the Biggest Bullet

Why do calibres come in such odd numbers? Is there any particular reason, for example, why a 7.62mm round is 7.62 and not 7.61 or 7.63? Who decides? Are there all sorts of complicated calculations that go into deciding that the optimal size of round for this or that particular firearm is say, 5.56mm and not something else?

reply to post by Anonymous ATS


The numbers of measurement after the decimal are standard 10ths 100ths and 1000ths measurements found on micrometers. Been that way since the micrometer was invented, it's simple outter diameter of the projectile.

[edit on 30-9-2008 by Beelzabub]

reply to post by Beelzabub


Thank you Beelzabub, but it doesn't really answer what I'm getting at.
Let's say you were the "inventor" of the 5.56mm round. Why did you decide on exactly 5.56mm and not some other number? What difference would it have made if you'd decided on 5.55mm instead of 5.56?

i remember the biggest shoulder fired weapon was a anti tank gun from ww1 or 2.. but it wasent a 1 man carry... its in a museum here in states

but 20 mm is the largest sniper rifle type shoulder fired weapon ive seen on a store shelf... turners outdorsman tustin ave orange ca about 15 or more years ago
buddy

reply to post by freakyclown


In fact there is a bigger round - the 2 bore. It is about 1.3inch caliber.

Carl Gustav 84mm recoiless rifle is the biggest man portable bullet I could think of. It can fire both "bullets" as well as a variety of stuff like rocket assisted projectiles which are more like a missle or rocket than a bullet.

This video shows them loading a round


This one shows what it does to targets



[edit on 26-2-2009 by warpboost]

How about the 20mm anti-tank sniper rifle? This thing looks like it was made for someone 7 feet tall.
20mm Rifle
If it can be done, somebody will do it. I have even seen pictures of .50 bmg single shot pistols.

super gun

the first time I saw this thing I was astounded. that guy Bull had some interesting concepts

reply to post by Anonymous ATS


ammo manufacturesrs make bullets ` odd sizes ` to ensure a correct fit in the odd sized barrels that gunsmiths make