When it comes to firearms, the cartridge you choose says a lot about how and why you shoot. From self-defense to hunting to weekend plinking, every caliber has its purpose—and some have risen to iconic status. In this article, we’re breaking down the top five most popular cartridges in America, exploring what makes them so loved by shooters across the country. Whether you’re building your first collection, looking for versatility, or just want to see if your favorite round made the list, we explain how these cartridges have earned their place at the top.
- 62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester: From Battlefield to Backwoods
The 7.62x51mm NATO and its civilian twin, the .308 Winchester, have become legends in both military and hunting circles. Originally developed in the 1950s as a standard cartridge for NATO forces, the 7.62x51mm replaced the .30-06 Springfield as the standard round for service rifles and machine guns during the middle of the Cold War. Its case, slightly shorter than the full-sized cartridges of World War II, offered comparable performance to its larger predecessors while being lighter and more efficient—an important consideration for troops carrying large quantities of ammunition.
In its early days, the 7.62x51mm powered iconic firearms like the M14 rifle and M60 machine gun. While these rifles were eventually phased out of front-line service in favor of lighter 5.56mm platforms, the cartridge found a second life in designated marksman rifles like the M14 EBR and sniper platforms like the M40 and SR-25. Its long-range performance and hard-hitting energy made it indispensable for precision shooting.
The civilian counterpart, .308 Winchester, debuted in 1952, and hunters quickly recognized its potential. With virtually identical ballistics, the .308 delivers exceptional accuracy and energy, making it a favorite for taking down medium and large game like deer, elk, and black bear. Its flatter trajectory and manageable recoil ensure that hunters can confidently take shots at longer ranges without sacrificing precision.
Today, the 7.62x51mm/.308 Winchester is a favorite among precision shooters, hunters, and survivalists alike. It’s widely available, with a huge variety of loadings for everything from target shooting to hunting.
- .22LR: The Cartridge Everyone Loves
If there’s one cartridge that almost every shooter starts with, it’s the .22 Long Rifle (or .22LR). Lightweight, quiet, and practically recoil-free, it’s the perfect round for teaching kids the basics of marksmanship. For generations, families have handed down .22 rifles as a rite of passage, making this cartridge a universal favorite for new and experienced shooters alike.
But the .22LR isn’t just for kids—every adult should have a .22 in their arsenal as well. Whether you’re plinking soda cans in the backyard, sharpening your skills at the range, or introducing someone new to shooting, .22LR offers endless fun without breaking the bank. Its affordability means you can shoot all day without draining your wallet—a rarity in today’s ammunition market.
Besides target practice, .22LR is a highly effective round for small game hunting. It’s ideal for rabbits, squirrels, and other small critters, delivering the accuracy needed for clean, ethical shots. Many survivalists also swear by the .22LR for its versatility, as it’s capable of putting food on the table without the noise and weight of larger calibers.
- 12-Gauge Buckshot: The Ultimate Do-It-All Cartridge
When it comes to raw stopping power and versatility, it’s hard to beat 12-gauge buckshot. This powerhouse of a cartridge has been a staple of American firearms for over a century.
Buckshot gets its name from its original purpose: hunting deer (or bucks). Each shell contains multiple lead pellets, typically 8 to 12 in sizes like 00 ("double-aught") or #4, delivering a devastating spread that increases the chances of hitting the target, especially at shorter ranges. This made it an ideal choice not just for hunting but also for military and police applications. In fact, shotguns loaded with buckshot saw extensive use in trench warfare during World War I, earning them the nickname "trench guns."
The 12-gauge is incredibly versatile. For home defense, buckshot is unmatched—its spread pattern offers precision without the over-penetration risk of rifle rounds, and while not many hunters use it for its original purpose, 12-gauge birdshot is the go-to round for duck hunting. In tactical scenarios, law enforcement agencies use 12-gauge buckshot for its ability to neutralize threats in high-stress, close-quarters situations.
It’s this adaptability that keeps the 12-gauge a favorite among shooters who want one tool that can do it all. Whether you’re protecting your home, filling your freezer, or hitting the range, 12-gauge buckshot remains an icon of American firearms culture.
- 56 NATO: America’s Rifle Runs on This
Someone once told me that among gun owners, AR-15s are like moms: everyone has one. It’s a fitting comparison because the AR-15, often dubbed “America’s rifle,” is the most popular rifle in the country. Naturally, that makes its cartridge, the 5.56x45mm NATO, one of the most widely used rounds in the U.S., right up there with its civilian counterpart, the .223 Remington.
Originally developed as a military cartridge, the 5.56x45 made its debut during the Vietnam War in the M16. Back then, it was the M193—a lightweight, fast-moving round designed for flat trajectories and accuracy at medium ranges. Today’s warfighters use the upgraded M855, which boasts better armor penetration and improved ballistics. Both versions highlight the 5.56’s versatility and reliability.
One of the biggest advantages of the 5.56 is its lightweight design, making it easy to carry lots of rounds without adding too much bulk. With muzzle velocities often exceeding 3,000 feet per second, it delivers consistent performance, whether you’re punching paper at the range, hunting varmints, or setting up for home defense. While it’s similar to .223 Remington, it’s important to note that not all .223 rifles are rated for the higher pressures of 5.56 ammunition, so always check your rifle’s specs.
- 9mm Luger: America’s Favorite Cartridge
And now for the king of cartridges: the 9mm Luger. First of all, I feel it’s necessary to say “Luger.” Some people see “9mm” on a box, take it to check out, and become surprised when they open the box of ammo to find their new bullets are a little stubbier than they’d like. Don’t forget to double-check. The 9mm Luger is not the only 9mm out there! There’s also 9x18mm Makarov, a rarer round made for the Soviet Makarov pistol. Most gun stores will have 9mm Luger (aka 9x19mm), but it never hurts to be sure before whipping out your wallet.
So, why is 9mm the reigning champ? Simple. It’s versatile, affordable, and everywhere. It’s so common and adaptable that you could build an entire arsenal of different guns, all chambered in 9mm. Everything from semi-auto pistols and pistol-caliber carbines to oddballs like 9mm lever-action rifles, revolvers like the Ruger LCR, survival rifles, and even Chiappa’s quirky M1 Carbine lookalike. Of course, let’s not forget the iconic Luger itself.
As far as pistol rounds go, the 9mm might not be as powerful as the .45 ACP, but it’s smooth to shoot, easy to handle, and gentle enough to make it manageable for everyone from first-time shooters to seasoned pros. There’s a reason it’s America’s most popular cartridge—it just works.
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