How old does a cartridge need to be to be considered a "Classic"?

[TStone]

I consider a 375H&H a classic

I agree and it does seem to fit in with the definition below...

classic
/ˈklasɪk/
adjective

• 1.
  judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kin
• 2.
  very typical of its kind.

[Ds J]

A classic car is a vintage vehicle, preferably something with prestige of some kind.

A classic typewriter works mechanically with levers and ribbons.

A classic chair could be an old rocker or a well preserved, stylish antique.

A classic cartridge has either proven itself (.22 and 303) or set a benchmark (300 H&H) or dominated the scene (375 H&H) with some outstanding quality.

The AK-47 cartridge is a classic as well, but why? Because it was used in one of the first ultra reliable combat rifles?

Emotion plays a rather big role in this all.

The 6,5mm Creedmoor will probably be a classic one day - currently it is simply too young.

My guess: a well liked and successfull cartridge will probably become a classic over time.

[CorditeCrazy]

A classic is something that was popular before but is not anymore.

No, some classics very saught after still - like an AC Cobra for example.

[CorditeCrazy]

Emotion plays a rather big role in this all.

This very important part is often understated.

[Pirate]

I agree and it does seem to fit in with the definition below...

classic[/FONT]
/ˈklasɪk/
adjective

• 1.
  judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kin
• 2.
  very typical of its kind.

Case closed, by this definition the 308 is most definitely a classic!

[Gert Odendaal]

I consider a classic as a rifle used to hunt with in the numerous hunting books written by the "White Hunters" of old through to the old hunters in the 1980.

[Wesley]

Depends who you ask. For me, it is about rifle calibers originating from a bygone era. I have no problem with a classic caliber in a modern high quality platform.

I get great joy when these old calibers meet or exceed the performance of the latest fashionable caliber. When I started hunting all I had to endure from fellow enthusiasts was to hear how wonderful the .270 was. Everything was just about velocity, velocity, velocity. My 7x57 with its rainbow trajectory was just kak. Needless to say, it matched the .270 one for one on every trip we’ve been. It had also been far more pleasant to shoot than those .270’s.

If it is anti American-Magnum-Mania, I’m interested! They have always tried to copy what the European’s have excelled at 50 years earlier.