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You are here: Home / Archives for Ammunition

Ammunition

Hornady’s .357 Magnum Critical Defense Load – Quick Ammo Review

by: Richard Johnson 3 Comments

Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum Review

Combine the legendary stopping power of the .357 Magnum with modern bullet design and you can potentially create an amazingly effective self-defense round. That seems to be exactly what Hornady had in mind when it developed the Critical Defense load chambered for the classic Magnum.

[Read more…] about Hornady’s .357 Magnum Critical Defense Load – Quick Ammo Review

World’s Fastest Handgun Cartridge – or Not? The 7.5 FK BRNO

by: Richard Johnson 23 Comments

7.5 FK Fastest Handgun Cartridge

FK Brno introduced a new cartridge and pistol system a few months back, and some are calling it the fastest handgun cartridge made. But, is it really? Leaving out the handguns developed to fire traditional rifle cartridges, is the new cartridge/handgun combination the speediest on the market?

Cartridge Basics

The new FK Brno cartridge is officially called the 7.5 FK. It is a bottleneck design that is not based on any existing cartridge cases, so don’t expect to make your own with existing brass.

The 7.5 FK has a 7.8mm diameter bullet (roughly .30 caliber) with an overall cartridge length of 35mm. The case length is 27mm long.

7.5 FK Cartridge

As it was developed by FK Brno, a company located in the Czech Republic, the cartridge was standardized under Commission Internationale Permanente pour L’épreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives, or C.I.P. for short. This commission tests small arms and ammunition and sets certain safety standards. Although not a perfect comparison, C.I.P. is similar to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) in the United States.

According to FK Brno, the design of the 7.5 FK began in 2010 when the company was approached by a customer that wanted a system to bridge the gap between existing handgun and rifle performance. Although the company does not identify this client, it appears that the cartridge was intended for military use.

Development parameters included:

  • the cartridge should be fired from a typically sized/shaped pistol,
  • using the pistol at 100 meters, the rounds should group within a 10 cm x 10 cm box, and
  • recoil should be no more than that of a .45 ACP +P cartridge.

Ultimately, the client did not pursue the design, but the company continued its development for the commercial market.

Fast…But Fastest?

In the company’s advertising, FK Brno states the new round has a muzzle velocity of 2,000 fps with a 100 grain bullet. Without reservation, that is impressive from a duty sized handgun.

But, is it really the fastest? Let’s take a look at some currently manufactured handgun ammunition.

5.7×28

One of the obvious cartridges to check is the 5.7x28mm developed by FN Herstal. FN developed the round to be fired from both handguns and PDWs – a mission that is similar to the original design inspiration for the 7.5 FK cartridge. Although I’ve seen 5.7×28 ammunition rated at velocities in excess of 2,000 fps, I’ve never come close to those numbers from a handgun.

For example, the SS197 SR round with the 40 grain Hornady V-MAX bullet only measures an average of 1,683 fps across my chronograph when fired from the company’s Five seveN pistol. Likewise, the American Eagle 40 grain TMJ load from Federal averages 1,638 fps across my chrony. Military loads may do better, but I’d say the 7.5 FK is likely faster.

9mm

Interestingly, the oft maligned 9mm is capable of more than 2,000 fps from normal handguns. I’ve extensively tested the Civil Defense line of ammo from Liberty Ammunition. With a 50 grain hollowpoint bullet, I measured 5 shot average velocities in excess of 2,000 fps with a range of pistols:

  • CZ P-07 Duty: 2,015 fps
  • Glock 17, Gen4: 2,087 fps
  • Glock 19, Gen2: 2,069 fps
  • Glock 19, Gen4: 2,025 fps
  • Glock 43: 2,028 fps
  • HK VP9: 2,057 fps
  • Springfield Armory XD-S 4.0: 2,001 fps

While Liberty Ammunition might be a niche load company, I daresay the 7.5 FK is a niche caliber so I believe the comparison is fair. Of course, the 7.5 FK is very impressive as its driving a bullet that is double the weight of the one used in the Liberty Ammunition round to roughly the same speeds.

