Exploring the Curious Ammunition of the Rifle and Pistol World

When we think of ammunition, terms like 'sophisticated', 'reliable', or 'high-impact' usually come to mind. However, it's often the bizarre and peculiar that capture our attention. This article delves into some of the weirdest and most curious ammunition throughout history, including the odd 6.5 x 50 mm Arisaka round, miniature cartridges, Dardick's "Tround", Norinco's multipurpose bombs, .50 BMG ratshot, and bolo rounds. We’ll also touch on how these unique rounds contribute to the world of exotic firearms.

Odd and Ridiculous: The 6.5 x 50 mm Arisaka Round

One of the most immediately striking rounds is the 6.5 x 50 mm Arisaka. This round has a unique and peculiar shape that makes it stand out. The large ogive (the pointy tip at the front of the casing) is often described as looking like a 'big weenie sticking out of the front of the casing'. It’s such a visually arresting feature that upon viewing, it's impossible not to burst out in laughter. Unfortunately, finding a die for this round to reload has proven elusive, despite the desire to stockpile them for use with a father's rifle.

Costs to obtain this ammunition further highlight its niche status. A box of 20 rounds from Norma would set one back $75, not an insignificant amount for something that might be used rarely. This peculiar design isn't only humorous; it showcases the ingenuity and sometimes eccentricity of firearms manufacturing.

Miniature Marvels: Tiny Cartridges

Two of the most peculiar cartridges laid out in the collection are among the tiniest. The first is described as a tiny cartridge encased in a bubble, while the second is essentially a BB housed within a primer cap for a blackpowder pistol. Both were designed to be shot, though their specific purposes have been forgotten. The miniature nature of these rounds is both striking and intriguing. They challenge our conventional understanding of what a cartridge should look and function like.

The Triangular Dardick 'Tround'

The most bizarre round comes from the innovative (or perhaps misguided) mind of David Dardick, who developed the Dardick 'Tround'. This peculiar shape—a triangle—was designed to be used exclusively in the Dardick pistol/carbine system. While these firearms were not widely adopted and were ultimately short-lived, the concept of a triangular-shaped bullet remains a marriage of ingenuity and whimsy.

Convertibles: The Norinco 35x32mm Sniper Grenade Rifle

While not as visually striking as the 6.5 x 50 mm Arisaka or the Dardick 'Tround', the Norinco 35x32mm Sniper Grenade Rifle offers a unique form of versatility and destructive capability. Capable of carrying a 400 gram High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead, this grenade rifle's price ranges around $100, with available thermal warheads and swarm capability. Its full auto mode adds an additional layer of lethality, making it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.

Arsenal of Wisdom: The .50 BMG Ratshot

The .50 BMG ratshot is a peculiar concept that highlights the ingenuity of ammunition design. Essentially, it consists of a standard .50 BMG round with a cluster of small, ferocious bullets at the end. The power and efficiency of this rounds' design dwarf its intended target, a small rodent, showcasing the extreme capabilities of this ammunition in comparison to its use. It’s a testament to the dynamic range of ammunition design and usage, raising questions about the practicality of using such a powerful tool for such a minor purpose.

Wire Spin: The Bolo Rounds

Bolo rounds, also known as macho rounds, are yet another unique ammunition type. These are shot from shotguns and consist of two steel balls connected by a wire, akin to chain shot. Upon firing, they spin, creating a close-range explosion when impacting a target. This concept, reminiscent of old chain shot used in warships, is both practical and visually interesting. Videos showcasing the effectiveness of these rounds against human dummies provide a testament to their unique merits in the realm of ammunition.

These rounds, from the Arisaka to the Dardick 'Tround', symbolize the endless creativity and ingenuity within the world of firearms and ammunition. Each type of ammunition tells a story of innovation, practicality, and sometimes, eccentricity. Whether praised or ridiculed, these rounds continue to pique our interest and challenge our perceptions of what a round 'should' look and function like.