What Guns Use .335 Ammo? Understanding a Rare Caliber

In the world of firearms and ammunition, many calibers are widely known and used by gun enthusiasts and professionals. However, some calibers are rare or less commonly used, often sparking curiosity and confusion. One such rare caliber is the .335 ammo, which is not as prevalent as more widely recognized calibers like .22 LR, .9mm, or .223. If you’re wondering what guns use .335 ammo, it’s important to understand the specifics of this caliber, why it’s less common, and what types of firearms might be designed to use it.

In this article, we will explore the details about the .335 ammo, its potential uses, and the guns that might be chambered for it, including the history, advantages, and challenges of using this particular ammunition.

What Is .335 Ammo?

Before delving into what guns use .335 ammo, let’s first understand what this caliber refers to. The .335 ammo is a reference to a specific bullet diameter, measured at approximately 8.5 mm in diameter. However, this particular caliber is quite rare, and it’s not a common option for most modern firearms. It’s worth noting that many ammunition calibers are named based on their bullet diameter, such as .45 ACP, .50 BMG, or .223 Remington.

Due to its uncommon nature, .335 ammo does not have a standard, widely recognized presence in mainstream ammunition categories. Therefore, finding a gun that uses this exact caliber may require some research.

The rarity of .335 ammo can be attributed to the fact that many firearm manufacturers tend to favor calibers that have larger market demand. This means that most ammunition manufacturers and gun designers focus their efforts on producing calibers like .9mm, .38 Special, or .308 Winchester—calibers with broader use and availability.

Despite its limited popularity, certain firearms may still be designed for .335 ammo, including unique or specialized models for specific purposes, such as certain target or hunting firearms.

Why Is .335 Ammo Rare?

The reason .335 ammo is rare and less common is primarily due to market demand and the specific needs of most firearm users. Here are a few reasons why .335 ammo is not widely produced:

1. Limited Use Cases

Most firearm users tend to gravitate towards calibers that are widely accepted for common applications such as self-defense, hunting, or sport shooting. Calibers like 9mm, .22 LR, and .223 are used frequently in handguns, rifles, and shotguns because they cater to the specific needs of a wide range of users. As such, ammunition like .335 is not necessary for most everyday shooting purposes.

2. Standardization of Ammunition

The firearm industry tends to standardize ammunition calibers to simplify production and make it easier for consumers to purchase compatible rounds. Ammunition manufacturers aim to produce calibers that are compatible with a wide range of firearms and are in high demand. As a result, niche calibers like .335 may not be produced in large quantities.

3. Specialized Applications

There could be certain niche applications for .335 ammo, such as precision shooting, hunting specific game, or military and law enforcement use in select regions. However, these specialized needs don’t result in widespread demand, meaning that manufacturers are less inclined to develop and distribute .335 rounds to the mass market.

Types of Guns That Might Use .335 Ammo

While it is rare, there are still certain firearms that could potentially use .335 ammo. Given that the .335 caliber falls between more commonly used calibers, such as 9mm and .45 ACP, it might be designed for specific purposes or found in niche firearms.

1. Custom Handguns

In some cases, .335 ammo might be used in custom or one-off handguns. Gunsmiths and firearm enthusiasts who have particular needs for a specific caliber may opt to have firearms chambered in .335 ammo for unique applications, such as precision shooting or custom sporting events. This would not be typical for mass-market handguns, but custom gunsmiths may create handguns chambered for .335 ammo based on the shooter’s preferences.

• Example: A custom-designed revolver or semi-automatic pistol might be chambered in .335 for specialized target shooting competitions or for someone interested in experimenting with uncommon calibers.

2. Specialty Rifles

Certain specialty rifles or long-range shooting guns could potentially be chambered in .335 ammo, especially if this caliber is required for a particular type of hunting or competition shooting. These rifles would most likely be designed for a niche market, with manufacturers and gunsmiths tailoring the firearm to specific performance needs.

• Example: A precision rifle designed for long-range target shooting or varmint hunting could, in theory, be made to use .335 ammunition. However, the rarity of the round would make it a less practical choice for general-purpose use.

3. Experimental or Military Firearms

Another possible application of .335 ammo could be in experimental or military firearms. Some military and law enforcement agencies may use ammunition calibers that aren’t widely available to the general public. These calibers may be tested in specialized environments or for particular operational needs.

• Example: A military or police sniper rifle could potentially be chambered in .335 ammo for very specific operational needs, such as taking down small game at long distances or for use in an environment where this specific round offers unique advantages over more common calibers.

4. Hunting Firearms

Certain hunting rifles might be chambered in .335 ammo, especially if the round is designed for medium to large game hunting. Hunting rifles are often designed to accommodate various types of ammo, and in areas where this round might be used for specific types of game, it could find a niche.

• Example: A rifle designed for medium-sized game like deer or hogs could be made to use .335 ammunition if the round offers particular advantages in ballistic performance for these types of hunts.

Why Would Someone Choose .335 Ammo?

For most firearm users, choosing .335 ammo would not be a practical decision due to its rarity and limited availability. However, there are several reasons why someone might opt for this unusual caliber:

• Specialized Hunting: Some hunters may find that .335 ammo provides optimal performance for specific types of game, such as medium-sized animals that require a certain level of stopping power without causing excessive damage to the meat.

• Target Shooting: Precision shooters or enthusiasts might choose .335 ammo because it offers unique ballistics or fits a specific target shooting niche. For those seeking to experiment with different calibers for improved accuracy, .335 could provide an interesting challenge.

• Historical or Collector’s Interest: Firearms collectors might pursue guns chambered in rare calibers like .335 simply due to the caliber’s rarity. Collectors often seek out firearms with unique features, and a gun designed for .335 ammo could be a valuable addition to a collection.

Challenges of Using .335 Ammo

While there may be benefits to using .335 ammo in certain situations, there are also challenges associated with this caliber:

• Ammunition Availability: As a rare caliber, .335 ammo may be difficult to find. If you’re relying on .335 for regular use, it may be frustrating to source the rounds consistently.
• Compatibility: If you’re purchasing a firearm chambered in .335 ammo, you may find that fewer guns are designed for this caliber, limiting your options for firearm selection.
• Cost: Due to the specialized nature of .335 ammo, it could be more expensive to purchase than more common calibers like .22 LR or 9mm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, .335 ammo is a rare and uncommon caliber that is not widely used in mainstream firearms. While it may have applications in custom handguns, specialized rifles, and certain niche uses such as hunting or target shooting, it is not commonly found in everyday firearms. If you’re interested in firearms that use .335 ammo, be prepared for challenges related to ammunition availability and cost. For most firearm users, opting for more standard calibers will be more practical. However, for collectors, specialized hunters, or target shooters, .335 ammo may still hold a unique appeal.

Ultimately, the rarity of .335 ammo makes it more of a curiosity for firearm enthusiasts rather than a go-to choice for the average shooter.