Every Experimental Ammunition Caliber the Military Tested and Rejected Since World War Two

Explore the history of experimental ammunition tested by the military. See which designs succeeded and which were left behind. This video traces the evolution of rifle cartridges and firearm technology from the early 1930s through the modern era. We examine specific US Army testing records, starting with documented trials from 1932 that shaped how ballistic development was approached for decades. By looking at manufacturing diagrams and archival footage from 1951, we can better understand the engineering challenges faced by designers attempting to create the next standard-issue caliber. Beyond the early prototypes, the video covers the transition into contemporary weapons development. We analyze how lessons from past failures influenced current military rifle cartridges, including insights into modern training exercises and the role of major manufacturers like Heckler & Koch. Whether you are a student of firearm history or interested in the technical side of ballistics, this timeline provides a clear look at why many promising designs never made it to the battlefield. Subscribe for weekly military technology breakdowns, and comment below on which historical weapon system you want us to cover next. 0:00 The Cartridge That Never Stood a Chance 1:53 Project Salvo and the Myth of More Bullets 4:51 The Fleshette Dream and Its Deadly Flaws 8:35 The G11 and the End of the Brass Case 14:25 The 277 Fury and the Modern Dilemma