Of course, one could also argue that obsolete cartridges like the .357 Maximum and .475 Wildey Magnum could also surpass 2,000 fps by loading a lighter bullet. In fact, both of those cartridges would likely blow past the 2,000 fps threshold with a 100 grain (or heavier) bullet.

.460 S&W Magnum

This monster cartridge has loads from Hornady and Winchester that are rated at or above 2,000 fps. Smaller ammo manufacturers may have a few more. However, I am unaware of any semi-automatic pistol chambered in .460 Magnum.

.221 Fireball

If any handgun caliber deserves the “fastest” label, it might be the .221 Fireball. Developed for use in a bolt action handgun, the .221 Fireball threw lead in excess of 2,500 fps. Although the original Remington x100 is no longer made, ammo is still available from Remington, Nosler and others.

Currently manufactured loads are rated at up to 3,200 fps. I suspect that those numbers may be from a rifle length barrel, but even so, I would expect handgun length barrels to well exceed 2,000 fps.

Of course even the Fireball can’t touch the theoretical 25,000 fps claimed in a patent application from Smith & Wesson. Even assuming that was a typo (read the article), a 2,500 fps revolver cartridge is nothing to sneeze at.

So, is the new 7.5 FK the “fastest” handgun cartridge. Strictly speaking, no. However, speed is only part of the equation. I wouldn’t classify the .221 Fireball or .460 S&W Magnum as self-defense or combat cartridges in a normal context – something the 7.5 FK appears to have been designed for.

While Liberty Ammunition is able to push the 9mm beyond 2,000 fps, the 7.5 FK is designed from the ground up to do that. Who knows what limits others could push the 7.5 FK to?

What About Energy?

Bullet energy is another thing we can measure in an effort to predict the usefulness of a given cartridge. While I do not think bullet energy equals “stopping power,” I do believe energy plays a role in the terminal effectiveness of a round. Energy levels are also used by some hunters as a rule of thumb when deciding what cartridges may be suitable for what kinds of game.

7.5 FK shot in ballistic gel

A 100 grain bullet moving at 2,000 fps generates about 888 ft-lbs of energy. That is extremely impressive from a handgun. So, how does that compare the the above mentioned cartridges?

 

bullet weight (grains)

velocity (FPS)

energy (ft-lbs)

7.5 FK

100

2,000

888

5.7x28 - FN SS197 SR

40

1,683*

252

9mm - Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense

50

2,025*

455

.460 S&W Magnum - Hornady Custom FTX

200

2,200

2,150

.221 Fireball - Nosler Custom Ballistic Tip Varmint

40

3,200

910

* measured

Compared to the 5.7×28 and 9mm loads, the 7.5 FK generates significantly more energy. If the felt recoil is that of a .45 ACP +P, then that might be a good trade off for many people.

What is also impressive about this cartridge is that at 100 meters, the bullet is still able to deliver more than 500 ft-lbs of energy.

The Guns

7.5 FK Field Pistol

Ok, so FK Brno has an interesting little cartridge, but its all for naught if there isn’t a reliable gun from which to shoot them. Enter the 7.5 FK Field pistol.

The pistol is a single action handgun that uses a tilting barrel and holds 14 rounds in the magazine. It has a 6″ barrel and weighs just under three pounds. The rear sight is designed to be easily replaced by a Trijicon RMR sight.

According to FK Brno, the new 7.5 FK Field pistol is an entirely new design with a special recoil attenuation system that has been patented by the company.

7.5 FK Recoil System

The company has not offered specific details on how the system works, but has provided the graphic above  comparing a standard recoil system with their new system.

Proprietary Pricing

Right now, the 7.5 FK pistols are not being imported into the United States. However, American Rifleman reported that the company was in negotiations with a Florida-based importer to bring the guns into the country. There are several importers here in Florida, but two large ones immediately jump to mind: Century Arms and EAA Corp.

Of course, all of this is pending BATFE import approval.

most expensive pistol

The real problem for this gun and cartridge is the rumored price. According to an article in the American Rifleman, the gun “…could be well north of $5,000.” If that is so, I do not expect many of these guns to sell.

