[electric wombat]

With all the different caliber guns & rounds out there form the .17 to the big .600 I'm wondering what is you guys favorite caliber to shoot & why?

I like the .40 S&W because it shoots flat, has a very tame recoil, and has good stopping power.

[Gun Slinger]

Hunting: .30-06, the Chevy pick-up of all rifle cartridges.

SD/CCW: 9mm.

[qwert65]

.45acp

[Legionnaire]

Since this is the handgun forum:

General purpose: .357 Mag
Hunting: .44 Mag
Plinking: .22 LR

[rcmodel]

.22 RF
.380 ACP
.38 Spl./ .357 Mag
.44 Spl.
.45 Colt
.45 ACP

rcmodel

[HM2PAC]

Semi: .45ACP or .22LR
Revolver: .357RM
S&G: 10mm

[Vern Humphrey]

I hold there are only 4 1/2 useful handgun cartridges:

1. The .22 Long Rifle. Everyone needs a .22 pistol.

2. The .357 Magnum -- possibly the most versatile cartridge of all.

2 1/2. The .38 Special. More .38 Special is shot in .357s than full charge loads, and it's really the only realistic choice in a snubbie.

3. The .45 ACP. When teamed wthi the platform designed for it, the M1911, it's the finest fighting handgun combo in the world.

4. The .45 Colt. In a Ruger Blackhawk (and a few other guns) it will shade the .44 Magnum. It basically has the versatility of the .357 in a larger caliber.

[rcmodel]

+1

But I included the .380 ACP because I actually carry a Kel-Tec P3AT more often then any other gun I own!

rcmodel

[Sato Ord]

Depends on what I'm doing with it.

For carry-defense my favorite caliber is .45acp, though right now I'm hauling around either a 9mm, or a .380.

For home defense I like a 12 gauge.

For all around general, one-size-fits-none, I would carry a .45LC. Not the ideal caliber for all jobs, but IMNSHO the most versatile caliber I can get in a pistol cartridge.

For just plinking, .22 is the best and cheapest way to go. You can shoot all day without breaking the bank, or getting fatigued.

Favorite large rifle caliber is another toss up. I like the 7mm magnum because I like the power and flat trajectory of the round. However, my brother has a Remmington Rolling Block that he bought chambered in .45spanish for twenty five bucks back in the sixties. It was an antique military rifle. He had it rechambered to 45/70 and sporterized. I've been trying to get him to part with that Rolling Block for years: I love that rifle.

I also like .38special, 357magnum, .41magnum, .44special and magnum, and I even liked that monster Casull I fired today (although my wrist is still a bit tender from those 335 grain slugs. I much preferred firing the 230 grain half jacket hollow points.), and I even like my friend's .50 mag DE (though firing the thing on an enclosed range gave me a nose bleed).

Personally I love to shoot and will fire just about anything I can get my hands on, including bb guns and pellet rifles. If someone offers to let me shoot some new exotic caliber that I've never fired before I'm all for it. Therefore, my favorite caliber is the one in my hand.

[guntotinguy]

.45 ACP or .357Mag,always been my fav's

[Ala Dan]

.45 ACP = 1st choice
.38 Special = 2nd choice
9m/m Parabellum = 3rd choice
.41 Magnum = 4th choice
.22LR = 5th choice

[papajohn]

44 Special..........load it down for daily carry and plinking, or up to the max loads for hunting! http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l195/papajohn428/44Splposing.jpg

[19-3Ben]

.357mag. it's probably the most versatile commonly found round ever made. Anything from CCW to hunting medium sized game.

[ki4dmh]

.45 Acp

[MachIVshooter]

10mm.

[Srigs]

S&w 40

[CWL]

.45ACP.

All my other pistol calibers are just for fun.

[CountGlockula]

.40S&W baby!

[Zangetsu]

10mm; it's even more versatile than the versatile .357 mag :D:D:D

[Funderb]

handgun? this should be a poll.

7.62x25!!!!!

[passintime]

45acp :D

[johnmerry]

I like the 45 Long Colt It will do just about anything.

[jdc1244]

Pistol: .45 ACP
Rifle: 7.62 x 39

[Mac45]

Favorite caliber to shoot?
Probably the .22LR.
Not sure you can have more fun with your clothes on:)

[ccd]

44SPl (or 45Colt) can be loaded mild or strong, really easy to shoot, wide variety of bullets to choose from when reloading.

