With hundreds of cartridges circulating through the pages of gun history – and likely thousands more wildcats and variants – the shooting world has no shortage of options. But trends have a funny way of shrinking that field. Most shooters today talk about the same dozen cartridges, and the rest? They slip into the shadows, often undeservedly.
Some rounds may be older, less marketed, or simply forgotten, but that doesn’t mean they’re obsolete. In fact, some of the most capable cartridges ever designed are still out there, quietly outperforming their reputations. Here are 10 such rounds – underrated, underappreciated, but fully capable of punching above their weight.
1. 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser – The Soft-Spoken Moose Slayer
The 6.5×55 Swede has a cult following in Europe and for good reason – it works. Originally developed through a collaboration between Norway and Sweden in the early 1890s, this cartridge earned its stripes in both military and hunting roles. Despite its age, it has excellent ballistic performance and enough power to drop Scandinavian moose with a single, well-placed shot.
Factory loads often push a 140-grain bullet around 2,750 feet per second, but premium options like Norma’s 156-grain Oryx rounds extend its capabilities even further. With moderate recoil, great accuracy, and deep-penetrating bullets, this old-timer is more than capable in the modern hunting world.
2. .250 Savage – The Original Speed Demon
Back in 1915, Savage introduced the .250 Savage – also known as the .250-3000. That name wasn’t marketing fluff; this was the first commercial cartridge to break 3,000 feet per second, doing so with an 87-grain bullet.
While the initial hype may have faded, the round itself still deserves attention. It’s an ideal deer cartridge: low recoil, flat trajectory, and enough punch to ethically take game without battering the shooter. Larry Kohler, one of the most respected whitetail hunters ever, swore by it. If you come across an old Savage 99 chambered in this little gem, you might just be holding one of the finest deer rifles ever built.
3. 9.3x62mm Mauser – Africa’s Quiet Workhorse
When German settlers in Africa needed a cartridge that could drop big, dangerous game from a standard Mauser action, gunsmith Otto Bock delivered the 9.3x62mm Mauser in 1905. And wow – did he get it right. Designed to take down everything from cape buffalo to lion, this round rivals the power of the .375 H&H but without the bruising recoil or magnum-length action.
Early loads featured 285-grain bullets at 2,150 fps, but modern ammo pushes heavier bullets even faster. Think of it as a .338 that favors penetration over speed. If you want an all-around powerhouse for serious game, this one doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves.
4. .222 Remington – The Benchrest Champion
Once the darling of benchrest shooters, the .222 Remington is a marvel of consistency and accuracy. Introduced in 1950, this small-caliber round pushed a 50-grain bullet at about 3,200 fps – plenty fast for varmints and small predators. What really set it apart, though, was its performance in precision shooting.
Paired with the Remington 722 rifle, it routinely achieved sub-MOA groups long before that was the industry standard. While the .223 Remington and 6 PPC eventually stole the show, the .222 Remington still delivers outstanding barrel life, mild recoil, and almost no muzzle blast. It’s an ideal cartridge for new shooters or seasoned accuracy junkies.
5. .257 Roberts – The Misunderstood Middleweight
Somewhere between the .250 Savage and the .25-06 sits the .257 Roberts, a wildcat that became a commercial cartridge in the 1930s. It was based on a 7×57 Mauser case necked down to .25 caliber and originally featured 117-grain round-nose bullets – unfortunately underpowered and ballistically uninspiring.
But modern handloaders know the truth: with the right bullet and charge, the .257 Roberts is a phenomenal mid-sized game round. It’s got more velocity and reach than the .250 but remains light on recoil. If you’re willing to reload and tailor the load, the performance gap between this and more popular deer cartridges all but vanishes.
6. .480 Ruger – The Magnum Without the Mayhem
Released in 2003, the .480 Ruger seemed like a perfect fit for backcountry defense and big-bore handgun hunting. It offered a step up from the .44 Magnum without jumping to the punishing recoil of the .454 Casull. Chambered in Ruger’s Super Redhawk revolver, it uses 325-grain bullets in the .475 caliber family and delivers serious stopping power.
The problem? Timing. It entered a market crowded with existing big-bore options and never quite took off. That’s a shame, because the .480 Ruger is exactly what many shooters want – powerful, controllable, and built for rugged reliability.
7. .220 Swift – The Speed King That Faded
Back in 1935, the .220 Swift set the world on fire – literally and figuratively. Firing a 48-grain bullet at 4,100 fps, it was the first cartridge to cross the hyper-velocity threshold and remains one of the fastest rounds ever developed. Originally intended as a long-range varmint cartridge, it was often misunderstood.
Early critics blamed barrel erosion and overstated its drawbacks. In reality, it’s a precise, lethal cartridge for coyotes and other small predators, especially when handloaded. Factory ammo may be rare these days, but for reloaders, the .220 Swift is still a high-velocity hammer that flat-out works.
8. 7×57 Mauser – A Forgotten Legend
Paul Mauser’s 1892 masterpiece, the 7×57, has a resume most cartridges can only dream of. Used in wars, revolutions, and safaris, it proved its worth against both human and four-legged opponents. It was a favorite of legendary hunters like W.D.M. Bell, who used it to drop elephants with carefully placed brain shots.
Despite its rich history and excellent ballistics, it eventually got edged out by newer rounds like the 7mm-08. That’s unfortunate, because with 140- to 160-grain bullets, the 7×57 is still a reliable, accurate, and pleasant-shooting cartridge for game up to elk size. It’s a classic that deserves more love.
9. .404 Jeffery – Big Bore Without the Beating
For those who like their cartridges large and in charge, the .404 Jeffery delivers dangerous game capability without punishing recoil. Originally introduced in the early 1900s, this round fired 400- to 450-grain bullets at over 2,200 fps. It was built for African safari rifles and saw heavy use among professional hunters and game wardens.
In recent years, it’s made a comeback thanks to renewed interest in African hunting. With modern bullets and powders, it’s a viable alternative to rounds like the .416 Rigby or .458 Win Mag, especially if you want a flatter-shooting, less brutal option. It gets the job done, and your shoulder will thank you.
10. .25-06 Remington – The Long-Range Sleeper
The .25-06 Remington is essentially a .30-06 case necked down to .25 caliber, and it can fling 100-grain bullets past 3,200 fps with ease. For decades, it was the go-to choice for those who wanted long-range performance with manageable recoil. It’s ideal for deer, antelope, and coyotes, with the ability to reach out past 400 yards in capable hands.
The only reason it doesn’t get more attention today is that it’s not flashy. No short magnum action, no marketing buzz. But it flat-out performs. For hunters who care more about real-world results than trends, the .25-06 deserves another look.
Don’t Judge a Cartridge by Its Cover
In the age of sleek new calibers and endless hype, it’s easy to forget the rounds that built the foundation of modern ballistics. Many of the cartridges listed here were groundbreaking in their time – and still outperform many of today’s darlings. Whether it’s the low recoil of the .250 Savage, the punch of the 9.3x62mm, or the pinpoint precision of the .222 Remington, these underrated rounds prove that newer doesn’t always mean better.
Sometimes, the best cartridge is the one you’ve never heard of. So the next time you’re looking for a new rifle or a new reloading project, dig a little deeper. You might just uncover a hidden gem that’s been waiting all along.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.