are these interchangable now? I was thinking of mentioning use of Caliber to mean Cartrdige in antother thread, but - is just seems so common now, is that correct we just can interchange them? Or is it a square is a rectangle, but a rectable is not a square. A Caliber can be a Cartrdige, but a Cartrdige can no be a caliber .. a Cartrdige has a Caliber, but it can not be one. Just curious what others think. I know mostly now I just shrug and move on and figure the ones who say Caliber no matter how incorrect this seems have won by a majority.
Cartridge vs. Caliber
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Soonerpesek
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There are many different cartridges that use the same caliber bullet, so it could get confusing......
It also doesn't matter what you say, there are going to be plenty to explain that you are wrong..........
............but most of us could prolly figure out the context without being douches.....
It also doesn't matter what you say, there are going to be plenty to explain that you are wrong..........
............but most of us could prolly figure out the context without being douches.....
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Buzznrose
Member
As I understand it….
.308 is a caliber.
30.06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag are cartridges of .308 caliber.
But I’m not a guy to tell someone who uses the term “clip” versus “magazine” they are wrong, since life it too short to worry such things.
.308 is a caliber.
30.06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag are cartridges of .308 caliber.
But I’m not a guy to tell someone who uses the term “clip” versus “magazine” they are wrong, since life it too short to worry such things.
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To me it's like the clip vs magazine issue. I try to use correct terminology. But I don't get bent about others using the wrong one.
I'm researching my boys the correct terminology on everything I can.
westernrover
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Context. If I was in a gun battle and my partner said, "I need more bullets," I'm not going to think he wants to do some "reloading" of the kind that employs a press.
Were we instead reloading in his basement with a Dillon, I would understand that he needed to refill his bullet feeder.
If someone were discussing 1911's versus M9's and said, "I shot the 45 cal, but didn't like the recoil," I would understand they weren't talking about the caliber or the cartridge, but the gun.
Were we instead reloading in his basement with a Dillon, I would understand that he needed to refill his bullet feeder.
If someone were discussing 1911's versus M9's and said, "I shot the 45 cal, but didn't like the recoil," I would understand they weren't talking about the caliber or the cartridge, but the gun.
mcb
Member
Context matters. In very informal conversation we throw the terms around pretty loosely and often still convey a comprehendible and correct messages. In more formal and technical discussions the differences become more critical and proper term usage become more critical to conveying technically correct messages.
AJC1
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Do you read a post to try and understand, or do you read a post to find fault.... I'm probably a large offender of poor communication, but I try and be helpful. Just don't call bullets pills.
Cheesemaker
Member
Amen. Too many of the latter. Not just this board - but a broader internet thing. Everyone wants to make statement. Sadly, like politics, I try and make you look bad so I look better...
Carts/Cals - all good with me
Add: Like others said, a bit of context sometimes needed.
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.38 Special
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I'm as much a grammar Nazi as anyone, but there are some things I generally try to let go. Caliber vs. cartridge is one of them. There are times when precision is necessary for understanding, but for the most part, I think we all know what is being said.
<edit> There have been instances where I knowingly used the incorrect term because I felt it made for a cleaner sentence. If the OP is referring to one of those instances, then
.
<edit> There have been instances where I knowingly used the incorrect term because I felt it made for a cleaner sentence. If the OP is referring to one of those instances, then
.
SingleActionAndrew
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Thank you. This bothers me frequently here but I've never felt it appropriate to correct folks in conversation.
This isn't a debate like whether tomatoes cooked down to put on pasta should be called sauce vs gravy.
38 special is a cartridge of 35 caliber. As are the 9mm para, the 357 s&w mag, the 357 sig, etc. of 35 caliber. If I were asked if I've ever loaded the caliber 38 special, I might pause and say sure I have a toolhead set up for 380 auto.
Caliber is an attribute of a cartridge. The 45-70 is caliber 45, 70 grains of black powder. Historical designations like 45-70-400 is a cartridge of caliber 45, 70gr of black powder charge and a 400gr projectile.
Edit: I also correct my wife and teenage kids when they use "me" instead of "I." So yes I may be a grammar Sergant. Nazis didn't load 45 auto and don't call me one
This isn't a debate like whether tomatoes cooked down to put on pasta should be called sauce vs gravy.
38 special is a cartridge of 35 caliber. As are the 9mm para, the 357 s&w mag, the 357 sig, etc. of 35 caliber. If I were asked if I've ever loaded the caliber 38 special, I might pause and say sure I have a toolhead set up for 380 auto.
Caliber is an attribute of a cartridge. The 45-70 is caliber 45, 70 grains of black powder. Historical designations like 45-70-400 is a cartridge of caliber 45, 70gr of black powder charge and a 400gr projectile.
Edit: I also correct my wife and teenage kids when they use "me" instead of "I." So yes I may be a grammar Sergant. Nazis didn't load 45 auto and don't call me one
Hooda Thunkit
Member
Just don't call bullets pills.
Or even worse: heads
Or freedom seeds.
Now you went and got me started...
Bearded Phil
Member
One of my mild pet peeves is when folks use caliber to mean cartridge but I just let it go. Just slows down good gun discussion to point it out.
In my mind they are 2 different things and I try to always refer to them as such. I'm sure I've posted something in my lifetime where I used the terms incorrectly. But I prefer not to and would encourage others to do the same.
One important reason why I think proper terminology is important is to educate non-gun owners, especially anti-gun folks. In my youth I NEVER heard of anyone refer to a firearm as semi-automatic. You had a pump, lever, bolt action, revolver, or an automatic. That was incorrect terminology, but it led anti-gunners to ASSUME that fully automatic weapons were common.
