameter.458 in (11.6 mm)0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.480 in (12.2 mm)0.3433 in (8.72 mm)
Base Diameter
.505 in (12.8 mm)0.4709 in (11.96 mm)
Case Length 2.105 in (53.5 mm)2.015 (51.18 mm)
Overall Length 2.550 in (64.8 mm)2.800 (71.12 mm)
Case Capacity 40.9 gr56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)28,000 psi62,000 psi (430 MPa)

7mm-08 vs 243:

Specifications 7mm-08 Remington .243 Winchester
Designer
Remington Arms
Winchester
Designed1980 1955
Parent case.308 Winchester.308 Winchester
Bullet Diameter0.470 in (11.9 mm) .243 in (6.2 mm)
Neck Diameter0.315 in (8.0 mm).276 in (7.0 mm)
Base Diameter
0.470 in (11.9 mm) .471 in (12.0 mm)
Case Length 2.035 in (51.7 mm)2.045 in (51.9 mm)
Overall Length 2.80 in (71 mm) 2.7098 in (68.83 mm)
Case Capacity 48.6 gr H2O 52 to 54.8gr H2O[2]
Max Pressure (SAAMI)61,000 psi (420 MPa)60,000 psi (410 MPa)

.308 vs .270:

Specifications.308 Winchester .270 Winchester
Designer
Winchester
Winchester
Designed1952 1923
Parent case.300 Savage.30-03 Springfield
Bullet Diameter0.308 in (7.8 mm).277 in (7.0 mm)
Neck Diameter0.3433 in (8.72 mm).308 in (7.8 mm)
Base Diameter
0.4709 in (11.96 mm).470 in (11.9 mm)
Case Length 2.015 (51.18 mm)2.540 in (64.5 mm)
Overall Length 2.800 (71.12 mm)3.340 in (84.8 mm)
Case Capacity 56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)67 gr H2O (4.3 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)62,000 psi (430 MPa)65,000 psi (450 MPa)

7mm-08 vs 308:

Specifications7mm-08 Remington .308 Winchester
Designer
Remington Arms
Winchester
Designed1980 1952
Parent case.308 Winchester.300 Savage
Bullet Diameter0.470 in (11.9 mm) 0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter0.315 in (8.0 mm)0.3433 in (8.72 mm)
Base Diameter
0.470 in (11.9 mm) 0.4709 in (11.96 mm)
Case Length 2.035 in (51.7 mm) 2.015 (51.18 mm)
Overall Length 2.80 in (71 mm) 2.800 (71.12 mm)
Case Capacity 48.6 gr H2O 56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)61,000 psi (420 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

6.5 Creedmoor vs 223:

Specifications6.5mm Creedmoor.223 Remington
Designer
Hornady
Remington Arms
Designed20071962
Parent case.30 TC.222 Remington
Bullet Diameter.2644 in (6.72 mm)0.224 in (5.7 mm)
Neck Diameter.2950 in (7.49 mm)0.253 in (6.4 mm)
Base Diameter
.4703 in (11.95 mm)0.376 in (9.6 mm)
Case Length 1.920 in (48.8 mm) 1.76 in (45 mm)
Overall Length 2.825 in (71.8 mm)2.26 in (57 mm)
Case Capacity 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3) 28.8 grain (1.87ml H2O)
Max Pressure(SAAMI)62,000 psi (430 MPa)55,000 psi (380 MPa)

7mm rem mag vs 308:

Specifications7mm Remington Mag.308 Winchester
Designer
Remington Arms
Winchester
Designed19621952
Parent case.375 H&H Magnum.300 Savage
Bullet Diameter.284 in (7.2 mm)0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.315 in (8.0 mm)0.3433 in (8.72 mm)
Base Diameter
.512 in (13.0 mm)0.4709 in (11.96 mm)
Case Length 2.5 in (64 mm) 2.015 (51.18 mm)
Overall Length 3.29 in (84 mm)2.800 (71.12 mm)
Case Capacity 82.0 gr H2O (5.31 cm3)56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)61,000 psi (420 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

6.5 Creedmoor vs 25-06:

Specifications6.5mm Creedmoor.25-06 Remington
Designer
Hornady
Remington Arms Company
Designed20071969
Parent case.30 TC.30-06 [1]
Bullet Diameter.2644 in (6.72 mm).257 in (6.5 mm)
Neck Diameter.2950 in (7.49 mm).290 in (7.4 mm)
Base Diameter
.4703 in (11.95 mm).470 in (11.9 mm)
Case Length 1.920 in (48.8 mm) 2.494 in (63.3 mm)
Overall Length 2.825 in (71.8 mm)3.250 in (82.6 mm)
Case Capacity 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3) 65.8 gr H2O (4.26 cm3)
Max Pressure(SAAMI)62,000 psi (430 MPa)63,000 psi (430 MPa)

25-06 vs 7mm-08:

Specifications.25-06 Remington
7mm-08 Remington
Designer
Remington Arms Company
Remington Arms
Designed19691980
Parent case.30-06 [1].308 Winchester
Bullet Diameter.257 in (6.5 mm)0.470 in (11.9 mm)
Neck Diameter.290 in (7.4 mm)0.315 in (8.0 mm)
Base Diameter
.470 in (11.9 mm)0.470 in (11.9 mm)
Case Length 2.494 in (63.3 mm)2.035 in (51.7 mm)
Overall Length 3.250 in (82.6 mm)2.80 in (71 mm)
Case Capacity 65.8 gr H2O (4.26 cm3)48.6 gr H2O
Max Pressure (SAAMI)63,000 psi (430 MPa)61,000 psi (420 MPa)

300 blackout vs 300 win mag:

Specifications300 win mag
300 AAC Blackout
Designer
Winchester Company
C.I.P.
Designed19632011
Parent case375 H&H Magnum.221 Fireball/.223 Rem
Bullet Diameter .308 in (7.8 mm) 0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.339 in (8.6 mm)0.334 in (8.5 mm)
Base Diameter
.513 in (13.0 mm)0.376 in (9.6 mm)
Case Length 2.62 in (67 mm)1.368 in (34.7 mm)
Overall Length 3.34 in (85 mm)2.26 in (57 mm)
Case Capacity 93.8 gr H2O 56gr H2O
Max Pressure (SAAMI)64,000 psi (440MPa)55,000 psi (380 MPa)

270 vs 6.5 creedmoor:

Specifications.270 Winchester6.5mm Creedmoor
Designer
Winchester
Hornady
Designed19232007
Parent case.30-03 Springfield.30 TC
Bullet Diameter.277 in (7.0 mm).2644 in (6.72 mm)
Neck Diameter.308 in (7.8 mm).2950 in (7.49 mm)
Base Diameter
.470 in (11.9 mm).4703 in (11.95 mm)
Case Length 2.540 in (64.5 mm)1.920 in (48.8 mm)
Overall Length 3.340 in (84.8 mm)2.825 in (71.8 mm)
Case Capacity 67 gr H2O (4.3 cm3) 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)65,000 psi (450 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

6.5 creedmoor vs 308:

Specifications6.5mm Creedmoor .308 Winchester
Designer
Hornady
Winchester
Designed2007 1952
Parent case.30 TC.300 Savage
Bullet Diameter.2644 in (6.72 mm)0.308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.2950 in (7.49 mm) 0.3433 in (8.72 mm)
Base Diameter
.4703 in (11.95 mm)0.4709 in (11.96 mm)
Case Length 1.920 in (48.8 mm) 2.015 (51.18 mm)
Overall Length 2.825 in (71.8 mm)2.800 (71.12 mm)
Case Capacity 52.5 gr H2O (3.40 cm3) 56 gr H2O (3.6 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)62,000 psi (430 MPa)62,000 psi (430 MPa)

243 vs 30-06:

Specifications.243 Winchester .30-06 Springfield
Designer
Winchester
United States Military
Designed19551906
Parent case.308 Winchester.30-03 Springfield
Bullet Diameter.243 in (6.2 mm).308 in (7.8 mm)
Neck Diameter.276 in (7.0 mm).340 in (8.6 mm)
Base Diameter
.471 in (12.0 mm).471 in (12.0 mm)
Case Length 2.045 in (51.9 mm)2.494 in (63.3 mm)
Overall Length 2.7098 in (68.83 mm)3.34 in (85 mm)
Case Capacity 52 to 54.8gr H2O[2]68 gr H2O (4.4 cm3)
Max Pressure (SAAMI)60,000 psi (410 MPa)60,200 psi (415 MPa)

Final verdict:

Studying closely about bullets can’t make us a good hunter for it you need lots of practice and patience. Researching on how to hunt deer can help us to make our mind, but going into shooting range or backyard garden can lead us the best place to shoot a deer. For practice we don’t need most powerful rifle a standard deer rifle with best deer rifle caliber will do the work. This article will lead to making an ethical decision about best all-around rifle caliber.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *