FAQ: Caliber Guide

Cartridges are composed of four main components: case, primer, powder, and bullet.

For the purposes of selecting a muzzle device, the bullet and its diameter is the critical component for us to consider. Below is a table of some of the more common cartridges in use today along with the associated bullet diameter for each as taken from the cartridge's SAAMI specification.

If you don't see your cartridge in the list below, search either the Wikipedia or SAAMI (Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) websites for information on that cartridge and its associated bullet specifications.

NOTES:

[1] — select a "Caliber Rating" for your muzzle device that is equal to or greater than the caliber you intend to use it with. As an example, if you are searching for a muzzle device for a rifle chambered in .308/7.62×51mm, then you should select one with a "Caliber Rating" of .30"/7.6mm or greater (i.e., choose a muzzle device with a "Caliber Rating" of .30"/7.6mm, .34"/8.6mm, .36"/9mm, .40"/10mm, .45"/11.4mm, or .50"/12.7mm)

[2] — the ID (inner diameter) or bore of a muzzle device needs to be slightly larger than the diameter of the bullet passing through it; industry standard is a minimum of .020" over bullet diameter.