New Ammunition for 2016

by: Richard Johnson 1 Comment

The SHOT Show has come and gone, so there have been a lot of new product announcements to sort through. For all of you that are interested in the new ammunition that is being offered, here is a round up of the new loads introduced for 2016.

Highlights

  • two new calibers: 30 Nosler and 6.5-300 Wby Mag
  • 5mm RRM being loaded again by Aguila
  • Browning launches HUGE ammo business
  • Federal, Hornady and Winchester offer many new loads

All of the new loads are organized by manufacturer. Click the company name on the right (or above if you are on a mobile device) to be taken directly to that company’s new ammo. You can also just scroll down and see everything that the companies are offering.

Warning: this article is quite long at more than 6,500 words. Of course that does not include photos, tables and videos. I won’t claim that it is 100% complete, but it is fairly detailed.

Some companies offer limited information, while others offer conflicting information. I’ve tried to double check all of the information gathered at the SHOT Show with the companies’ websites and printed catalogs. In a few cases, the published information was incorrect and I’ve included the correct information here. Most often, I saw errors in calculated bullet energy.

Please let me know in the comments section if I missed anything.

Aguila

Aguila 40 S&W ammo

Mexican manufacturer Aguila has a few new products coming in 2016. These include new rimfire cartridges and handgun rounds.

 velocityenergy
40 grain JHP2,300 fps470 ft-lbs
45 grain HP2,400 fps575 ft-lbs
FMJnot givennot given

Starting with the rimfire rounds, Aguila is introducing three new 5mm RRM loads. The three loads are listed in the table above. The published energy levels were shown for both loads to be 383 ft-lbs, which are incorrect for the stated bullet weights and velocities. So the numbers in the energy column are calculated, not stated numbers. Additionally, Aguila has not yet published specs on the FMJ round.

17 aguillaThe 5mm RMM, or 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum, is a largely dead cartridge after the primary rifles chambered for the cartridge, the Remington 591 and 592 were discontinued in 1973. Between those and the Thompson Center Contender pistols, it is believed that fewer than 100,000 factory guns were ever made for the cartridge.

In 2008, Taurus announced plans to introduce a model 590 revolver chambered for cartridge. However, I do not believe a single gun ever shipped, and the product was removed from the company catalog. At that time, Aguila began making a 35 grain HP load for the 5mm RMM, which was the first factory ammo for the caliber since the 1980’s. Since then, the company pulled that specific load.

Why the company is introducing three new loads in this caliber is a mystery to me. It may foretell of a new rifle introduction later this year. Or not.

Another interesting addition to the rimfire line is the .17 Aguila. This is another mostly-dead cartridge of more recent design. It was introduced a little more than a decade ago, but was overshadowed by other .17 offerings like the .17 HMR. No specs are listed yet for this round.

 velocityenergy
9mm 117 gr JHP +Pnot statednot stated
.40 S&W 180 gr JHP920 fps338 ft-lbs
.40 S&W 180 gr FMJ +P1,100 fps484 ft-lbs

Aguila is also introducing three new handgun loads: one in 9mm and two in .40 S&W.

Aguila 9mm ammunition

The 9mm comes in an unusual bullet weight if 117 grains. Typical bullet weights in 9mm are 115 grains, 124 grains and 147 grains. There are other bullet weights available, but these are the most common. Aguila already offers a standard pressure 117 grain JHP in 9mm, so adding a +P variety isn’t a big surprise.

With the .40 S&W loads, the FMJ load sticks out to me. It is listed as being +P, or high pressure.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) publishes standardized specifications for ammunition. These standards include pressure limits. For a limited number of handgun cartridges, high pressure standards are also set. These are indicated as “+P” cartridges.

The .40 S&W does not have a SAAMI-approved +P pressure specification. That means the pressure generated could literally be at any level, including dangerous levels. I do not believe that Aguila would knowingly load any ammunition to dangerous levels, but it is a situation you should enter into understanding the potential problem.

