Cartridges come and go, and the shooting world has a way of chasing the newest magnum or the latest short-action craze. But plenty of older rounds never really stopped working; they just slipped out of the spotlight. Many of these so-called “forgotten” cartridges still have real-world merit. Some offer recoil that’s easier to manage, others bring surprising ballistics, and a few still outperform the trendy calibers that replaced them.
You’ve probably heard of most of these rounds, but they rarely show up on store shelves anymore. That doesn’t mean they don’t deserve attention. Hunters, reloaders, and shooters willing to look beyond what’s popular often discover these older cartridges still do the job better than expected. Whether you’re chasing accuracy, manageable recoil, or field performance, these cartridges have earned a second look.
.250 Savage
The .250 Savage was introduced in the early 1900s and made waves as the first commercial cartridge to hit 3,000 feet per second. That speed was remarkable at the time, and it gave hunters a flat-shooting option for deer and varmints. While it eventually got overshadowed by the .243 Winchester, the .250 Savage still has plenty to offer.
Hunters who use it today appreciate its mild recoil and accuracy. It’s effective on whitetail and pronghorn, delivering clean performance without punishing the shooter. Handloaders especially find it rewarding, as modern bullets let it perform better than when it was first released. Factory ammo is limited, but if you’ve got access to reloading gear, the .250 Savage still shines. It’s one of those forgotten rounds that can handle real hunting needs while keeping things manageable for shooters who value comfort and efficiency over raw speed.
.257 Roberts
The .257 Roberts earned a reputation as a versatile deer and antelope cartridge. Developed in the 1930s, it sat between smaller varmint rounds and bigger deer cartridges, offering a sweet spot of flat trajectory and mild recoil. For decades, it was a favorite of hunters who wanted accuracy without the bite of harder-kicking calibers.
It eventually lost ground to the .243 and .25-06, but the .257 Roberts remains an excellent option. With modern bullets and handloads, it performs far beyond what many expect, delivering flat shooting and reliable energy on medium game. It’s especially appealing to younger or recoil-sensitive hunters who still want effective performance on deer-sized animals. Though ammo can be hard to find, rifles chambered in .257 Roberts remain out there, and with a little effort, you can bring this round back to life in the field. It’s a classic that still works as well today as it did decades ago.
.280 Remington
The .280 Remington never reached the popularity of the .270 or .30-06, but it should have. Introduced in the 1950s, it offered an ideal middle ground—flatter than the .30-06 and hitting harder than the .270. On paper, it was the perfect all-around hunting round, but poor marketing kept it from ever gaining the foothold it deserved.
Hunters who give the .280 a chance discover how capable it really is. With modern bullets, it can handle anything from deer to elk with authority. The recoil is noticeably lighter than magnum calibers, yet it delivers excellent long-range ballistics. Handloaders in particular have kept the .280 alive, pushing it into performance ranges that rival today’s trendiest cartridges. While it’s often overlooked in favor of newer designs, the .280 Remington remains one of the best all-purpose rounds ever made. If you come across one in the field, it’s worth a second look.
.284 Winchester
The .284 Winchester was introduced in the 1960s as a short-action powerhouse. With its fat case design, it delivered performance close to a .270 or .280, but in a shorter rifle. Unfortunately, it never caught on commercially, even though it offered ballistics that rival cartridges hunters rave about today.
In recent years, the .284 has gained new life among competitive shooters and long-range hunters. Its efficient case design and excellent accuracy potential have made it popular for handloaders chasing precision. On game, it offers plenty of power for deer, elk, and similar animals, with recoil that’s easier to manage than magnums. While you won’t find it on every ammo shelf, its performance speaks for itself. The .284 Winchester may have been ahead of its time, but it’s still an outstanding cartridge that deserves far more attention than it ever got.
.35 Remington
The .35 Remington first appeared in 1906 and became a classic chambering for lever-action rifles like the Marlin 336. For hunters in thick woods, it offered more punch than the .30-30, making it ideal for deer and black bear at close ranges. Its heavy bullets carried authority through brush, and it quickly became a trusted round in the eastern United States.
Though it’s far less common today, the .35 Remington still makes sense in the right settings. Its moderate velocity means recoil is easy to handle, yet it delivers impressive stopping power inside 200 yards. Hunters who use it often praise how effective it is on tough game like hogs and bear. While ammo is harder to track down, the .35 Remington hasn’t lost its effectiveness. If you hunt in thick cover and want something with more thump than a .30-30, this forgotten round is well worth revisiting.
7×57 Mauser
The 7×57 Mauser, also known as the 7mm Mauser, has been around since the 1890s and proved itself in both battle and the hunting field. It gained fame for its accuracy and manageable recoil, and it was used successfully on game as large as elephants by legendary hunters like W.D.M. Bell.
Despite its history, the 7×57 faded as newer cartridges appeared. But its ballistics still hold up today. It’s flat-shooting, efficient, and effective on game ranging from deer to elk. With modern bullets, its performance is even better than it was a century ago. Hunters who try it often find themselves wondering why it ever fell out of favor. Though not as widely available as other 7mm cartridges, it’s still a great option if you’re willing to put in the effort to find ammunition or handload. The 7×57 Mauser is a classic that deserves more respect than it gets.