[Durby]

I like my .40 S&W. combines power with capacity. On my wish list though: 1911, and a 357 revolver. And the only ones I can afford to shoot anymore are the .22's

[flyby]

.22 rf
.32acp &.380(keltec mouse food :D)
.38spl/.357
9mm luger/para
.45acp

[Silvanus]

9mm para and .38 special.

[Firepower!]

9mm in semi; and
44 Mag in Revolvers.

Second choice would be:
45 in semi; and
357 in Revolvers.

[Bill_G]

45 colt.

[ojibweindian]

In no order of preference: 45 ACP, 38 Spl, 357 Magnum, 9mm.

[Pilot]

9MM Luger.

[ScotZ]

.40 S&W in my SIG 229

30-06 in my Remington 700


Favorite "odd ball" cartridge is the 32-20

[DWARREN123]

After many handguns in many calibers I have settled on GLOCK's in 40 S&W (23-27).

[Crimp]

...favorite caliber to shoot...

9mm for economy & performance.

[Brian Williams]

9mmx32R

[Ben Shepherd]

General/all around: 357 by a wide margin.

Hunting: 41 mag.

Plinking/practice: 22lr.

I guess I'll leave the contender pistol barrels out of this:D.

[MCgunner]

If I had to cut it down to one, it'd be a .38/.357 revolver and a matching lever action carbine. Fortunately, I am allowed other calibers for specific jobs, but the .38/.357 is my favorite. I consider 'em as one because one revolver will fire both.

[wanderinwalker]

Favorite calibers? .44 Remington Magnum, no question. I don't care if it's a DA S&W, an SA Ruger or a handy carbine. My favorite caliber just cause. When I'm out in the woods, a 100-yard shot would be long, and I like the ease-of-use of this round in a long gun, and power in a handgun. My normal practice load runs 1000-fps with a 240gr bullet from a 6" revolver, and about 1200 or so from the rifle.

Runner up is a tie between 9mm Luger and .22 LR. Both of these see way more use than the .44s, but they don't give me the same kind of satisfaction. But I haven't found a .44 that goes as many places as a Kel-Tec can, and I don't think the bigger guns will ever be $12 for 550 rounds! :p

[45Guy]

Depends on the purpose.

For HD: .45ACP would be my perfect caliber, fat & slow and, to qoute Tommy Boy "That's gonna leave a mark":D

Range: .22 or 9mm because of the ammo price

Woods: .357 Magnum will take care of most anything around here with the right load.

Unfortunately, all I have for choices right now are 9mm, .22, and .38/.357 because of monetary issues.

[Autolycus]

9mm is fine. I like .40 S&W a lot as well. Of course .45 ACP is the old standby.

[raborlin]

I enjoy 45 ACP and the other standard calibers of the day.

However, my greatest pleasure is shooting now obsolescent calibers such as 455 Webley Mk III, 455 Webley Auto, 7.63mm Mauser (for the Broomhandles), 8mm Nambu, and 7mm Baby Nambu (!).

Making these pistols that are usually silent speak across time and distance is almost a Zen thing for me.

[weisse52]

45 ACP. Followed closely by 22LR Those can handle my pistol needs.

[sqlbullet]

10mm

[David1958]

9mm & .38 Spec. Love .44 Spec. but not a reloader, so it has become a special occasion round @ current prices. Even 9mm is .17 per rd and .38's are .22 ea. these days:eek:

[wheelgunslinger]

45 colt is my favorite.

[elkhuntingfool]

45acp

[jad0110]

357 Magnum.

If it can shoot 357, it can also shoot 38 Special, from 158 grain SD loads all the way down to light wadcutter loads for target shooting and shotshells for small pests.

[BlindJustice]

.45 ACP - I have a 1911 Fullsize as wll as a 625 5: Bbl.
sor heavier loads in each platform
1911 .400 CorBon - 155 gr. @ 1350 FPS
625 - .45 Auto RIm loads are heavier than the ACP

.22 LR - FUN & Economical

S&W MOdel 60 & 686P
in .357 Mag/.38 SPecial +P
I like the .38 +P better than the .357 Mag.
but like the option of .357 Mag if that's
what's available, but I don't keep as much
of it "in tstock"

Next Handgun will be a CZ 75B in 9MM for
an economical option for the range and the DA/SA experience.

