Most Popular Rifle Ammo

Rifle ammunition is divided between rimfire and centerfire. Rimfire denotes the type of priming agent used.  Rimfire is called that because the firing pin strikes the catridge base’s rim. Centerfire is operated by the firing pin striking the primer cap at the center of the base of the cartridge to ignite it.  Here are the most popular rifle calibers in use today:

.22 Long Rifle Ammo – also known as 5.6x15mmR (Europe). One of the lowest costing rounds to shoot, 22 LR is perfect for small game and target shooting. The 22 Long Rifle has been one of the most popular calibers in the world and no shooters safe is complete without a 22.

.223 Remington Ammo – This is the civilian version of the 5.56x45mm NATO round (which is has a higher chamber pressure). The .223 was developed for varmint hunting and medium range accuracy. Rifles chambered for .223 Remington will not accept the 5.56 NATO round.

5.56x45mm NATO Ammo – Derived from the civilian .223 Remington. The 5.56x45mm was adopted as the standard issue round during the Vietnam War. The difference lies in the pressure and chamber shape. Rifles chambered for 5.56 will accept .223 Remington.

7.62x39mm Ammo – Also known as the 7.62 mm Soviet and M43. It was originally designed for the Russian SKS and later used in the AK-47. The 7.62x39mm is the most battle tested round ever created. Due to the proliferation of the SKS and AK 47, the 7.62x39mm is one of the cheapest Centerfire rounds available.

30-06 Ammo – Also know as 7.62x63mm. The 30-06 is the most popular hunting cartridge in the United States. Capable of taking any hoofed game in North America, the 30-06 is also the round that won WWII.

.308 Winchester Ammo – Also known as 7.62x51mm NATO. The .308 has similar ballistic performance to the 30-06, but out of a shorter case. The 7.62x51mm NATO round is used in the FN FAL and medium machine guns.