Some calibers look great on paper or in casual conversation, but fall flat when it’s time to get real work done. Whether it’s poor terminal performance, sketchy reliability, or just being outclassed by better options, these rounds have earned a reputation for letting people down in the field. Here are ten calibers that just don’t hold up when you actually count on them.
.22 Long Rifle for Hunting Deer
Plenty of folks have taken deer with a .22 LR, but that doesn’t make it a good idea. The round just doesn’t have the power to reliably drop big game, even with perfect shot placement.
It’s fine for plinking or small varmints, but using it for larger animals often leads to long tracking jobs—or worse. There are better choices that are still lightweight and manageable for newer hunters.
.17 HMR in Windy Conditions
The .17 HMR is fun, accurate, and screams out of the barrel—but only when the weather cooperates. Even a slight breeze can throw off its tiny projectile enough to make ethical shots tough.
It shines on calm days for small game and target shooting, but don’t expect consistency in the field if there’s any kind of wind. The light bullet just doesn’t cut through it.
5.56 NATO on Big Game
The 5.56 NATO gets used for just about everything, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right tool. On deer-sized game or larger, it tends to underperform, especially with poor shot placement.
It’s fine for varmints or home defense, but when it comes to hunting bigger animals, you’re asking too much from a cartridge designed for something else entirely.
.410 Bore for Turkeys
A .410 can take a turkey under perfect conditions, but that’s a narrow window. The pattern is tight and light, which means you’ve got little margin for error beyond 25 yards.
Even with the latest tungsten loads, it’s still not as forgiving as a 12 or 20 gauge. If you’re chasing gobblers, you’re better off with a shotgun that throws a fuller, heavier pattern.
.380 ACP for Woods Carry
The .380 ACP has its place, mostly in pocket pistols for urban carry. But for field use—where you might actually run into a hog or something mean—it doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Penetration and expansion are limited, especially against thick hides. It’s just not the caliber you want when things get wild and there’s no cell service.
6.5 Grendel for Long-Range Hunting
The 6.5 Grendel sounds like a great compromise—better than 5.56, flatter than 7.62×39. But when it comes to stretching out shots on medium to large game, it starts to show its limits.
Velocity drops fast, and energy isn’t quite there past a couple hundred yards. It’s accurate, sure, but for long-range field work, it’s just not built for it.
.30 Carbine for Deer
The .30 Carbine has military roots, but that doesn’t make it a hunting cartridge. It lacks the energy and bullet design to take down deer cleanly, especially at any distance.
Some still try to make it work for nostalgia’s sake, but it’s simply not reliable when it comes to humane kills. There are dozens of better options out there now.
7.62×39 for Precision Work
The 7.62×39 is a workhorse for short-range stuff, but don’t expect tight groups or long-range consistency. It was built for volume and durability, not surgical precision.
It’s great for hogs at close range, but when folks try to turn it into a long-range deer round, it often ends in frustration. Cheap ammo and bullet drop don’t help either.
.32 ACP for Defensive Use Outdoors
The .32 ACP is a historical oddity that people still carry for some reason. In a pinch, it can defend you—but it wouldn’t be anyone’s first pick for serious outdoor threats.
It lacks penetration, expansion, and stopping power. Against a two-legged threat, maybe. Against a four-legged one? That’s a gamble that might not pay off.
.204 Ruger for Coyotes in the Brush
The .204 Ruger is lightning-fast and laser-straight on open ground. But once you add brush or even light twigs, it all falls apart. That tiny bullet doesn’t hold up well to deflection.
In dense terrain, it just doesn’t have the punch or stability you need for consistent hits. It’s more of a prairie round than a woodland one.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