Rifle - not much of a long gun shooter anymore but I did
just inherit a Savage 110 in 7MM Rem. Magnum with a Bushnell 4x32
scope - I knnw the 7MM has great sectional density and blalistic co-efficient. and heavy enough bullets for Lower 48

I know I'll get more handguns in .45 ACP as well as .22 LR but
I.m not enjoying or warming up to the 686P and will probably sell
or trade it by this summer.

[boots]

i love the 44 special round...

i bought a ruger bisley hunter in 44 magnum just to shoot 44 special...


in the big ruger, the 44 special recoils less than a 9mm...shoots like a frickin laser beam...

[Hunter0924]

.45 Automatic is my favorite handgun round.

[461]

.32 H&R Magnum for 99 percent of my shooting. Punches perfect holes in paper, tin cans and small game.

For bigger pursuits I have the 9mm, .357Mag and .44Mag and love them all but the favorite is the .32Mag.

I'm looking forward to the .327Mag but doubt it will take over completely from the H&R for me.

[lechiffre]

9mm p for shooting.

i like to get semi auto guns in the caliber they were designed for. as an exaple i would rather have a 1911 in .45 than 9mm. every time i have done otherwise (.40 hi power,.40 walther p99,.380 ppk) i have been disappionted.

[easyg]

I prefer the .40, but the .45 is a close second.

[mavracer]

38 super no 44 special no wait 45 colt or maybe 10 mm awe crap I don't know

[gunflask]

9mm x 19

[Black Majik]

.45 Acp

[possum]

i am huge fan of the .40s&w, most of my handguns are in this caliber, including my carry guns.

[The Tourist]

If I could still be a reloader, a bullet caster (using linotype) and you allowed me to keep the Alcan AL-8 I have stored, I will heartily vote for the 10mm Auto.

I will be able to make that cartridge do anything at anytime.

Restrict me to a commercial cartridge, I'll vote .45 ACP.

[DSAPT9]

9mm for hand gun .308 for rifle

.357mag second

[Snapping Twig]

I like 'em all, but favorite...that'd be .44mag.

I can reload up or down and it is a do-all, be-all for me.

I'm starting to really appreciate the .45LC, but since I shoot a 25-7 I have to keep them @ 900fps, so while it's an accurate and hard hitting caliber, it lacks the magnum punch when fired from my S&W.

[Cowboybootnut]

38 Super is my favorite to shoot, I think it is a good all around self-defense round. But it is hard to find commercial ammo.

9mm is my favorite practical round, that is it is everywhere and has many varieties in bullet types.

[Intrepid Dad]

.40 S&W for CCW

9mm for range shooting

[Squidward]

For many reasons the 'versatile' .22 LR. :D

[fletchbutt152]

10mm, for patriotism .45 ACP

[fletchbutt152]

for versitility: 10mm, for patriotism: .45 ACP

[45ACPUSER]

The 45ACP is my favorite. I have 3 625's and a couple HK USP's. The 625 is the perfect gun in my estimation for range work, and it a shorter bbl would be great for SD use. The round is easy to load for!

[theotherwaldo]

That's like saying,"What's your favorite screwdriver?"

What's the job?

For me, I use:
.40, .45acp for pocket carry,
.32acp, .32 S&W long, .22 for ankle carry,
De-tuned .44mag for fun and hip carry,
All the rest in rotation to match the job.

[Hoffy]

9x18

By the way, I like my cordless electric screwdriver. :-)

[Deanimator]

In a handgun, .38 Special. In a rifle, .30-06. And both for the same reason. Either cartridge can be handloaded to do nearly anything reasonably desirable.

.38 Special is appropriate for everything from 50' bullseye shooting to self-defense.

.30-06 is appropriate for everything from indoor gallery shooting with lead bullets to 1,000 yard target shooting and everything in between.

[Shawnee]

.22 long rifle

.22 Hornet

.44 Special

.44 Magnum

in that order.

:cool:

[Vern Humphrey]

In a handgun, .38 Special. In a rifle, .30-06. And both for the same reason. Either cartridge can be handloaded to do nearly anything reasonably desirable.
Pretty much the way I see it, although I'd go with the .357, and mostly shoot .38 Special in it.

