A job-by-job plan for the smallest and largest rifle cartridges, from plinking to an AR big bore, a bolt-action magnum and a double rifle.

Decide the job first, then the rifle, then the cartridge. This plan sorts the shelf by what you want to do.

Practice and plinking

For range practice, small game and teaching a new shooter, a .22 LR is the standard. Aguila's lead round-nose loads are at aguila 22lr lead round nose ammo. Federal's loads are at federal 22lr ammo for sale.

Buy two or three brands and test them in your rifle, because .22 rifles are often particular about ammunition. Winchester's .22 LR loads are at winchester 22lr ammo.

An AR-pattern big bore

The .450 Bushmaster, with 300-grain loads at 450 bushmaster 300 grain ammo, is the straightforward choice for a big-bore AR. The .458 SOCOM, with Buffalo Bore's loads at buffalo bore 458 socom ammo, is often loaded with heavier bullets than the .450 Bushmaster.

The .500 Auto Max, with hollow-point loads at 500 auto max hollow point ammo, is the specialist's choice for an AR500.

A bolt-action big bore

The .458 Lott and the .460 Weatherby Magnum are the two large bolt-action options here, and both need a rifle built for them. Federal's .458 Lott loads are at federal 458 lott ammo. The .460 Weatherby Magnum's loads are at 460 weatherby magnum ammo.

A double rifle

The .450 Nitro Express and the .470 Nitro Express belong to double rifles. The .450 Nitro Express's lead round-nose loads are at 450 nitro express lead round nose ammo. The .470 Nitro Express's 500-grain loads are at 470 nitro express 500 grain ammo.

Buy the case length your rifle's chamber is marked for, and have a gunsmith check any rifle that is old.

Buy and test

Buy one or two boxes of the load you plan to use, shoot it from your own rifle, and keep notes on groups and point of impact. Then buy the quantity you need, ideally from a single lot. Store ammunition cool and dry, locked and away from children.

Many African countries and outfitters set a minimum caliber or energy for dangerous game, so confirm the rules for your destination before you buy.

Plans like this are general guidance. Match the name on your barrel to the box, wear eye and hearing protection, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.