Barnes Bullets

Perhaps best known for its lines of all copper bullets, Barnes Bullets also offers loaded ammunition for both rifles and handguns. Its newest offerings come from the VOR-TX line of rifle ammo.

The company will offer three new loads:

  • 308 Win 130 grain TTSX BT
  • 300 Win Mag 190 grain LRX BT
  • 35 Whelen 200 grain TTSX BT

At the time of this writing, Barnes has not released specs on these loads.

Black Hills

Black Hills .308

Black Hills is one of those companies that builds great products, but doesn’t seem to get the fanfare it probably should. I like their ammunition, and so do a lot of other shooters. Well, for 2016, the company has a number of new rifle and pistol loads that have been added to its catalog.

Starting with rifles, Black Hills introduced a new .308 Win round and a new 300 Whisper round. Both loads use a Sierra Tipped Match King (TMK) bullet instead of a traditional open tipped match bullet. The TMK provides an improved ballistic coefficient and rapid expansion in target.

The .308 Win round uses a 155 grain TMK that is loaded to 2,750 fps. The bullet has a coefficient of 0.519. For the 300 Whisper, Black Hills used a 125 grain TMK running 2,200 fps at the muzzle.

In the handgun calibers, Black Hills teamed up with Lehigh Defense to create the new Extreme Defense line of ammo. The new line has two initial calibers: .380 ACP and .38 Special. Both loads use a solid copper bullet that is supposed to create a large wound cavity without expanding. The bullet design is similar to what Lehigh Defense already makes, but Black Hills uses different loads with different bullet weights.

According to the company, the new .380 ACP uses a 60 grain bullet that is moving at about 1,150 fps at the muzzle. Company testing shows the solid bullet penetrates to about 9-11″ in ballistic gelatin.

The new .38 Special load is a standard pressure round that uses a 100 grain bullet. The rated 1,250 fps is from a 6″ barrel, while a snub nose revolver produces closer to 1,000 fps. Penetration is estimated at 11″.

Browning

Browning BXP ammo

For 2016, Browning has made a very aggressive move into the ammunition market. Previously, the company did not make ammunition. Instead of hesitantly dipping a toe into the water, the company introduced a complete line: rimfire, shotshell, centerfire pistol and centerfire rifle. Everything from hunting to plinking to self-defense is covered.

 velocityenergy
.380 ACP 95 gr BXP1,000 fps211 ft-lbs
9mm 147 gr BXP1,000 fps326 ft-lbs
.40 S&W 180 gr BXP1,020 fps416 ft-lbs
.45 ACP 230 gr BXP920 fps432 ft-lbs

Browning’s personal defense line of handgun ammo is called BXP. The BXP personal defense ammunition uses an X-Point insert to help prevent the hollow point from clogging when passing through clothing or an intermediate barrier.

Since the company opted for all handgun loads to use heavy-for-caliber bullets and operate at subsonic velocities, having some sort of mechanical assist would appear to be absolutely needed to ensure bullet expansion.

While these loads may wind up being exceptional performers, I would caution against using them for self-defense. Until the loads have some sort of track record, they are simply an unknown. I suggest sticking to proven loads like the Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST lines. In a few years, the BXP may be worth consideration.

To go with the self-defense ammo line, Browning also introduced the BPT target ammunition. These loads match the self defense loads in both bullet weight and velocity. Instead of having an X-Point hollow point, these rounds use a full metal jacketed bullet.

For rifle hunting loads, Browning introduced two new centerfire lines. The first is called the BXR Rapid Expansion Matrix Tip. The BXR was designed specifically for taking deer and antelope. The bullet design combines a copper bullet with a copper/polymer tip.

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
243 Win97 gr3,100 fps2,069 ft-lbs
270 Win134 gr3,060 fps2,786 ft-lbs
30-30 Win155 gr2,390 fps1,966 ft-lbs
308 Win155 gr2,820 fps2,737 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg155 gr2,920 fps2,934 ft-lbs
300 Win Mag155 gr3,260 fps3,657 ft-lbs
300 WSM155 gr3,260 fps3,657 ft-lbs

As with other polymer tip designs, the tip improves the ballistic coefficient of the bullet and helps ensure rapid expansion. However, since the tip is a blend of copper (85%) and polymer (15%), the tip actually fragments when hitting the animal, increasing the wounding capability of the round.

