In the forums and social groups of our passionate hunting and sports shooting community, a debate is always well received: the controversial and multifaceted "caliber debate." This ongoing discussion revolves around a multitude of core questions, each of which provides enough fuel for long discussions:

• What is the optimal caliber?
• Which large caliber is most recommended?
• Which small caliber is best suited?
• Which caliber is preferred for rifles?
• Which caliber should one choose for handguns?
• Which caliber proves ideal for long distances?
• Which caliber fits best with suppressors?
• Which caliber is most suitable for hunting wild boar?
• Which caliber is recommended for driven hunts?
• Which caliber is best suited for novice hunters?

This list of questions can be almost endlessly expanded and illustrates the depth and complexity of the topic.

Despite the differing opinions that clash in these heated discussions, it is clear to everyone that depending on the specific conditions of the hunting ground, preferred types of hunting, and individual weapon preferences, different calibers can be suitable for the diverse requirements of hunters and sports shooters. Therefore, this caliber discussion will likely never be fully resolved – and that is a good thing. It enriches the exchange on the extremely important topic of caliber choice and offers even those who only participate by reading valuable insights into the experiences of others.

A particularly interesting aspect that repeatedly arises in such discussion rounds is the difference between German (European) and Anglo-American caliber specifications. While the German nomenclature quickly provides a visual representation of the cartridge through the bullet diameter and case length, the Anglo-American specifications in inches often lead to confusion.

To bring clarity to this confusion, here is a list of common caliber sizes in inches, converted to metric values, along with the most important representatives of each caliber size. This overview aims to help both newcomers and experienced shooters gain a better understanding and assist them in their decision-making.