6.5×55 Swedish
The 6.5×55 Swedish is one of those cartridges that never really failed—it just never got the recognition it deserved in North America. Introduced in the 1890s, it quickly became a staple in Scandinavia for hunting everything from moose to reindeer. Its combination of high sectional density and mild recoil makes it one of the most effective hunting rounds ever designed.
In the U.S., it got overshadowed by newer 6.5mm cartridges like the Creedmoor, but the 6.5×55 does much the same work with equal or better results. It’s accurate, penetrates deeply, and stays manageable for shooters of all experience levels. European hunters have known this for over a century, and those who use it here often become lifelong fans. If you want a cartridge that has already proven itself for generations, the 6.5×55 Swedish is one that still earns a place in the field.
.300 Savage
The .300 Savage was once a revolutionary cartridge, offering .30-06-like performance in a shorter case. Chambered in the Savage Model 99, it became a favorite among deer hunters in the mid-20th century. With a 150-grain bullet, it offered plenty of speed and energy for whitetail and elk alike, while still being easy to handle.
When the .308 Winchester came along, it largely pushed the .300 Savage aside. But the older round still performs admirably. It’s accurate, reliable, and well-suited for medium and large game. Handloaders can push it even closer to .308 performance, keeping it relevant for hunters who value classic rifles. The .300 Savage may no longer be mainstream, but it remains a capable hunting cartridge that deserves far more attention than it gets today. For those who want something different but proven, it’s still a solid choice.
.32 Winchester Special
The .32 Winchester Special was introduced in 1901 as an alternative to the .30-30. Designed for lever-action rifles, it offered a little more power while still keeping recoil manageable. It quickly became popular among hunters in North America who wanted a round that could handle deer and black bear in thick woods.
While it never matched the popularity of the .30-30, the .32 Winchester Special has plenty going for it. It’s accurate, hits harder than its sibling, and provides good penetration at close to medium ranges. Ammunition is scarcer now, but handloaders keep the round alive, and older rifles chambered in it still show up in the field. If you’re looking for a classic lever-gun cartridge that offers something different from the usual .30-30, the .32 Special is a forgotten option worth a closer look.
.222 Remington
The .222 Remington, sometimes called the “triple deuce,” was once the gold standard for accuracy. Introduced in the 1950s, it dominated benchrest competitions and earned a reputation as a tack-driver. For varmint hunters, it offered flat shooting, light recoil, and precision at longer ranges.
When the .223 Remington arrived, it quickly overshadowed the .222 thanks to its military adoption and similar performance. But the .222 never lost its accuracy edge. Shooters who still use it often rave about how consistently it groups, especially with lighter bullets. While factory ammo is limited, handloaders can get excellent results from this cartridge. For small game and varmint hunting, it remains a capable option that’s fun to shoot. If you’re looking for a forgotten round that still delivers world-class accuracy, the .222 Remington deserves another chance.
.220 Swift
The .220 Swift was the first commercial cartridge to break 4,000 feet per second, and that claim to fame made it legendary. Introduced in the 1930s, it became a favorite among varmint hunters for its blistering speed and flat trajectory. Few rounds could match its performance on small game and predators.
Critics often said the Swift burned out barrels quickly, which hurt its long-term popularity. While there’s some truth to that with older barrels, modern materials and improved powders have largely solved the issue. Hunters who use it today still appreciate its unmatched velocity and precision. If you want a cartridge that shoots flatter than nearly anything else, the .220 Swift still stands tall. It may not be a mainstream option anymore, but for varmint and predator hunters, it’s one of the most exciting cartridges you can revisit.
.30-40 Krag
The .30-40 Krag was America’s first smokeless powder service cartridge, adopted in 1892. It didn’t have the power of later .30-caliber military rounds, but it proved itself in both military and hunting use. Hunters quickly adopted it for deer, elk, and even moose, thanks to its solid ballistics for the time.
Though it’s now considered outdated, the .30-40 Krag is still effective with modern bullets. It delivers ballistics close to the .308 Winchester, with recoil that’s manageable for most shooters. Rifles chambered for it, like the Krag-Jorgensen, are still in circulation and remain prized by collectors and hunters alike. If you want a piece of history that also performs in the field, the .30-40 Krag deserves a second look. It’s more than just a relic—it’s a capable hunting cartridge that still gets the job done.
.348 Winchester
The .348 Winchester was introduced in the 1930s for the Winchester Model 71 lever-action. It was one of the most powerful lever-gun cartridges of its day, capable of taking down elk, moose, and bear. Its heavy bullets hit hard, making it a favorite among hunters who wanted lever-action speed with big-game performance.
Despite its effectiveness, the .348 faded as bolt-action rifles and magnum cartridges became more popular. Today, it’s largely forgotten, but it still offers impressive performance for those willing to track down rifles and ammunition. Handloaders especially keep it alive, as modern bullet designs expand its versatility. If you want a powerful lever-gun cartridge that stands apart from the usual .30-30 or .45-70, the .348 Winchester is a forgotten powerhouse that still deserves respect.
