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Possible Cartridge Types

Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > Physical Features > Caliber/Diameter > Possible Cartridge Types

In the following chart, the measured diameter of a bullet in inches corresponds to possible cartridge type(s).

Possible Cartridge Types Indicated Based on the Measured Diameter of a Fired Bullet
DIAMETER OF FIRED BULLET * POSSIBLE CALIBERS
.202" - .228" 22
5.5mm
5.56mm
.247" - .271" 25 Auto
6.35mm
.302" - .328"

32 Auto
32 H&R Magnum
7.62mm
7.65mm
32 S&W
32 S&W L

.353 " - .373" .357 Mag.
38 Spl.
380 Auto
9mm (various types)
.401" - .410" 40 S&W
41 Rem Mag
10mm Auto
.425" - .431" 44 Rem. Mag.
.447" - .458" 45 Auto
45 Colt
455 Webley/Colt
* assumes little or no deformation that makes measurement difficult

Measured caliber/diameter, as with other physical features, is only one factor to consider. A bullet of a given caliber may be consistent with any number of cartridge types.

One caliber and multiple cartridge types

Courtesy of Jack Dillon

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