A Comprehensive List of Short Action Calibers: Choosing the Right Cartridge for Your Rifle
Selecting the perfect caliber for your rifle hinges on several factors, including intended use (hunting, target shooting, self-defense), personal preference, and the rifle's capabilities. This guide focuses on short action calibers, ideal for smaller, more compact rifles, often lighter and easier to handle than those chambered in longer cartridges. We'll explore a range of popular options, categorized for clarity.
Understanding "Short Action":
Before diving into specific calibers, it's important to understand what constitutes a "short action." This refers to the length of the rifle's bolt face and magazine well, designed to accommodate cartridges with shorter overall lengths. This design generally leads to more compact and lightweight rifles.
Popular Short Action Calibers for Hunting:
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.223 Remington/5.56x45mm: A ubiquitous caliber known for its accuracy and versatility. Popular for varmints and smaller game, it offers relatively low recoil, making it suitable for newer shooters. Its widespread availability and affordability are significant advantages.
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.243 Winchester: A step up from the .223, the .243 offers more power and is effective on medium-sized game. Its flatter trajectory and accuracy make it a favorite among deer hunters.
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6.5 Creedmoor: This increasingly popular cartridge offers excellent accuracy and moderate recoil, making it suitable for a variety of game, from varmints to larger deer. Its performance at longer ranges is also highly praised.
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7mm-08 Remington: A powerful and versatile caliber, the 7mm-08 provides excellent stopping power for medium-sized game. It's known for its accuracy and moderate recoil, making it an excellent choice for both hunters and target shooters.
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.308 Winchester: While often considered a medium-action caliber, some manufacturers offer short-action .308 rifles. This extremely popular cartridge delivers substantial power and is effective on a wide range of game. Its versatility extends to long-range shooting.
Short Action Calibers for Smaller Game and Varminting:
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.22 Hornet: A classic varmint round, known for its accuracy and relatively low recoil. Ideal for small game hunting and target practice.
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.17 Hornet: A smaller cartridge offering impressive accuracy at shorter ranges, perfect for varmints like prairie dogs.
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.22 WMR (.22 Magnum): While often found in handguns, this cartridge is also available in some short-action rifles and offers increased stopping power compared to the .22 LR.
Choosing Your Caliber:
The best short action caliber for you depends on your specific needs and hunting preferences. Consider the following factors:
- Intended Game: Different calibers are suited to different game sizes.
- Shooting Distance: Some calibers maintain accuracy at longer distances better than others.
- Recoil Tolerance: Higher-powered calibers produce more recoil.
- Budget: Ammunition costs can vary significantly between calibers.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it provides a good starting point for researching short action calibers. Always consult with experienced shooters and firearm professionals before making a final decision. Remember to prioritize safety and responsible firearm handling practices.