The BXR ammunition will be available in seven popular hunting calibers. Please take a look at the table above.

For larger game, Browning introduced the BXC Control Expansion line. These loads are better suited for animals like elk, moose, mule deer and bear as the bullet is designed for deeper penetration.

The bullet is bonded to help prevent jacket separation. Like the BXR, these bullets use a tip to improve expansion and flight characteristics. However, instead of a polymer or polymer blend tip, the BXC uses a brass tip.

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
270 Win145 gr2,960 fps2,820 ft-lbs
7mm Rem Mag155 gr2,950 fps2,995 ft-lbs
308 Win168 gr2,820 fps2,966 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg185 gr2,700 fps2,994 ft-lbs
300 Win Mag185 gr2,885 fps3,418 ft-lbs
300 WSM185 gr2,885 fps3,418 ft-lbs

The above table shows the calibers and specifications for each load in the BXC line.

Rimfire cartridges were not forgotten in the new Browning ammunition catalog. In fact, there are three different .22 LR loads in the BPR Performance Rimfire line.

Browning BPR rimfire

The first load is a 40 grain target load that comes in bulk packs of 400 rounds. The bullet has a black oxide coating and is tailored to provide reliable functioning in semi-automatic rifles. From a rifle, these rounds are moving at about 1,255 fps at the muzzle. From a handgun with a 6″ barrel, Browning states a velocity of 1,060 fps is typical.

Another load is a high velocity round with a 40 grain hollow point. With this round, think hunting and varmint control. Browning puts rifle velocities at 1,435 fps and handgun at 1,305 fps.

The final round in the rimfire realm is the fragmenting bullet. This 36 grain bullet will break into three fragments formed by the sides of the hollowpoint, while the base continues deeper in a fourth wound channel. I imagine the effects are quite devastating on ground hogs and the like. Velocity from a rifle is pegged at 1,400 fps. Out of a handgun, expect around 1,215 fps.

The final part of the new Browning line are the shotshells. The company is offering both hunting and target loads.

For you duck hunters, the BXD Waterfowl load offers plated steel shot combined with a specially designed wad to keep the pattern dense for longer range shooting. There are five 12 gauges loads and a single 20 gauge load. The 12s are offered in both 3″ and 3.5″ lengths with BB, #2 and #4 shot. Loads run from 1.25-1.5 ounces. The longer shells are rated at 1,500 fps, while the 3″ versions come in at 1,450 fps.

The sole 20 gauge load uses a 3″ shell with a one ounce load of #2 shot. The muzzle velocity is 1,300 fps.

If you are into upland bird hunting, Browning offers the BXD Upland. The BXD Upland uses nickel plated lead shot and relatively high velocities to keep a tight pattern with good penetration. Browning offers a total of seven loads covering the 12, 16 and 20 gauges.

The final shotshells are the BPT Performance Target loads for busting clays. These loads use lead shot with high antimony. As with the Upland loads, there are options for the 12, 16 and 20 gauges.

CCI

CCI, a part of the Vista Outdoor group of companies, introduced a number of new rimfire loads for 2016.

The Copper-22 are small game loads that use special copper blend bullets to conform to California’s restrictive laws. The 21 grain hollow point bullets are a special mix of copper and polymer. From a rifle, the Copper-22 bullets make 1,850 fps at the barrel.

CCI Big 4

One of the unique things that CCI makes is shotshells for handguns. These loads are typically good for snake and pest control. For the new year, CCI expanded its catalog with the Big 4 shotshells. These new loads use #4 shot to increase the useful range of the cartridges. Versions are being made for the:

  • 9mm,
  • .38 Special/.357 Magnum,
  • .44 Special/.44 Magnum and
  • .45 Colt.

Big 4 shotshells come in packages of 10.

