THE IDEAL SYSTEM OF NUMBERING BULLETS.
This system is much appreciated by sportsmen when once familiarized. There is very much of a mix up in the so-called calibers, causing many mistakes, some bullets being called .32 caliber that arc smaller than the .30 calibers, while some .38 calibers are as large as .40 calibers. This, of course, is confusing and mislead ing to those who are not familiar with the subject, and the source of much trouble and many mistakes which may be avoided, if dealers or individuals will order by the numbers designated. The aim is to individualize the bullets with a certain number for each particular one and at the same time have the number of the bullet designate its standard diameter, also to inform people what arms use bullets of that ;articular standard size; for instance, when a person knows that the standard size of the bullet for his rifle is say .308, lie will know that any of the variety of bullets numbered, whose first three figures is 3oS, will fit his arm, and with the assistance of the numbers and illustration, he can select the diameter, shape and weight of bullet, with which lie may desire to experiment. Thus, all through the numbering, the first three figures of the number is the standard diameter (in thousandths) of the bullet it designates.
It must be remembered that the caliber of a rifle is the size of the smooth bore before it is rifled, and not the size of the bullet, as many suppose. If a rifle barrel is bored .30 caliber (.3oo) and rifled .004 of an inch deep, it wilt require a bullet .3or in diameter to fit to the bottom of the rifling. The .45 Government rifles are bored for .45 calibre (.45o), but require a bullet .457 in diameter, on account of the depth of the rifling. The depth of rifling is varied by different manufac turers. Different depths of rifling will affect the fit of bullets, while the bore or caliber may be the same. There are, in fact, but very few rifled arms that are actually what they are called by calibers. Carefully note the following:
.226 is the proper diameter of bullets for the .22-15-60 Stevens straight. These bullets may be used in any of the cartridges or arms using bullets of the .228 diameter as specified below, for these bullets are cast full and are to be sized.
22636. A fine variety of bullets, weights varying from 40 to 98 grains, with deep grooves, which are not so apt to lead the barrel. The shape of the point is standard. All of the bullets may be seated with regular tools that are correct for any .22 central fire cartridges.
22637. A fine series of sharp pointed bullets, weights from 32 to 91 grains. They are clean and accurate shooters, and do not tear game.
22638. Express bullets. It is astonishing how much more deadly a bullet is with a hollow point. We have fine reports of the work done with these bullets, one statement that a .22-15-60 Stevens straight rifle, with an express bullet of about 60 grains, is as good a killer as a .32-2o.
.228 is the standard diameter of bullets for rifles using the following cartridges: .22-to-45; .22 Extra Long C. F.; .22-13-45 W.; .22-20 Hornet, etc.
228151. This is the standard factory bullet. The grooves are shallow and rounding, and it does not hold much lubrication.
22834. These bullets have the same shaped point as the factory .22-45 bullets. They have deep square cut grooves which will hold more lubrication than those of the factory bullets, thus preventing the leading- of the barrel, which is so annoying and detrimental to accuracy in small bore rifles. They may be seated with the regular reloading, tools for any of the above cartridges.
22835. This series of bullets has proved to be very popular. The sharp point is preferred by many, as it does not tear small game. These bullets also have deep, square cut g-rooves.
.236 was at one time supposed to be the proper diameter of bullets for the new U. S. Navy Rifles, but now the rifle and cartridge is called the 6 m/m. U. S. Navy, and the proper diameter of the bullets for that rifle now is .244.