Ammunition reference
Ammunition Calibers
Typical cost per round, ballistics, recoil, and the firearms that chamber each common caliber, from 9mm and 5.56 to 12 gauge. Reference figures for orientation, not offers or ballistic advice.
Handgun calibers
5.7x28mm
$0.50–$0.90/rd · Defense, target
.25 ACP
$0.55–$0.95/rd · Deep concealment
.32 ACP
$0.40–$0.70/rd · Deep concealment
.380 ACP
$0.28–$0.48/rd · Concealed carry
9mm Luger
$0.20–$0.38/rd · Self-defense, duty, target
.38 Super
$0.60–$1.00/rd · Competition, defense
.38 Special
$0.38–$0.58/rd · Revolver carry, target
.357 Magnum
$0.52–$0.82/rd · Self-defense, hunting, target
.40 S&W
$0.30–$0.52/rd · Duty, self-defense
10mm Auto
$0.55–$0.90/rd · Hunting, bear defense, self-defense
.44 Magnum
$0.80–$1.30/rd · Hunting, bear defense
.44 Special
$0.90–$1.50/rd · Revolver carry, target
.45 ACP
$0.38–$0.62/rd · Self-defense, target
.45 Colt
$0.80–$1.40/rd · Cowboy action, hunting, defense
Rifle calibers
.223 Remington
$0.32–$0.55/rd · Target, varmint, defense
5.56 NATO
$0.35–$0.58/rd · Defense, target, duty
.243 Winchester
$0.95–$1.65/rd · Varmint, deer, youth hunting
6.5 Creedmoor
$0.90–$1.60/rd · Precision, long-range, hunting
6.5 Grendel
$0.95–$1.65/rd · Target, hunting
.270 Winchester
$1.10–$1.80/rd · Big-game hunting
6.8 SPC
$0.90–$1.50/rd · Hunting, defense
7mm Rem Mag
$1.50–$2.50/rd · Long-range, big-game hunting
.30-06 Springfield
$0.95–$1.70/rd · Big-game hunting
.30-30 Winchester
$0.95–$1.55/rd · Deer hunting (brush)
.300 Blackout
$0.70–$1.30/rd · Suppressed, short-barrel, hunting
.300 Win Mag
$1.50–$2.80/rd · Long-range, big-game hunting
.308 Winchester
$0.70–$1.20/rd · Hunting, precision, target
7.62x39mm
$0.30–$0.55/rd · Defense, target, hunting
.350 Legend
$0.80–$1.50/rd · Deer hunting (straight-wall states)
.450 Bushmaster
$1.40–$2.60/rd · Big-bore deer hunting