CCI wrings out every bit of power with the new A22 Magnum rounds. These .22 WMR cartridges use a 35 grain GamePoint bullet traveling at 2,100 fps for maximum terminal effect. The company designed the round to specifically work in semi-automatic rifles like the A22 Magnum rifle made by Savage Arms. Savage Arms is a sister company in the Vista Outdoor group.

Further proof that sound suppressors are becoming mainstream is found in the addition of another suppressor specific round. The Suppressor 22 Long Rifle is a specialized load that is subsonic to reduce the noise signature. Since the bullet is moving at a slower speed, CCI designed it to more readily expand. The bullet is 45 grains and the velocity is 970 fps.

CCI A17

The final new entry from CCI is the A17 Varmint Tip. This is another example of CCI working with Savage Arms. Developed specifically for the A17 rifle, these 17 HMR rounds use a 17 grain bullet moving at sizzling 2,650 fps. CCI states the rounds can also be used in bolt action rifles chambered for the 17 HMR.

Corbon

In 2015, Corbon announced the Urban Response 9mm round. The new round is similar to the existing, and quite good, Pow’rBall line in that it uses a round polymer ball to enhance feeding and increase the reliability of expansion.

However, there are several differences in the Urban Response line from the Pow’rBall line. According to Corbon, the lead core is softer and the copper jacket is thinner. Additionally, the jacket has deeper scoring and the polymer ball is made of a softer material. The result? More rapid expansion with a reduced over penetration risk for crowded environments.

For 2016, the company stated the line will be expanded to include:

  • .40 S&W
  • 10 mm
  • .45 ACP

Dynamic Research Technologies

Dynamic Research Technologies (DRT) stated the company will introduce several new rounds in 2016. However, the company has not released any specifications on the ammo at the time of this article. The information I’ve found so far indicates the following calibers/loads:

  • .38 Special Terminal Shock round
  • 9mm 124 grain Elite Series round
  • 270 Win Elite Series round
  • 300 BLK Elite Series round
  • 308 Win 175 grain Elite Series round

As I get additional information, I will update this page.

ELEY

eley high velocity hollow

Known for making Olympic quality rimfire ammunition, ELEY introduced a new .22 LR hunting round called the High Velocity Hollow. The new cartridge uses a 40 grain hollow point bullet with a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps.

ELEY uses a patented oxidation process on the case that turns it black. The oxidation has shown to better control the force needed to eject the case, which in turns improves the shot-to-shot consistency when dealing with supersonic rimfire rounds.

Federal Premium

Federal Premium manufactures a lot of ammunition. Seriously. So, it comes as no surprise that the company would introduce a number of new products for 2016.

American Eagle Syntech

The big news from Federal in handgun ammo is the new Syntech line sold under the American Eagle brand. This handgun ammo uses a polymer coat instead of a copper jacket on the bullet to reduce fouling in the gun and minimize airborne lead – especially at indoor ranges.

Shooters might think that sounds a lot like Nyclad ammo, and you would be correct. Before being purchased by Federal, Smith & Wesson manufactured Nyclad ammo in the 1970’s specifically for indoor ranges. Federal states that Syntech and Nyclad are two different things, but that the experience with Nyclad definitely influenced the development of the newer product.

More information on the American Eagle Syntech ammo can be found here.

Federal 9mm Micro HST

Another important handgun round introduced by Federal was the 9mm Micro HST. An extension of the incredibly effective HST line, the new load was developed for subcompact pistols with short barrels.

Shorter barrel length generally equates to lower bullet velocity. Velocity drops can negatively affect bullet expansion and performance. So, having a load tailored to short barrels can improve performance of the bullet.

The new 9mm Micro HST uses a slightly heavy-for-caliber 150 grain bullet. Federal uses low flash propellants and nickel plated cases for these rounds.

Federal Practice and Defend

Federal is now making Practice & Defend Combo Packs. These packages contain 100 rounds of FMJ practice ammunition plus an additional 20 rounds of HST defensive ammo. These packs are made for .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

In theory, you could pick up one of these every month and head to the range for a little practice. Since it includes HST rounds, you can shoot the older defensive rounds giving you the benefit of getting a feel for how they perform plus keeping what you carry fresh.

