There’s always a buzz around the latest, greatest cartridges in the world of firearms. But just because a caliber doesn’t have the spotlight doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention.
Keep reading as we walk you through underrated rifle calibers that continue to impress with their performance, even if they don’t make the headlines.
6.5×55 Swede
First up, let’s talk about the 6.5×55 Swede. This long-standing European cartridge might not get the recognition it deserves, but it’s a heavyweight contender in mid-range calibers.
Renowned for its accuracy and consistency, the 6.5×55 Swede combines impressive penetration with mild recoil, making it an excellent choice for hunting and target shooting.
Moreover, this caliber is versatile. You can confidently use it for small game and larger targets like deer and elk.
If you’re a fan of traditional cartridges that have stood the test of time, the 6.5×55 Swede could be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
7mm-08 Remington
Second on our list is the 7mm-08 Remington, a caliber born in the world of wildcats and adopted into the mainstream for its undeniable performance.
Based on the .308 Winchester, the 7mm-08 Remington delivers a flat trajectory and a moderate recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot.
From pronghorns to deer to black bears, the 7mm-08 is a versatile hunting caliber. It offers precision and power in a compact package, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an effective, underrated round that still holds its own against modern competition.
.243 Winchester
Next up is the .243 Winchester, a caliber that has earned its stripes in hunting and competitive shooting. Boasting a flat trajectory and high velocity, this caliber is known for its pinpoint accuracy over long ranges.
Though it’s often overshadowed by its larger siblings, the .243 Winchester shines in varmint and small game hunting.
It also makes an excellent entry-level caliber for young or recoil-sensitive hunters while delivering the performance experienced shooters require.
.280 Rem/.280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Remington, particularly its modern variant, the .280 Ackley Improved, is another caliber that deserves your attention.
Though it often plays second fiddle to the more popular .270 and .30-06, the .280 Remington combines elements of both to deliver exceptional performance.
Capable of handling a wide range of bullet weights, the .280 Remington is an incredibly versatile caliber for hunting anything from deer to moose. The Ackley Improved version takes it further with a sharper shoulder angle for increased powder capacity and velocity.
For the hunter who wants a do-it-all caliber that isn’t in every other rifle at camp, the .280 Remington and .280 Ackley Improved are worth a second look.
.338 Federal
As the first .338 caliber based on a standard short-action cartridge (.308 Winchester), the .338 Federal is a powerhouse that brings heavy-hitting performance to a more manageable package.
Born out of a partnership between Federal and Sako in 2006, it has shown that it’s much more than a passing novelty.
This cartridge is appreciated for its ability to deliver a heavier bullet without the punishing recoil associated with other .338 calibers. Its recoil is often compared to the familiar and manageable .30-06 Springfield, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters.
The .338 Federal can effectively deliver bullets ranging from 180 to 225 grains, making it highly versatile for various hunting situations. Whether you’re after deer, elk, or even larger game such as moose or bear, this cartridge delivers sufficient energy to get the job done.
It retains energy well, with many loads offering over 2,000 foot-pounds of energy even at 400 yards. This makes it a versatile hunting cartridge suitable for various terrain and hunting scenarios.
.257 Roberts
A versatile and efficient cartridge, the .257 Roberts is often passed over in favor of flashier rounds. It was designed in the 1920s by gun writer Ned Roberts and later improved by Remington.
Despite its age, this caliber still offers impressive accuracy and is a favorite among some seasoned hunters.
With its flat trajectory and manageable recoil, the .257 Roberts suits anything from varmint to deer-sized game. While it may not have the same following as some newer calibers, it’s a proven performer that deserves more attention.
.35 Whelen
Created in the 1920s by Colonel Townsend Whelen, the .35 Whelen is a powerful medium-to-big game cartridge with a hefty punch.
Though it hasn’t gained the widespread fame of some other .35 calibers, it’s earned a dedicated following among those who appreciate its potential.
Due to its heavy bullet and high energy, the .35 Whelen excels in taking down larger game, such as elk, moose, and bear. If you’re looking for an underappreciated round that can handle bigger targets, the .35 Whelen might be your ticket.
