Bullets & Cartridges

This is a list of modern firearm cartridges that are used in the handguns (manual and semi-automatic pistols and revolvers) and rifles (manual and self-loading / semi-automatic) most commonly found and used in South Africa.

For the purpose of licence applications and general education, Licence Me feel that it is important to know what is the most suitable calibre for your needs, as well as what the ballistic information is on your specific weapon. Not only does this help with your supporting documentation in your licence application motivation, but this general knowledge of your specific firearm ammunition is important in the safe use of any / all weapons.

 

ABOUT MEASUREMENTS AND APPROXIMATIONS:
Cartridge ballistics used on these pages are based on SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) empirical tests. Cartridges that are primarily used in handguns are specifically tested with handgun-length test barrels, while cartridges primarily used in rifles and carbines are tested with longer rifle-length test barrels. As such, all handgun cartridge ballistics on this page are typically listed as measured, and the listed barrel length is typically the length of the SAAMI test barrel used.

The ballistics of rifle cartridges on this page are typically approximated, as the ballistics are measured using rifle-length test barrels, and do not reflect the actual ballistics of the cartridge when fired through a shorter handgun barrel. The barrel length listed for a rifle cartridge reflects the most common handgun barrel length used by handguns in our database for that caliber.

Quick Link Table of Most Common Handgun and Rifle Cartridges in South Africa 

Click on the image or link below to read more about the specific cartridge ballistics, measurements and specifications:

.22 LR “.22 PF: 44267
.22 Short  .22 Short Handgun Cartridges PF: 29470
.223 Rem .223 Rem (5.56x45 mm NATO) Rifle Cartridges PF: 134635
.25 Auto .25 Auto (6.35mm Browning) Handgun Cartridges PF: 64255
.30 Super Carry 30 Super Carry Handgun Cartridges PF: 125000
.32 Auto .32 Auto (7.65 mm Browning) Handgun Cartridges PF: 64255
.32 Mag .32 Mag (.32 Harrington & Richardson Magnum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 91541
.357 Mag .357 Mag (.357 Smith & Wesson Magnum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 195130
.357 Rem Max 357 Rem Max (.357 Remington Maximum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 195130
.380 Auto .380 Auto (9mm Browning Short) Handgun Cartridges PF: 90000
.38 Special .38 Special (.38 Smith & Wesson Special) Handgun Cartridges PF: 119290
.38 Super .38 Super (.38 Super Auto Colt) Handgun Cartridges PF: 157950
.40 S&W .40 S&W Handgun Cartridges PF: 180000
.41 Rem Mag .41 Rem Mag Handgun Cartridges PF: 285600
.44 Rem Mag .44 Rem Mag Handgun Cartridges PF: 312000
.44 S&W Special .44 S&W Spl (.44 Smith & Wesson Special) Handgun cartridges PF: 184000
.45 Auto .45 Auto (.45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP)) Handgun Cartridges PF: 195500
.45 Auto +P .45 Auto +P (.45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) +P) Handgun Cartridges PF: 218500
.45 Colt .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) Handgun Cartridges PF: 212500
.45 GAP .45 GAP (.45 Glock Automatic Pistol) Handgun Cartridges PF: 202400
.45 Win Mag .45 Win Mag Handgun Cartridges PF: 312000
.460 S&W Mag .460 S&W Mag (.460 Smith & Wesson Magnum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 525000
.480 Ruger .480 Ruger Handgun Cartridges PF: 480000
.50 AE .50 AE Handgun Cartridges PF: 450000
.500 S&W .500 S&W (.500 Smith & Wesson Magnum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 712500
5.7x28 FN 5.7x28 FN Handgun Cartridges PF: 67000
7.62x39mm 7.62x39mm Rifle Cartridges PF: 182715
9mm 9 mm (9 mm Parabellum) Handgun Cartridges PF: 142600
9mm +P 9 mm +P (9 mm Parabellum +P) Handgun Cartridges PF: 148800
10 mm 10 mm Handgun Cartridges PF: 207000

FIND INFORMATION AND PLACES

LEARN ABOUT AMMUNITION

Browse our detailed database of the most popular handgun and rifle cartridges.

LEARN ABOUT FIREARMS

Search our list of the most popular self defence handguns in South Africa.

FIND A DEALER

Check out our map to find your nearest firearm dealer, gun shop or gunsmith.

Get Training

Find your nearest training centre to get basic competency training or more advanced courses.

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