American Eagle 300 BLK

Moving to rifle rounds, Federal Premium announced the addition of three new loads to the affordable American Eagle line. The first is a 300 BLK round that uses a 150 grain FMJ bullet. The second is a 6.5 Grendel with a 120 grain OTM bullet. The final addition is a 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with a 140 grain OTM bullet. These three rounds will be welcome additions to shooters of these calibers looking for reasonably priced practice ammo.

American Eagle Predator

Federal also created a new line of rifle ammo called Varmint & Predator under the American Eagle brand. These rounds claim to be a balance of price and performance for high-volume shooters, and they come in either 40- or 50-round boxes (depending on caliber.) The following loads are offered in this new line:

  • 17 Hornet – 20 grain Tipped Varmint bullet, 50-round box
  • 22 Hornet – 20 grain Tipped Varmint bullet, 50-round box
  • 223 Rem – 50 grain JHP, 50-round box
  • 22-250 Rem – 50 grain JHP, 50-round box
  • 243 Win – 75 grain JHP, 40-round box
  • 308 Win – 130-grain JHP, 40-round box

Shooters wanting, or legally required, to use a lead free hunting round might want to take a look at the new Power-Shok Copper loads. Federal added these copper alloy bullet rounds to its reasonably priced Power-Shok line to give California shooters (and others) a good option for putting meat in the freezer.

The Power-Shok Copper line will start with the following calibers:

  • 243 Win, 90 grain HP
  • 270 Win, 130 grain HP
  • 308 Win, 150 grain HP
  • 30-06 Sprg, 150 grain HP

Tactical TRU

Perfect for law enforcement and military applications, the new Tactical TRU loads with Tactical Ballistic Tip bullets are likely to gain the interest of professional shooters. These new rounds are made to military standards and are designed to function reliably in semi-automatic rifles. Two calibers are available: .223 Rem and .308 Win.

The ballistic tip increases the coefficient of the bullet while also encouraging more reliable, yet controlled, expansion of the hollow point. The traditional police sniper round – the Federal Gold Medal .308 loaded with a 168 grain Sierra Match King – is exceptionally accurate, but has poor terminal effect with significant over-penetration concerns.

The new Tactical TRU .308 with the Tactical Ballistic Tip offers much better terminal performance. If it can also deliver match grade accuracy and good performance through intermediate barriers, Federal might have a new standard round for snipers.

If you are looking for a 5.56 NATO round for target shooting on the cheap, consider the new FC262 5.56x45mm NATO round. This load comes with a 77 grain OTM bullet and is built to military specifications. The MSRP is $21.95/20, so I would expect the street price to be between $15-17. Not bad if it turns in great long range accuracy.

Also designed for the AR-style rifle is a new load in the Fusion MSR line: the 6.8 SPC. This new round uses a 90 grain Fusion bullet that is good for hunting, and is optimized for the 16″ barrel. Federal already makes a 115 grain version of this round in 6.8 SPC, and this is an additional option – not a replacement.

I’ve used the .308 load in this line in a Rock River X1 rifle. It was a reliable performer, though the accuracy was not what I had hoped for: 3-4″ at 100 yards. That was consistent across several shooters. Unfortunately, I did not have another .308 MSR to check the load in.

Federal also announced several new shotshell products for the new year. One of the new shotshell offerings is the addition of 28 gauge loads to the Game-Shok line. These 2 3/4″ shells will contain one ounce of either #5, #6 or #7.5 lead shot. They are loaded to 1,220 fps.

Federal 3rd Degree

The final addition to the Federal Premium ammunition catalog is the new 3rd Degree 20 gauge load. This new turkey hunting shotshell combines #5 lead, #6 Flitestopper and #7.5 Heavyweight shot with a Flitecontrol was to provide good patterns across a broad range. The idea is this single load can provide excellent patterns at close, medium and long (40+ yard) ranges.

