Dead Calibers started in 2016, created by Anders E.T. Herzberg as a standalone project to document the history and development of various small arms cartridges. From handgun to rifle, popular to obscure wildcat cartridges, Dead Calibers seeks to preserve the history of these often overlooked and forgotten chamberings.
Each caliber in the Dead Calibers Archive is listed with a condition, denoting how popular and easy to find it is. More information on the classifications that we use is listed below.
Today the project lives on here at Cap & Ball and will continue to expand and grow. If you have any suggestions or information on a cartridge or caliber that you’d like to see featured in Dead Calibers, email us at [email protected]
Condition The Ukraine War Has Changed Things Drones have quickly become one of the most challenging threats on today’s battlefields. With these FPV drones popping up everywhere, Russian and Ukrainian forces fighting in Ukraine have been forced to think outside the box. Enter the 5.45 Anti-Drone round—an improvised buckshot cartridge
A selection of Nylon 66 Rifles in various colors. The Nylon 11 can be distinguished by the detachable magazine. The Nylon 66 Family – Reliable Polymer Guns Before Glock When it comes to American firearms icons, few names should resonate quite like the Nylon 66 from Remington. Built from 1959
Condition A Fascinating Yet Flawed Oddity In the vast world of unusual ammunition, strange and unusual peaks my interest. The .357 Magnum multiball loading is one such case. One that sent me digging deeper into the history of the concept. At first glance, the concept of firing multiple projectiles from
Condition The “Battle Rifle” Caliber Few cartridges in modern history have proven as versatile—or as enduring—as 7.62x51mm NATO. First introduced in the 1950s, this .30-caliber powerhouse quickly became a go-to round for militaries worldwide, serving in rifles, machine guns, and later specialized sniper platforms. At the same time, civilian shooters
A popular and actively in production caliber. Easy to find both firearms and ammunition.
A strong contender but currently overshadowed by other cartridges. Ammo and firearms are still available, but selections have declined.
Limited in both options for firearms and ammunition. Guns chambered in this round will either be limited in selection or out of production. Ammunition may be limited to few or only a handful of manufacturers.
Completely out of production for both firearms and ammunition. Most firearms may be collectors’ items. Ammunition will be limited to only handloading options though brass and bullets may still be available.
