Henry Rifle Forums

The shear volume of different calibers, particularly in rifles.

I understand that the industry is constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the competition. I also understand that once a certain number of rifles has been sold that they will need to be able to get ammo for a long time.

What I don't understand is the constant variety of calibers that many manufacturers build their firearms in. I suppose that for many calibers there isn't a lot that needs to be set up to offer in a similar caliber.

A prime example is .308 and 30-06. Same exact bullet size. Very similar case, except length of the case. Very similar characteristics.

I also understand the manufacturers will sell whatever caliber the customer wants, as long as they can make money selling it. I don't disagree with that. I am just bewildered by the variety.

In a perfect world, there would only be a handful of alternators available for all cars. Would bring the cost way down, and reliability way up. Never gonna happen.

I only buy weapons in common calibers. If I can't walk into local sporting goods store and have a decent number of choices on the shelf, I won't buy a weapon in that caliber.

Most of mine are military calibers or rimfire.

Well, to address the example that you listed:

The .30-06 was originally developed as a military round, back in...1906. It served the purpose exceedingly well thru two world wars. In the 1950's, the military began to look for a smaller cartridge that had similar performance to the beloved .30-06. Hence, the .308 (7.62x51mm) was developed and accepted. The benefit was, you got a cartridge with similar performance which fit into a smaller package, both in terms of the rifle and the ammo itself. Then they decided they wanted something even smaller, so then the .223/5.56mm comes along, etc.

Outside of that, a lot of the variety is due to experimenters and gun nuts taking a common round and trying to squeeze more performance out of it. If the word gets out, and folks start liking it, then the ammo manufacturers start making factory ammo for it. The .22-250 is one such round, and there are many, many more.

I agree with you, tho, in that if I am going to buy a gun, I would prefer it to have factory ammo readily available. Although I reload, there is some comfort in knowing that I can walk into most any gun store and pick up a box or two of ammo if needed.

it all boils down to personal preference .... some folks like Fords, some prefer a Chevy .... years ago we decided to go with 30 caliber .... that was based on the fact that we reload our ammo and bullet manufactures offer the widest variety of bullets in 30 caliber .... as such, we have rifles chambered for 30-30, 308, 30-06, and 300 WBY .... if sufficient people are willing to purchase any given caliber, it will be marketed .... if demand drops to where it isn't profitable to do so, it will die

I guess I won't hold my breath for a Big Boy 46 Colt...

Here is something to think about. Your wondering about different calibers. Its all about the bottom line. Like why in this technical world we live in why cant we have the same charging cord for all these different kinds of cell phones. Al

I am the total opposite I only buy different caliber weapons. I enjoy switching around. To tell you the truth I don't spend a lot on ammo after buying it initially because I try and shoot them all. Probably prevents me from getting really good with a particular weapon is the only drawback....

My best explanation would be... If you hunt squirrels with a 45-70, you probably won't get much meat. Likewise... if you hunt bears with a 22 you might just BE the meat !!

DWD445 wrote:My best explanation would be... If you hunt squirrels with a 45-70, you probably won't get much meat. Likewise... if you hunt bears with a 22 you might just BE the meat !!

So far, I have lived by one rule - I do not hunt things that can eat me.

I also try to stay with common established calibers. I learned my lesson back in the 70's. I wanted and purchased a Ruger Single Six in .32 H&R Magnum. I liked the revolver but ammo was hard to find and was very expensive. Started reloading a few years back and availability is not an issue now and much cheaper.

DWD445 wrote:My best explanation would be... If you hunt squirrels with a 45-70, you probably won't get much meat. Likewise... if you hunt bears with a 22 you might just BE the meat !!

Well, I'm not advocating paring down to just one caliber. I just don't see the need for the bewildering variety there is out there.

Same reason there are 75+ models of cars
We like different things and have different wants