What is the difference between calibre, cartridge and bullet?
The bullet is the part that leaves the barrel. The cartridge is the complete unit comprising bullet, case, primer and propellant. Technically, calibre initially describes a diameter. In everyday use, however, it often stands for the full cartridge name.
The bullet is the part that leaves the barrel. The cartridge is the complete unit comprising bullet, case, primer and propellant. Technically, calibre initially describes a diameter. In everyday use, however, it often stands for the full cartridge name.
The number in a cartridge name does not always exactly match the measured bullet diameter. Some names have historical origins or refer to other dimensions. Different cartridges can also use bullets of similar diameter while differing substantially in case shape, length and technical specifications. Similar names therefore do not mean interchangeability.
Standard names such as .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum are retained on Weitschuss. Additional dimensions, bullet masses and velocities are given in metric units. A cartridge name does not identify one particular ammunition load. Different versions may use different bullets and deliver different performance. Specific figures must therefore be linked to a particular version and its measurement conditions.