.260 Remington
The .260 Remington, a smaller sibling to the .308 Winchester, is an efficient, soft-recoiling round that is superbly accurate. Though often overlooked in favor of its larger counterparts, the .260 Remington holds its own in both hunting and long-range target shooting.
Whether pursuing deer or participating in a shooting competition, this caliber is a great choice. It delivers a high ballistic coefficient and retains energy well at longer ranges, making it a genuinely underrated caliber with plenty of potential.
.25-06 Remington
The .25-06 Remington has its roots in the era of wildcatting—customizing cartridges to improve performance—which was particularly popular in the early 20th century.
Initially developed by A.O. Niedner in 1920 as the .25 Niedner, this cartridge started life as a necked-down version of the .30-06 Springfield. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that Remington standardized the cartridge, bringing it into the mainstream market as the .25-06 Remington we know today.
.303 British
The .303 British, a venerable old soldier, is often forgotten in the discussions of modern rifle cartridges. However, its history and capabilities make it worth a look.
The .303 British, also known as the 7.7x56mmR, was first adopted by the British military in 1888, primarily used in the Lee-Metford rifle. It continued to be the standard cartridge for British and Commonwealth forces for over seven decades, seeing action in both World Wars and countless other global conflicts.
One of the most notable rifles chambered in .303 British is the Lee-Enfield, a bolt-action rifle famed for its smooth action, rugged reliability, and high rate of fire. This made the .303 British widely recognized and appreciated by military personnel and civilians alike.
With bullet weights ranging from 150 to 180 grains, the .303 British can be used for various hunting applications. It can take medium-sized game such as deer and boar, and with heavier loads, it can be used for larger game like elk and moose.
Despite its age, the .303 British offers respectable ballistics, similar to the .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester at moderate ranges. It is often praised for its manageable recoil and accuracy, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy hunting and target shooting.
Selecting Rifle Ammunition
When evaluating what makes good rifle ammo, there are several key factors to consider. Consider the purpose, performance, recoil, availability, and more before making a decision.
Purpose
The first thing to consider is what the cartridge is intended for. A good cartridge meets its intended needs, whether target shooting, hunting, self-defense, or tactical applications.
For example, a varmint hunter might prioritize a high-travel cartridge with a flat trajectory. In contrast, a big game hunter might need a round with substantial knockdown power and penetration.
Performance
A good cartridge delivers reliable, consistent performance. This includes accuracy, power (as measured by muzzle energy), effective range, and penetration. The cartridge’s trajectory, or how much the bullet drops over distance, also matters, especially for long-range shooting.
Recoil
The cartridge should have a manageable recoil for the shooter. A cartridge isn’t useful if its recoil is so harsh that the shooter can’t fire it accurately or comfortably.
Availability
A good cartridge is readily available and affordable. The best-performing cartridge won’t be useful if you can’t find ammunition for it or if it’s prohibitively expensive.
Versatility
While some cartridges are designed for specific purposes, a cartridge that can handle a variety of roles can be very useful.
For instance, a cartridge that’s suitable for both target shooting and hunting is more versatile than one that’s only suitable for one or the other.
Rifle Compatibility
The cartridge should be compatible with a good selection of reliable, quality firearms. Some cartridges might be excellent on their own but are only chambered in a limited number of rifles.
Ammunition Variety
A good cartridge has a variety of available ammunition. This includes different bullet weights and types, such as full metal jackets for target shooting, hollow points for self-defense, soft points, and expanding bullets for hunting.
Remember, what makes a cartridge “good” can be subjective and may vary depending on the shooter’s needs, preferences, and physical capabilities.
Understanding these factors and how they relate to your personal requirements is essential when choosing a cartridge.
Don’t Underestimate These Rifle Calibers
In the vast universe of rifle calibers, it’s easy to gravitate toward the most popular choices. Yet, venturing off the beaten path can lead you to discover exceptional performers that have been overlooked by the mainstream.
Don’t miss out on these underrated stars—they could become your next go-to round.
Diamond K Brass is an excellent resource for quality once-fired brass in these and other unique calibers. Why not explore our selection and uncover a new favorite today?
