Every cartridge here comes in several bullet weights. The right one depends on the job and on the rifle, and a heavier bullet is not automatically better.

Light and fast

The .223 ranges from about 40 to 77 grains. Lighter bullets suit varmints, 62 grains is the NATO weight and 69 to 77 grains are match weights. The .223's loads are at 223 ammunition.

The 224 Valkyrie uses longer, heavier bullets, from about 60 to 90 grains. Its 75-grain loads, at 224 valkyrie 75 grain ammo, sit between the light varmint bullets and the long-range heavyweights.

The middle weights

The .243 Winchester shoots bullets from about 55 to 105 grains, with 90 to 100 grains the all-round range. Polymer-tip loads are at 243 polymer tip ammo.

The .270 Winchester is usually 130 to 150 grains, and Federal's loads are at federal 270 ammo. The .280 Remington runs 140 to 160 grains, and its loads are at 280 ammo for sale.

The .308 Winchester is usually 150 to 180 grains, with 150 the classic deer weight and 168 the match favorite. Winchester's loads are at winchester 308 ammo.

Heavy for the caliber

The .300 magnums use bullets from about 150 to 220 grains. The 300 Winchester Magnum's 165-grain loads are at 300 win mag 165 grain ammo. The 300 WSM's hunting loads are at 300 wsm hunting ammo.

The 300 Blackout is two cartridges in one: light supersonic bullets around 110 to 125 grains, and heavy subsonic bullets of 200 grains or more. Its loads are at 300 blackout ammo.

The .303 British was designed around a heavy round-nose bullet of about 174 grains, and modern factory loads run from about 150 to 180 grains. Anyone who wants to buy 303 british ammo is shopping inside that range.

Twist decides

Whatever the weight, the barrel has to spin the bullet fast enough. Longer, heavier bullets need a faster twist, so check your rifle's twist rate before buying a heavy load.

As a rule of thumb, choose the lighter bullet for small game and varmints, a mid-weight bullet built to expand for deer, and the heaviest bullet your twist will stabilize for the longest shots.

Bullet weights and ballistics vary by maker and lot. Check your rifle's twist rate, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.