Previously, the 3rd Degreee was a 12 gauge only load. Now in 20 gauge, the round is available to more shooters. The shells are 3″, and the total payload is 1 7/16 ounces.

Fiocchi

Fiocchi 30M1

At the SHOT Show, Fiocchi had a number of new products they announced. I’ve detailed them here. One thing of interest is the company also hinted a some new products that would be released in the Fall of 2016. Fiocchi said these new products have “exciting new bullet configurations” but that it is “too early to let the cat out of the bag.” Curious.

Fans of the 30 Carbine will be glad to hear that the company introduced a new load for the caliber. Called the 30M1, the new load is part of the company’s Shooting Dynamics line. With a 110 gr FMJ bullet, the load is making 2,000 fps at the muzzle for 977 ft-lbs of energy. The brass cases are Boxer primed and reloadable.

Fiocchi 300 BLK

Keeping in the .30 caliber range, Fiocchi also announced a new 300 BLK load. This is a supersonic round with a 125 grain Hornady SST polymer tipped bullet. Part of the Extrema rifle line, the round is loaded to 2,200 fps.

In the shotgun side of the Shooting Dynamics line, Fiocchi is also offering a pair of 12 gauge target loads. One uses a 1 ounce payload, while the second is a 1 1/8 ounce load. Both are rated at 1,250 fps.

In conjunction with Benelli USA, Fiocchi developed two new loads for the Ethos line of shotguns. While the shells will work in any other shotgun, they were specifically tailored to the Benelli scattergun. Both loads a 28 gauge loads that use 1 ounce loads. The first is part of the Golden Pheasant line. This shell can be had with #5, #6 or #7.5 nickel-plated lead shot. Shells are loaded to 1,300 fps.

Fiocchi High Velocity shotshells

The second 28 gauge load is in the High Velocity line for upland game birds. These shells can be had with #5, #6, #7.5 or #8 lead shot and are also loaded to 1,300 fps.

Perhaps one of the more interesting things announced by the company was a partnership with sport shooter Jerry Miculek. With Miculek, the company developed a line of 12 gauge shotgun loads for competition. Birdshot, buckshot and slugs are all options in the line.

Fiocchi is now offering a new match grade .22 LR load called the 22LRTTSP. This new rimfire load will only be made in small batches with the primer compound pressed into the rim – not spun. Accuracy should be on par with the other loads in the company’s Match and Super Match lines. From a rifle, the company advises shooters should expect 1,100 fps and “flawless functionality.”

For new handgun loads, Fiocchi had three additions to its catalog. The first is a .44 Special with a 200 grain SJHP loaded to 750 fps. The second is a .45 Colt with a 225 gr FMJ also running at 750 fps. The third one is the 7.62 Tokarev with an 85 gr FMJ. The Tokarev is running at 1,525 fps. For some reason, I thought Fiocchi already made this round, but it shows as new in their catalog.

Rounding out the new products, Fiocchi announced the company would begin selling range packs of ammunition. These are 200-round packages of ammo in the most popular calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and .223 Rem. Many people will shoot more than just 50 rounds on a range trip, so this is a move by Fiocchi to better serve its customers by offering a reasonably priced, single package solution.

Gorilla Ammunition

For 2016, Gorilla Ammunition will make a new line of self defense ammo called Silverback. The Silverback line will initially be offered in the following calibers:

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
380 ACP95 gr850 fps152 ft-lbs
9mm115 gr1,200 fps368 ft-lbs
9mm135 gr990 fps294 ft-lbs
45 ACP230 gr850 fps369 ft-lbs
45 ACP (FBI Penetration)230 gr840 fps360 ft-lbs
300 BLK85 gr2,550 fps1,227 ft-lbs
300 BLK205 gr1,040 fps492 ft-lbs

According to the company, these all copper rounds are designed to open quickly and not over-penetrate. As such, they may not meet the arbitrary numbers of the FBI testing protocol. Keep in mind that the FBI protocol is merely a measuring stick for comparing one ammo against another. It is not an accurate predictor of real world performance.

If meeting the minimum 12″ penetration standard in the FBI protocol is important, