What caliber do you think should be on my list?

M88 · October 7, 2018, 02:57 PM

I've had guns since I was a kid shooting groundhogs, rabbits and pheasant on the farm starting late 50's. Life happened... military, career, kids etc etc. Now in my 60's and retired, I started a more serious gun collection a few years ago. My goal was to have at least one gun in every "major" or "common" caliber of handgun, rifle and shotgun. Below is my current list of calibers. What I'm interested in from the forum is... are there any "major or common" calibers missing that you think should be on the list or any that you don't think fit the "major or common" category? Obviously this is subjective, as the very words "major or common" are somewhat nebulous. I don't know how else to categorize a caliber though... maybe number or guns made for that caliber? How does one find that? Going down the list of calibers at online ammunition retailer has EVERY caliber available, so not much help weaning out obscure or uncommon ones. My WW2 guns like my Arisaka or Carcano of course would not fit the list of "common" today, but I wanted a major rifle from every player of the period. So other than those two... any caliber I should add to this collection? Other than the two mentioned above, any so "uncommon" I shouldn't call it common? Again... somewhat nebulous question, but looking for some sense of order and classification.

---handguns---
.17HMR
.22LR
.22 Magnum
5.7x28
.25 ACP
.32 ACP
.380 ACP
.38 S&W
.38 SPL
.357 Mag
9mm
10mm
.40 S&W
.45 ACP
.45 Colt

———-RIFLES———
5.56x45 NATO/ .223 Rem
6.5 Creedmore
6.5 Carcano
.270 WIN
.30 Carbine
.30-06 Springfield
.30-30 WIN
7.62x51 NATO/ .308 WIN
7.62x54R
.303 BRIT
7.7x58 JAP
8mm Mauser

----shotgun----
.410
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga

Kvon2 · October 7, 2018, 03:09 PM

I'd say you're doing pretty well so far!

Looks like you could use a 28 gauge, why not?

For rifle, the big one that I don't see is 7.62x39. Also I see you have .22 and .17 in handgun, would you consider them in a rifle?

grinner · October 7, 2018, 03:56 PM

.357 SIG

BBarn · October 7, 2018, 04:15 PM

I would say the 44 Magnum (handgun) is notably absent.

As you suggest, there are many rifle calibers. 243 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum have enjoyed great success for many years. And if you aren't opposed to something for dangerous game, the 375 H&H.

gw44 · October 7, 2018, 04:27 PM

6.5x284 norma - 6mm Remington -what no 243win or 264 mag- 348 win in the model 71 Rifle the only gun it was chambered in, they clam it was the best lever gun ever made, well that's it for me !!

**Aguila Blanca** · October 7, 2018, 05:47 PM

.32 S&W

.44-40

.38 Super?

.45 Schofield?

And certainly .44 Magnum (as well as .44 Special).

7.62 x 39

Ruga Booga · October 7, 2018, 06:00 PM

7.35x51 Carcano

RaySendero · October 7, 2018, 06:22 PM

For rifles, I'd say you are missing:

308Win
300WinM
&
375HH

SamNavy · October 7, 2018, 07:13 PM

Although probably an oversight, you don't mention .22lr in your "rifle" column... at least a Cricket, 10/22, Henry lever???

Also, what's "major or common" today might not be tomorrow. 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007, and today, I have to assume it's in the top-5 best selling for bolt-action guns.

Anything else that uses .308 as a parent case... .243Win/.260Rem/7mm-08... I'll even throw down .338Federal, that IMHO is the most versatile medium-size game cartridge ever that never sold

You need an AR15 hunting cartridge... I'm fond of 6.8SPC, but 6.5Grendel will do if you're a snob.

.22WMR (still my favorite critter gitter)
.220 Swift (fastest commercial cartridge in the world)
.338LM (ghillie suit optional)
.300 WinMag (your neighborhood orthopedist thanks you)
.45-70 Govt (lever action only, as God intended)
.375 H&H (now you can tell the wife that you HAVE to go to Africa)

And lets not forget... the cartridge that won WWII all by itself, .50BMG.

youngridge · October 7, 2018, 07:37 PM

10 gauge shotgun....maybe not common some places but definitely a good back woods waterfowl gun around here

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

M88 · October 7, 2018, 10:56 PM

Thanks for replies so far... yes I did forget to add .22 to the rifle list. That was my first gun as an 8 year old hunting groundhogs. I also forgot to add .308Win to the rifle list... I actually JUST bought a barely used Weatherby Varmint in .308 this past weekend. Can't wait to put a good scope on it and take it to the range.

So... I would like to pick up a .44 Mag to add to the collection. Also an old 32 S&W revolver. I have an old 38 S&W revolver somebody gave me years ago. 7.62x39... another good call. I'm going to look for a bolt action in that caliber. 50BMG? Might be a while before I add that one... pretty pricey gun, but I never specified price as a limiting criteria (although it is), so good call!

**44 AMP** · October 7, 2018, 11:26 PM

Interesting question. Major can be ones that had an impact, without being widely popular. Common?? That can be a variable, but lets say its more than a few but not everyone has one. And some rounds were virtually extinct have risen back into relative life due to nostalgia.

Here's your list, with some additions, as I think of them, or in my own collection. Some will argue about how popular some of them are right at this moment, but they've all been popular and common at some time...

---handguns---
.17HMR
.22LR
.22 Magnum
7.62x25 Soviet
5.7x28
.25 ACP
.32 ACP
.380 ACP
.38 S&W
.38 SPL
.357 Mag
9mm
.357 SIG
.38 Super
10mm
.40 S&W
.41 Mag
.44 Spl
.44 Mag
.45 ACP
.45 Colt

———-RIFLES———
.22 Hornet
.222 Rem
5.56x45 NATO/ .223 Rem
.22-250
.243 Win
6mm Rem
.250 Savage
.257 Roberts
.25-06
6.5x55 Swede
6.5 Creedmore
6.5 Carcano
6.5mm Arisaka
.270 WIN
7x57mm Mauser
7mm RemMagnum
.30 Carbine
.30-06 Springfield
.30-30 WIN
.300 Savage
.300 Mag (H&H, Win, or Weatherby)
7.62x51 NATO/ .308 WIN
7.62x54R
.303 BRIT
7.7x58 JAP
8mm Mauser
.35 Rem
.35 Whelen
.358 Win
.350 Rem Mag
.375 H&H Mag
.444 Marlin
.45-70 Govt
.458 Win Mag
----shotgun----
.410
20 ga
16 ga
12 ga

I left out quite a few some I own, some I don't. Good Luck with your collection, and let us know when you decide to add some of the less common ones, we've got suggestions for those, too!

M88 · October 8, 2018, 12:17 AM

Well... thank you 44 AMP for taking the time to do that for me. I can see I have my work cut out for me. There are a few on there I've not heard much of and need to jump online and dig a little. The additions to the collection and in what order obviously will depend on cost. About half of the guns in my collection now are used, and that ratio will most likely increase.

**JohnKSa** · October 8, 2018, 12:44 AM

Without looking at other suggestions:

Handguns:
.44Mag--definitely
9mm Mak
.44Spl--maybe.

Rifles:
.22LR--I know you have this listed under handguns, but you definitely need a 22LR rifle too.
7.62x39mm
5.45x39mm
.45/70--maybe.
I don't know about the 6.5Creedmoor. It's certainly popular right now, but it's hard to say what things will look like in another 10 years.
I think you need at least one dangerous game caliber like the .458Win Mag or the 375H&H.

Ok, after having now read through the other suggestions, I agree with the following:

.243 Win
7mm Mag

I agree with the comment that you need at least one of the standard size AR "hunting rounds" like the .300BlackOut, the 6.5Grendel, .450Bushmaster, 6.8SPC, etc.

.220Swift probably needs to be on the list, and along with the fastest, you probably need the biggest--.50BMG.

25-06, 6.5 Swede & 7x57 are good candidates.

Kvon2 · October 8, 2018, 02:28 AM

Quote:

7.62x39... another good call. I'm going to look for a bolt action in that caliber.

There are actually a few good options these days. I have a CZ527, there's also options from Howa and Ruger I believe. I'm sure there are others. I love 7.62x39 in a bolt gun. Its fun to see how accurate you can get some of the cheaper rounds to shoot.

Husqvarna · October 8, 2018, 05:11 AM

You have two 6,5s but not the real one?

6,5x55!

The calibre responsible for most moose killed ever?

Husqvarna · October 8, 2018, 05:13 AM

22hornet is a funny round to

ms6852 · October 8, 2018, 05:17 AM

Funny I try to keep my calibers to a minimum for reloading purposes.

Handguns:
9mm
38/357
45 acp
22lr
22 magnum
Rifles
30-30
30-06
45/70
223/5.56
22lr
22 magnum
Shotguns
12 gauge
20 gauge

dontcatchmany · October 8, 2018, 06:06 AM

AK74 = 545x39

Targa · October 8, 2018, 07:54 AM

.44mag

old roper · October 8, 2018, 10:19 AM

Rifles

22-250
243
7-08
338 Federal

M88 · October 8, 2018, 10:45 AM

GREAT feedback... thanks. From the feedback, I just now got off of Bud's... bought a .44 MAG SA 6" handgun (have 4 SA handguns now and LOVE to shoot them) which I can shoot .44SPL from also. Because I love bolt rifles for their simplicity and because I simply just enjoy charging with a bolt, I also bought a Ruger 7.62x39 bolt rifle. Looking at .243Win, but I have to slow down a bit till there is more $$ in the cookie jar. I agree with those that say I really do need a serious hunting round. Again... like the BMG, that will have to wait for now. I don't plan on assuming room temperature for at least another 20 years or so... there is time.

FrankenMauser · October 8, 2018, 02:41 PM

Plenty of good suggestions above.
But, also ... .32 S&W Long.

Although not talked about much, I'd be willing to bet that it's more common that .38 S&W, .38 Super, 5.7x28mm, 6.5 Carcano, .41 Mag, and even .357 Sig - let alone some other suggestions.
.32 S&W Long is even still a preferred handgun cartridge for certain types of competition - both revolver and semi-auto.

Onward Allusion · October 8, 2018, 03:36 PM

.327 Mag

L2R · October 8, 2018, 04:34 PM

45-70 has been mentioned but I would say that it's history alone should put it on a short list.

I bought a marlin 1894, lever action last year and it's a hoot to shoot.
Cowboy action that is.
I loaded it up with grissly 420 grain just once to try it and guess my cheek was touching the stock. It felt like the dentist pulled my back 8 teeth later in the day.
Still fun to shoot the small stuff.

Like the signature by the way!

October 7, 2018, 02:57 PM	#1
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	What caliber do you think should be on my list? I've had guns since I was a kid shooting groundhogs, rabbits and pheasant on the farm starting late 50's. Life happened... military, career, kids etc etc. Now in my 60's and retired, I started a more serious gun collection a few years ago. My goal was to have at least one gun in every "major" or "common" caliber of handgun, rifle and shotgun. Below is my current list of calibers. What I'm interested in from the forum is... are there any "major or common" calibers missing that you think should be on the list or any that you don't think fit the "major or common" category? Obviously this is subjective, as the very words "major or common" are somewhat nebulous. I don't know how else to categorize a caliber though... maybe number or guns made for that caliber? How does one find that? Going down the list of calibers at online ammunition retailer has EVERY caliber available, so not much help weaning out obscure or uncommon ones. My WW2 guns like my Arisaka or Carcano of course would not fit the list of "common" today, but I wanted a major rifle from every player of the period. So other than those two... any caliber I should add to this collection? Other than the two mentioned above, any so "uncommon" I shouldn't call it common? Again... somewhat nebulous question, but looking for some sense of order and classification. ---handguns--- .17HMR .22LR .22 Magnum 5.7x28 .25 ACP .32 ACP .380 ACP .38 S&W .38 SPL .357 Mag 9mm 10mm .40 S&W .45 ACP .45 Colt ———-RIFLES——— 5.56x45 NATO/ .223 Rem 6.5 Creedmore 6.5 Carcano .270 WIN .30 Carbine .30-06 Springfield .30-30 WIN 7.62x51 NATO/ .308 WIN 7.62x54R .303 BRIT 7.7x58 JAP 8mm Mauser ----shotgun---- .410 20 ga 16 ga 12 ga __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

October 7, 2018, 06:22 PM	#8
RaySendero Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2010 Location: US South Posts: 857	For rifles, I'd say you are missing: 308Win 300WinM & 375HH __________________ *Ray*

October 7, 2018, 10:56 PM	#11
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Thanks for replies so far... yes I did forget to add .22 to the rifle list. That was my first gun as an 8 year old hunting groundhogs. I also forgot to add .308Win to the rifle list... I actually JUST bought a barely used Weatherby Varmint in .308 this past weekend. Can't wait to put a good scope on it and take it to the range. So... I would like to pick up a .44 Mag to add to the collection. Also an old 32 S&W revolver. I have an old 38 S&W revolver somebody gave me years ago. 7.62x39... another good call. I'm going to look for a bolt action in that caliber. 50BMG? Might be a while before I add that one... pretty pricey gun, but I never specified price as a limiting criteria (although it is), so good call! __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

October 7, 2018, 11:26 PM	#12
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Interesting question. Major can be ones that had an impact, without being widely popular. Common?? That can be a variable, but lets say its more than a few but not everyone has one. And some rounds were virtually extinct have risen back into relative life due to nostalgia. Here's your list, with some additions, as I think of them, or in my own collection. Some will argue about how popular some of them are right at this moment, but they've all been popular and common at some time... ---handguns--- .17HMR .22LR .22 Magnum 7.62x25 Soviet 5.7x28 .25 ACP .32 ACP .380 ACP .38 S&W .38 SPL .357 Mag 9mm .357 SIG .38 Super 10mm .40 S&W .41 Mag .44 Spl .44 Mag .45 ACP .45 Colt ———-RIFLES——— .22 Hornet .222 Rem 5.56x45 NATO/ .223 Rem .22-250 .243 Win 6mm Rem .250 Savage .257 Roberts .25-06 6.5x55 Swede 6.5 Creedmore 6.5 Carcano 6.5mm Arisaka .270 WIN 7x57mm Mauser 7mm RemMagnum .30 Carbine .30-06 Springfield .30-30 WIN .300 Savage .300 Mag (H&H, Win, or Weatherby) 7.62x51 NATO/ .308 WIN 7.62x54R .303 BRIT 7.7x58 JAP 8mm Mauser .35 Rem .35 Whelen .358 Win .350 Rem Mag .375 H&H Mag .444 Marlin .45-70 Govt .458 Win Mag ----shotgun---- .410 20 ga 16 ga 12 ga I left out quite a few some I own, some I don't. Good Luck with your collection, and let us know when you decide to add some of the less common ones, we've got suggestions for those, too! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

October 8, 2018, 12:17 AM	#13
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	Well... thank you 44 AMP for taking the time to do that for me. I can see I have my work cut out for me. There are a few on there I've not heard much of and need to jump online and dig a little. The additions to the collection and in what order obviously will depend on cost. About half of the guns in my collection now are used, and that ratio will most likely increase. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

October 7, 2018, 03:09 PM	#2
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	I'd say you're doing pretty well so far! Looks like you could use a 28 gauge, why not? For rifle, the big one that I don't see is 7.62x39. Also I see you have .22 and .17 in handgun, would you consider them in a rifle?

October 7, 2018, 03:56 PM	#3
grinner Member Join Date: July 26, 2018 Posts: 52	.357 SIG

October 7, 2018, 04:15 PM	#4
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	I would say the 44 Magnum (handgun) is notably absent. As you suggest, there are many rifle calibers. 243 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum have enjoyed great success for many years. And if you aren't opposed to something for dangerous game, the 375 H&H.

October 7, 2018, 04:27 PM	#5
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	6.5x284 norma - 6mm Remington -what no 243win or 264 mag- 348 win in the model 71 Rifle the only gun it was chambered in, they clam it was the best lever gun ever made, well that's it for me !!

October 7, 2018, 05:47 PM	#6
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,466	.32 S&W .44-40 .38 Super? .45 Schofield? And certainly .44 Magnum (as well as .44 Special). 7.62 x 39

October 7, 2018, 06:00 PM	#7
Ruga Booga Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2017 Location: SE Kansas Posts: 116	7.35x51 Carcano

October 7, 2018, 07:13 PM	#9
SamNavy Senior Member Join Date: August 28, 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 433	Although probably an oversight, you don't mention .22lr in your "rifle" column... at least a Cricket, 10/22, Henry lever??? Also, what's "major or common" today might not be tomorrow. 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007, and today, I have to assume it's in the top-5 best selling for bolt-action guns. Anything else that uses .308 as a parent case... .243Win/.260Rem/7mm-08... I'll even throw down .338Federal, that IMHO is the most versatile medium-size game cartridge ever that never sold You need an AR15 hunting cartridge... I'm fond of 6.8SPC, but 6.5Grendel will do if you're a snob. .22WMR (still my favorite critter gitter) .220 Swift (fastest commercial cartridge in the world) .338LM (ghillie suit optional) .300 WinMag (your neighborhood orthopedist thanks you) .45-70 Govt (lever action only, as God intended) .375 H&H (now you can tell the wife that you HAVE to go to Africa) And lets not forget... the cartridge that won WWII all by itself, .50BMG.

October 7, 2018, 07:37 PM	#10
youngridge Member Join Date: February 22, 2018 Posts: 57	10 gauge shotgun....maybe not common some places but definitely a good back woods waterfowl gun around here Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

October 8, 2018, 12:44 AM	#14
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,985	Without looking at other suggestions: Handguns: .44Mag--definitely 9mm Mak .44Spl--maybe. Rifles: .22LR--I know you have this listed under handguns, but you definitely need a 22LR rifle too. 7.62x39mm 5.45x39mm .45/70--maybe. I don't know about the 6.5Creedmoor. It's certainly popular right now, but it's hard to say what things will look like in another 10 years. I think you need at least one dangerous game caliber like the .458Win Mag or the 375H&H. Ok, after having now read through the other suggestions, I agree with the following: .243 Win 7mm Mag I agree with the comment that you need at least one of the standard size AR "hunting rounds" like the .300BlackOut, the 6.5Grendel, .450Bushmaster, 6.8SPC, etc. .220Swift probably needs to be on the list, and along with the fastest, you probably need the biggest--.50BMG. 25-06, 6.5 Swede & 7x57 are good candidates. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

October 8, 2018, 05:11 AM	#16
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	You have two 6,5s but not the real one? 6,5x55! The calibre responsible for most moose killed ever?

October 8, 2018, 05:13 AM	#17
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	22hornet is a funny round to

October 8, 2018, 05:17 AM	#18
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	Funny I try to keep my calibers to a minimum for reloading purposes. Handguns: 9mm 38/357 45 acp 22lr 22 magnum Rifles 30-30 30-06 45/70 223/5.56 22lr 22 magnum Shotguns 12 gauge 20 gauge __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

October 8, 2018, 06:06 AM	#19
dontcatchmany Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2010 Posts: 460	AK74 = 545x39

October 8, 2018, 07:54 AM	#20
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	.44mag

October 8, 2018, 10:19 AM	#21
old roper Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 2,155	Rifles 22-250 243 7-08 338 Federal __________________ Semper Fi Vietnam 1965 VFW Life member NRA Life Member

October 8, 2018, 10:45 AM	#22
M88 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2018 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 278	GREAT feedback... thanks. From the feedback, I just now got off of Bud's... bought a .44 MAG SA 6" handgun (have 4 SA handguns now and LOVE to shoot them) which I can shoot .44SPL from also. Because I love bolt rifles for their simplicity and because I simply just enjoy charging with a bolt, I also bought a Ruger 7.62x39 bolt rifle. Looking at .243Win, but I have to slow down a bit till there is more $$ in the cookie jar. I agree with those that say I really do need a serious hunting round. Again... like the BMG, that will have to wait for now. I don't plan on assuming room temperature for at least another 20 years or so... there is time. __________________ NRA life member. Making good people helpless doesn't make bad people harmless!

October 8, 2018, 02:41 PM	#23
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Plenty of good suggestions above. But, also ... .32 S&W Long. Although not talked about much, I'd be willing to bet that it's more common that .38 S&W, .38 Super, 5.7x28mm, 6.5 Carcano, .41 Mag, and even .357 Sig - let alone some other suggestions. .32 S&W Long is even still a preferred handgun cartridge for certain types of competition - both revolver and semi-auto. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

October 8, 2018, 03:36 PM	#24
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	.327 Mag __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

October 8, 2018, 04:34 PM	#25
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	45-70 has been mentioned but I would say that it's history alone should put it on a short list. I bought a marlin 1894, lever action last year and it's a hoot to shoot. Cowboy action that is. I loaded it up with grissly 420 grain just once to try it and guess my cheek was touching the stock. It felt like the dentist pulled my back 8 teeth later in the day. Still fun to shoot the small stuff. Like the signature by the way! __________________ L2R