Small Caliber Defined?

[scott22]

Found this site from Varminter.com and it's great to see a dedicated small caliber forum site.

My question is really a mute point -- just curious as to how others think of this.

So, how are we defining small caliber ... I had my initial thoughts but was surprised to see that small caliber is often .32 cal and smaller (as .32 in (8.1 mm) or smaller). Would this mean that a .308 Winchester or .30-06 be considered small caliber? Or are focusing on small caliber from a varminting / hunting perspective?

Again, just curious,

Scott

 

[GreenerJim]

Yes, I'd consider 30 cal as a smallbore.

Of course that isn't hugely inkeeping with this forum, but we all know what this forum is about. I'd consider the majority of the cartridges here to be miniatures, and that is exactly why I joined.

 

[kiwishooter]

The old Saubier forum seemed to concentrate on .22 and smaller, although there was the rare mention of slightly larger bores.

I am hoping that this forum sort of mimics the old Saubier forum

Kiwi

 

[Bullseye69]

Imo, I'd say that I consider 6mm/243 and smaller ,small caliber.
But I can see where 30 is kinda still a varmint round with light boolits.

 

[Stinkdog]

My .30 takes plenty small varmints.

 

[scott22]

Yes, I'd consider 30 cal as a smallbore.

Of course that isn't hugely inkeeping with this forum, but we all know what this forum is about. I'd consider the majority of the cartridges here to be miniatures, and that is exactly why I joined.

I can see how 30 cal can be still smallbore as compares to other larger calibers; just in my mind's eye, I think of .17 and .22's as being smallbore. Probably stems from all the different hunting magazines that if you aren't using a 30 cal then you must be using a child's caliber

Like you, when I saw this site existed I was happy to know others share the interest in small calibers.

 

[scott22]

The old Saubier forum seemed to concentrate on .22 and smaller, although there was the rare mention of slightly larger bores.

I am hoping that this forum sort of mimics the old Saubier forum

Kiwi

I never knew about the old Saubier forum; wish I did ... sounds like it was a wealth of knowledge. Here's to making this site great!

 

[scott22]

Imo, I'd say that I consider 6mm/243 and smaller ,small caliber.
But I can see where 30 is kinda still a varmint round with light boolits.

I've considered the 6mm/243 and as a future caliber to get into ... my son would like his next rifle to be a .243

 

[scott22]

My .30 takes plenty small varmints.

Do you use factory ammo or handload?

 

[Bullseye69]

I've considered the 6mm/243 and as a future caliber to get into ... my son would like his next rifle to be

It's a good deer getting caliber.

 

[scott22]

It's a good deer getting caliber.

Yeah, my son likes the idea of being dual purpose -- varmint and deer.

 

[Bullseye69]

Yeah, my son likes the idea of being dual purpose -- varmint and deer.

Last year when I was in Scotland I used a 243 to shoot fox and my Red Stags I got. None of them ran more than 30 yards.

 

[GreenerJim]

I can see how 30 cal can be still smallbore as compares to other larger calibers; just in my mind's eye, I think of .17 and .22's as being smallbore. Probably stems from all the different hunting magazines that if you aren't using a 30 cal then you must be using a child's caliber

Like you, when I saw this site existed I was happy to know others share the interest in small calibers.

I think largely I'm old fashioned. I have always been fascinated with medium and big bores, so for me the more traditional categories work well.

Regardless, I'm working on a 17 wildcat and that is most certainly a miniature. Definitely in keeping with this forum!

 

[Stinkdog]

Do you use factory ammo or handload?

Reloaded.
Any bullet really. Long boat tails get loaded backwards but my current small game loads shall we call it is 100gn Speer plinkers.
Id post pictures but it always says the file is to large!

 

[MTPaul]

I'm sure this topic has been debated ad nauseum over the years and for good reason because of advancements made in rifles and calibers. However, if my feet were held to the fire and I had to come down on one side or the other, like Bullseye69, I'd have to draw the line at 6mm/243. Yes, valid arguments could be made for other calibers, but the OP asked for our definitions. No doubt the "line" begins to gray out between the small and medium calibers.

 

[dale06]

In my opinion, the 24 caliber is the biggest of the small calibers, and after they, you move to medium bore. But you know what they say about opinions.

 

[Eric M]

I agree with many on here. Small caliber to me is the .243 caliber and smaller. Sub-calibers are .172 and smaller. I do like the .257 caliber when I'm shooting 70 grain Sierra Blitzkings. The 6.5mm when shooting 90 - 95 grain bullets. The .308 caliber when I'm shooting 110 grain Varmageddons.

 

[Kenbro]

Does anyone remember the name of the former Saubier member from Alabama (Birmingham?) who had loads of experience with sub calibers right down to .10 cal.
He helped me a lot when I was building a 14/221 Walker.
Thanks, Ken.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Id post pictures but it always says the file is to large!

Resize it using the toolbar. If I can do it, you can do it, Stinkdog.

 

[GoWyo!]

Well, I’ve stretched the upper limits of small caliber. I just received a Sako AV in .25-06. I’ll consider it a small caliber when shooting 87 gr and lighter…ok,I hear 85 gr TTSX Barnes perform past their cup/ core counterparts…so that can be considered a fence straddler.