The Dead Calibers Archive

Documenting the Persuit of Ballistic Perfection

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]

Remington EtronX Rifle - model-700-etronx-receiver1
Anders Herzberg

Remington EtronX Rifle: A New Gun for “Modern Marksmen”

Electronic Ignition System The Remington EtronX Rifle first hit the scene in 2001, and it quickly generated buzz as a forward-thinking design that replaced traditional percussive ignition with an electric primer system. Remington hoped this cutting-edge approach would transform lock time, simplify the trigger mechanism, and open new possibilities for

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Can Cannon
Anders Herzberg

The Soda Can Cannon: When Anything Can Be a Projectile

Condition The Soda Can Weaponized Anders, what exactly are you on about you may ask.  Ok, hear me out, weaponized soda cans.  Yes, that’s a real thing and I think it’s hilarious. It might sound ridiculous—okay, it absolutely is—but launching soda cans hundreds of feet is now a reality thanks

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1911 Pistol - M1911A1
Anders Herzberg

Unbeatable Heritage: The 1911 Pistol That Transformed Firepower

Historic Evolution: The 1911 Pistol Few handguns in history can match the legendary status of the 1911 pistol. Known for its .45 ACP chambering, rugged design, and impressive track record, the 1911 pistol was at the heart of U.S. military service for much of the 20th century. It has also

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222 Remington Example
Anders Herzberg

The .222 Remington: The Legendary Father of the 5.56

Condition The .222 Remington A Cartridge to Rember The .222 Remington is more than just a footnote in firearms history. Despite its waning popularity in the US today.  Introduced in 1950 and designed by Mike Walker for Remington’s Model 722 rifle, this small-bore cartridge quickly became a favorite among benchrest

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Caliber Conditions

Living

A popular and actively in production caliber. Easy to find both firearms and ammunition.

Living

Injured

A strong contender but currently overshadowed by other cartridges. Ammo and firearms are still available, but selections have declined.  

Critical

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. 

Dead

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. 

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