[XDKingslayer]

.45 GAP
.45 ACP
.380 ACP
5.56 mm
.22

In that order.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

For me, the best all-around handgun caliber is the .357 magnum, and of course its ubiquitous older cousin the .38 special. The reason is the versatility of these two cartridges; you can do almost everything and anything with them, specially if you have a revolver/lever rifle combo.

This might draw some flak but I'll say it anyway. In a pinch, say a .357 ammo or brass shortage, one can load the .38 spl to magnum levels (we all know the .357 mag resulted from Elmer Keith loading the .38 spl cartridge to magnum levels) ........ to be fired only in a .357 mag revolver/gun.

So if I were to choose only one cartridge, I might lean towards the .38 spl.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

If not, my fave rifle caliber is .30-06.

With the proper load, this cartridge should work in perhaps 99.0% of all imaginable applications.

[Kind of Blued]

One?

For handguns, I'd have to say .357Mag/.38 Special, because I CAN say both. :)

Others I'd rather not live without:
.22LR
9mm
.223 Rem
30-06
12 Gauge

That's all I really NEED.

[jimmyraythomason]

Favorite? Whichever I happen to be shooting at the time!

[Drail]

I narrowed it down to two..44spl. or .41 Mag. Can't decide. Help me Oprah!

[2nd 41]

22 & 45 get equal votes. IF I could only have one gun...It would be the S&W Mod 41

[theotherwaldo]

By the way, I like my cordless electric screwdriver. :-)

-Probably made by Ruger
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v80/harnett65/Album%206/pic967as.jpg

[JoeLad]

.45 Acp.

[XD-40 Shooter]

40 S&W, good balance of speed, bullet weight, and capacity.

[ADKWOODSMAN]

I say from:
.357 to .452 for pistol.:)

.223 to .358 for rifle.:)

[winchester243]

If I had to pick one it would be the 44mag, but I really like them all.

[TimboKhan]

My single favorite handgun caliber (aside from the .22lr) is the .357magnum. I like it for a bunch of reasons, but power and shootability are the top two. In autos, I like the .45 and the 9mm about equally. The .45 is a better round in terms of defense and power, but the 9mm is cheaper and easier to shoot.

In rifles, my favorite is .22lr. Past that, I can't really narrow it down. I like the 6.5x55mm quite a bit, but I also really like the .30-06. I really like shooting .223, and I really like shooting my Mosins. I guess if I was forced to pick a non-22lr round, I would go with the .30-06, but I can't really say it's my favorite.

In shotguns, I like 12 gauge the best. I shoot a bit better in upland hunting with a 20 gauge, but the 12 gets everything done that I want, and thus that is my favorite.

[Mastiff]

My favorite handgun cartridge is the 9x23 Winchester. You get 357 Magnum performance in an easily concealed autoloader with 8+1 capacity, less recoil, less muzzle flash, and faster reloading. What's not to like?

[bpsig]

number 1 is 40sw in my 226 stainless for trouble but 229 40 is carried daily.
Followed by glocks in 40. I love my 45's but more trigger time in 40.
My 9mm;s last choice only before my colt match 38spec.
But have to carry 9mm .
For serious stuff kimber match 10mm elicpse or glock 45's or hk tactial. with 44 sppec 696 as backup.
Rifle close up 45-70. social work m-4 and 18 mags. Serious stuff m-14or tactical styer in 308. deep kinche pull out the 405 and say hello with it.

[Sgt.Dusk]

7.62x54R
..and then there is .357 mag for shorter guns

[kentucky bucky]

.41 mag

[Ninja42]

9x19mm! It does all I will ever need... unless I run into an armored vehicle or bear that needs killing, which I rate as unlikely. For the moment at least.

[woad_yurt]

.22WMR or 7.62X25.

[2ndamd]

12 gauge is my favorite.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Question was not limited to handguns, and is in the wrong place. BUT....

Some that come to mind:
1. .17 HMR
2. .22 lr
3. 6.5x55 swede
4. 9x19mm
5. .45 colt

[Guitargod1985]

.45 Acp.

[countryrebel]

30-06 for rifle,44mag for handgun.

[arctictom]

44 mag for general woods carry Walking the dog etc) and 357 for around town , and 9mm for CCW .

[.41Dave]

A tough choice, but I have to go with the .41 Remington Magnum, the thinking man's magnum. Not that I don't love .22lr, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, .308, .44-40, and soooo many others...