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 the 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!