The different methods for naming cartridges, the use of both English and Metric designations for some cartridges and the nearly 2 dozen calibers available is confusing enough even when proper terms are used. Especially for those who are not intimately familiar with them.
Most of us understand what someone means when they say 30-06 caliber. But if someone says 308, or 7.62 caliber even experienced shooters may get confused as to whether they are referring to a 308 rifle, a 7.62X39, or 7.62X51, or a .308 diameter bullet without other context in the statement. Now try explaining that to a non-gun person who thinks a 300 BO is just as powerful as a 300 WM. They both shoot the same 30 caliber bullets they will argue.
One important reason why I think proper terminology is important is to educate non-gun owners, especially anti-gun folks. In my youth I NEVER heard of anyone refer to a firearm as semi-automatic. You had a pump, lever, bolt action, revolver, or an automatic. That was incorrect terminology, but it led anti-gunners to ASSUME that fully automatic weapons were common.
The different methods for naming cartridges, the use of both English and Metric designations for some cartridges and the nearly 2 dozen calibers available is confusing enough even when proper terms are used. Especially for those who are not intimately familiar with them.
Most of us understand what someone means when they say 30-06 caliber. But if someone says 308, or 7.62 caliber even experienced shooters may get confused as to whether they are referring to a 308 rifle, a 7.62X39, or 7.62X51, or a .308 diameter bullet without other context in the statement. Now try explaining that to a non-gun person who thinks a 300 BO is just as powerful as a 300 WM. They both shoot the same 30 caliber bullets they will argue.
earlthegoat2
Member
I try to use the correct terms but will use the colloquialisms if it fits with the conversation.
I let all kinds of things go even if they annoy me.
Some are:
Caliber=Cartridge
Bullet=Cartridge
Bullet=Shotshell
Shell=Cartridge
Among others….
I let all kinds of things go even if they annoy me.
Some are:
Caliber=Cartridge
Bullet=Cartridge
Bullet=Shotshell
Shell=Cartridge
Among others….
243winxb
Member
Look it up here- https://saami.org/saami-glossary/ lots more good reading on site.
westernrover
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I remember one time I needed a host for an optic to use in an impending carry-optic class. This was years ago when there were only a handful of factory optics-ready pistols and it was more common to have slides custom cut, but I wouldn't have time for that before the class. I called a LGS and inquired if they had any automatics that were optics-ready. The guy who answered the phone proceeded to tell me that automatics were "illegal." Then he went on to lecture me about the difference between automatics and "semi-automatics." I just rolled my eyes and held my breath until he was done. Then he told me that he had a Sig. I asked him if I would need an adapter plate to mount a Trijicon. He said it would mount any red-dot sight. That's when I just gave up.
Speaking of cartridges, what do you think the "A" in "ACP" stands for? Hint: the name wasn't given after short-barreled Thompsons with arm-braces, and the SCAMP also came much later.
Speaking of cartridges, what do you think the "A" in "ACP" stands for? Hint: the name wasn't given after short-barreled Thompsons with arm-braces, and the SCAMP also came much later.
westernrover
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Speaking of Caliber vs Cartridge, the stupid name "Pistol Caliber Carbine" has caught on somehow. What is a "Pistol Caliber"? Anything from 17 to 50?
Mr_Flintstone
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I’ll admit it. I’m bad for calling loaded shotgun ammunition “shells”. According to SAAMI, that term only refers to cases.
mrawesome22-250
Member
i load my 556 caliber with 22 cartridge bullet head tips i get the bullet recipies from a layman manuel
AJC1
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A marlin 1894 is a pistol caliber carbine.
rabid wombat
Member
As a lot have stated above - I tend not to get wound up too much about this is good company. When the government / media et al get involved, I tend to get a burr under my saddle. The primary difference is in the level of ‘eduction’. Do not try to judge me without understanding the most basic components of the conversation….
My favorite time being busted using the incorrect term….someone launched a ‘name your five favorite rifle calibers thread’ here on The High Road. I was one of many waxing poetic about the 257 Roberts, 22 LR, and etc. Someone properly answered 30 cal, 22 cal, and etc. I felt pleasantly goofy knowing I was in good company
My favorite time being busted using the incorrect term….someone launched a ‘name your five favorite rifle calibers thread’ here on The High Road. I was one of many waxing poetic about the 257 Roberts, 22 LR, and etc. Someone properly answered 30 cal, 22 cal, and etc. I felt pleasantly goofy knowing I was in good company
Roverguy
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They are not interchangeable. They mean different things.
Caliber and cartridge both have multiple meanings. In the context of small arms, cartridge generally refers to a specific and discrete design of ammunition while caliber refers to bore and bullet diameters. For example, “I would like information on loading for .30 caliber” would be a useless request as it would cover everything from obsolete low pressure pistol cartridges through the barrel-burning, retina-detaching 30-378 Weatherby.
When discussing hand loading, for example, precision is to be preferred.
Caliber and cartridge both have multiple meanings. In the context of small arms, cartridge generally refers to a specific and discrete design of ammunition while caliber refers to bore and bullet diameters. For example, “I would like information on loading for .30 caliber” would be a useless request as it would cover everything from obsolete low pressure pistol cartridges through the barrel-burning, retina-detaching 30-378 Weatherby.
When discussing hand loading, for example, precision is to be preferred.
Bcwitt
Member
I prefer to say "chambering". Caliber is a measurement. A cartridge is loading.
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