.264 Winchester Magnum
The .264 Winchester Magnum debuted in the late 1950s with promises of flat shooting and long-range performance. It delivered, but it also developed a reputation for burning barrels, which limited its long-term success. The rise of other magnums further pushed it out of the spotlight.
With today’s improved barrel materials and powders, the .264 Win Mag is far more manageable. It remains an excellent long-range hunting cartridge, offering high velocity and excellent downrange energy. It’s flat shooting and versatile enough for deer, antelope, and even elk with the right loads. While newer 6.5mm cartridges have stolen the limelight, the .264 Win Mag still outperforms many of them in raw velocity. For hunters who want long-range capability and aren’t afraid of a little barrel wear, the .264 Win Mag is worth reconsidering.
.280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Ackley Improved started as a wildcat round and eventually gained SAAMI approval. By blowing out the case and improving the shoulder angle of the .280 Remington, it gained more powder capacity and better efficiency. Many shooters see it as one of the best all-around cartridges for North American hunting.
Though it’s more popular now than in decades past, it’s still overshadowed by newer 6.5mm and 7mm options. The .280 AI delivers excellent ballistics with manageable recoil, making it suitable for everything from deer to elk. Handloaders love it for its flexibility, and factory ammo is more available now than it used to be. If you’re looking for a cartridge that was once overlooked but still outperforms many newer rounds, the .280 Ackley Improved is worth your attention. It’s a modern classic that has finally started to get some of the recognition it deserves.
.358 Winchester
The .358 Winchester was introduced in the 1950s as a necked-up .308. It delivered excellent performance on big game, with heavy bullets that hit hard in a compact package. Despite its effectiveness, it never really caught on commercially, and it’s often overlooked today.
For hunters in thick woods or chasing larger animals, the .358 Win makes a lot of sense. It offers stopping power that smaller calibers can’t match, while still fitting in a short-action rifle. The recoil is more noticeable, but still manageable compared to magnum options. Handloaders can get excellent performance from it, and older rifles chambered for it remain effective tools in the field. If you want something different that still works extremely well on elk, moose, or bear, the .358 Winchester is a forgotten cartridge that deserves a second chance.
.225 Winchester
The .225 Winchester appeared in the 1960s as a varmint round intended to compete with the .220 Swift. It offered excellent accuracy and velocity, but it arrived just as the .22-250 was gaining popularity, which quickly pushed it aside. As a result, it never found much commercial success.
Those who still shoot the .225 Win know it’s capable of excellent performance. It delivers flat trajectories and reliable accuracy on varmints and predators. While factory ammo is scarce, handloaders keep it alive, and rifles chambered in it are still capable of impressive results. It may not have the recognition of the .22-250, but it performs in the same league. For shooters who enjoy running something uncommon, the .225 Winchester is a forgotten cartridge that still has plenty to offer in the field.
.41 Magnum
The .41 Magnum was introduced in the 1960s as a middle ground between the .357 and .44 Magnum. While it never achieved the fame of its siblings, it’s a highly effective cartridge for both hunting and defense. With proper loads, it offers excellent penetration and stopping power, all while producing less recoil than the .44 Magnum.
Hunters who use revolvers for game like deer and hogs often find the .41 Mag to be a sweet spot in power and control. It delivers the authority needed to anchor animals while remaining more manageable for follow-up shots. Unfortunately, it never gained wide adoption, which makes ammo harder to find. Still, for those who put in the effort, the .41 Magnum rewards with excellent performance. It’s a handgun cartridge that remains overlooked, but it has the track record to deserve far more attention than it gets today.
.300 H&H Magnum
The .300 H&H Magnum is one of the original magnum cartridges, introduced in the 1920s. For decades, it was the standard by which other long-range hunting rounds were measured. Its long, tapered case fed smoothly and delivered excellent ballistics for its time, making it a favorite of serious hunters.
Over time, newer .30-caliber magnums like the .300 Win Mag took over, leaving the H&H in the shadows. But the older round still performs exceptionally well. It has less abrupt pressure curves, which makes it easier on barrels and brass. Its ballistics remain more than adequate for elk, moose, and long-range deer hunting. While it may not be common today, the .300 H&H Magnum still deserves respect as a capable, accurate, and reliable cartridge. It’s a piece of hunting history that continues to prove its worth for those who give it a chance.
.303 British
The .303 British served as a military cartridge for decades and later became a staple hunting round in Commonwealth countries. Chambered in the Lee-Enfield rifles, it took game of all sizes, including moose and bear, across Canada and beyond. Its heavy bullets provided deep penetration, making it highly effective in the field.
Though it’s less common now, the .303 still works well for medium and large game. Modern loads improve its performance, keeping it relevant for hunters who use older rifles. Many surplus Lee-Enfields are still out there, and they remain capable hunting rifles when paired with this cartridge. While it may not be flashy or modern, the .303 British is one of those rounds that’s proven itself for over a century. It deserves far more respect than it gets in today’s market.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
