The Ultimate Hunting Caliber Chart: Quickly Pick the Best Cartridge for Each Species
The ultimate hunting cartridge chart shows you the best rounds based on the species you plan to go after, whether it’s squirrel, goose, or moose.
Choosing the correct hunting caliber and cartridge will keep you legal and make you more successful during your hunts.
Read on to discover which cartridges are the most popular for hunting each species. Note that you should always check your local and state hunting regulations, as some states only allow specific cartridges for hunting certain game animals.
Best Small Game Hunting Calibers
Squirrel Hunting Calibers
It’s always best to match the size of the game to the size of the cartridge. Doing so allows you to destroy less meat and have a better hunting experience.
The most popular handgun and rifle calibers for squirrels are:
.177 Pellet
.17 HM2
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR)
.22 Long Rifle (LR)
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
Shotguns are another fine choice for squirrel hunting. Common squirrel hunting shotgun gauges are:
While the gauge is important, the shot size is the most critical consideration when hunting with shotguns. #6 shot is my go-to shot size for squirrel hunting, but #5, #7, #8, and #9 are also effective. Lead is commonly used, but many public lands require you to use non-toxic (e.g. steel, tungsten or bismuth) loads while hunting. Always check the local regulations before heading out.
Common squirrel hunting shot sizes:
#9 Shot
#8 Shot
#7 Shot
#6 Shot
#5 Shot
Rabbit Hunting Calibers
Since rabbits are still relatively small, you can often use the same calibers and cartridges for both. You can also use some slightly larger cartridges. Common rabbit hunting cartridges are:
When hunting rabbits within 50 yards, I often opt for a shotgun. The gauge will affect your range, recoil, and pattern density, but I grew up using a .410 Bore and 20 gauge and currently use a 12 gauge. Shot size that should be your primary concern. The best shot sizes for rabbit hunting are:
#9 Shot
#8 Shot
#7 Shot
#6 Shot
#5 Shot
#4 Shot
Dove, Quail and Upland Hunting Loads
In most cases, you must use a shotgun when wingshooting (turkey is the lone exception). Small game birds like dove and quail require smaller shot sizes to avoid damaging too much delicate meat. I typically use the following shot sizes when dove, quail, and upland bird hunting:
#9 Shot
#8 Shot
#7.5 Shot
#6 Shot
#5 Shot
#4 Shot
The Smaller shot size has more pellets in the shotshell than a larger shot size. A #9 shot pellet is smaller than a #6 shot pellet. The same can be said for increasing the gauge: a 12 gauge shotshell will have more pellets per shotshell than a 20 gauge shotshell of the same shot size and length.
Pheasant Hunting Loads
When hunting pheasants and other large upland game birds, you might need to step up to #4 shot – but other sizes will work. The most common shot sizes used for pheasant hunting are:
#5 Shot
#4 Shot
#3 Shot
Duck Hunting Loads
Waterfowl are a little tougher than upland birds due to their increased size and down feathers, so using a 20 gauge or 12 gauge is often best. However, a .410 will get the job done if you're up for a challenge. You’ll also have to use nontoxic loads like steel, bismuth, or tungsten.
For smaller ducks, such as teal, #4 shot will be plenty. For larger ducks, like mallards, I like to use #2. Those aren’t the only options you have for ducks either. Here are several more:
#5 Shot
#4 Shot
#3 Shot
#2 Shot
#1 Shot
BB Shot
Goose Hunting Loads
Your shot size for goose hunting will be determined by the size of the geese you’re hunting. Local Canada geese in my neck of the woods require at least #2, but I prefer BB and larger because they’re giant. Migraters like snow geese are smaller, so they are easier to take using smaller pellets like #4 because they’re about the size of big mallards.
Here are the best goose hunting shot sizes for 20 gauge and 12 gauge:
#4 Shot
#2 Shot
BB Shot
BBB Shot
T Shot
Turkey Hunting Cartridges & Loads
Some states allow turkey hunters to use rifles, but most folks still prefer shotguns. .410 bore shotguns have exploded in popularity among turkey hunters, but the trusty 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are still a primary choice for many.
Most turkey loads are #4 and #5 shot, but #6 shot also works. You might also stumble across turkey loads that combine multiple shot sizes.
Some rifle cartridges can also be used for turkey hunting, such as:
Best Medium Game Hunting Calibers
Fox & Coyote Hunting Calibers
Varmints like foxes and coyotes tend to have thin skin compared to game animals like deer. They’re also prized for their furs, which means using large-caliber bullets is less than ideal. While most medium-sized game can be taken with buckshot at close range, a rifle is often preferred.
Coyotes and foxes can also be taken with a .410 bore, 20 gauge, or 12 gauge shotgun at close range. The best shot sizes for this are:
#4 buckshot
#1-4 buckshot mix
#3
#2
#1 buckshot
0 Buckshot
00 buckshot
Antelope Hunting Calibers
Antelope and pronghorn are fast and wary animals. While you might get a close shot because of their environment, you will likely have to cover a distance of 300+ yards. These distances call for a flat-shooting, high-velocity cartridge. The calibers most often used for Pronghorn hunting are:
.257 Weatherby (WBY)
Mountain Goat Hunting Calibers
Mountain goats live in a challenging terrain, making them difficult to reach, so a flat-shooting cartridge is often used to hunt these animals. It doesn’t have to be a magnum or giant caliber because mountain goats aren’t big animals, and you’ll need a lightweight rifle while hiking up the mountains. Some of the most popular calibers are:
Hog Hunting Calibers
Wild hogs are tough animals and often live in rough environments. I’ve taken wild pigs with a .30-30 Winchester at close range, but other calibers are often more effective. Several of the standard hog hunting cartridges are:
Alligator Hunting Calibers
Alligator hunting is often close-range shots after you’ve trapped or hooked them on a line, so you don’t necessarily need a big caliber. It’s often best to use an easy-to-handle cartridge as you fight the gator with one hand and deliver the lethal blow with the other. Here are some of the top choices for gator hunting:
Continue reading more here: The Ultimate Hunting Caliber Chart: Quickly Pick The Best Cartridge For Each Species.