The Definitive Illustrated Guide to Modern and Historic Metallic Cartridges

The cartridges you rely on—and countless others you may have never encountered—are brought together in the newest edition of the world’s most trusted cartridge reference. Cartridges of the World, 18th Edition delivers the depth, clarity, and authority demanded by serious shooters, reloaders, and cartridge enthusiasts alike. Inside, you’ll find coverage of the latest standard American sporting cartridges and today’s most talked-about proprietary rounds, alongside in-depth feature articles authored by respected voices from across the firearms industry.

Expanded and more comprehensive than ever, this 720-page volume documents cartridges past and present with detailed descriptions, applications, and performance insights. Hundreds of high-quality photographs bring each entry to life, while updated specifications and reference tables provide practical, at-a-glance information. From historical mainstays to newly released designs, this extensively illustrated guide serves as an essential resource for handguns and rifles.

• Coverage of sporting, wildcat, handgun, military, and specialty cartridges
• New additions including 7mm Backcountry, 7mm PRC, 22 ARC, 21 Sharp, and more
• Updated specification and reference charts throughout
• Expanded full-color feature section on shooting and ballistics
• Expert guidance on handloads and cartridge selection
• Dozens of new and emerging entries, including trendsetting wildcats

There has never been a better time for shooters and reloaders who want to customize their cartridge or load for maximum performance and accuracy. Gracing the cover of the 18th Edition are representatives of these high-quality components and cartridges available today. Shown are .30-caliber Sierra bullets on the left and Barnes VOR-TX cartridges in the sizzling 7mm PRC on the right. In the center is a box of the Harvest Collection, an optimized line of hunting ammunition in an array of chamberings.

From cutting-edge factory ammunition to innovative wildcats shaping the future of ballistics, Cartridges of the World, 18th Edition stands as the most complete cartridge reference available—and an indispensable addition to any reloading bench or firearms library.

Easy Cartridge Reference Index
Chapter 1: Current American Sporting Cartridges
Chapter 2: Obsolete American Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 3: Wildcat Cartridges
Chapter 4: Proprietary Cartridges
Chapter 5: Handgun Cartridges
Chapter 6: Military Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 7: British Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 8: European Sporting Rifle Cartridges
Chapter 9: American Rimfire Cartridges
Chapter 10: U.S. Military Ammunition 5.56 to 20mm
Chapter 11: Cartridge Identification by Measurement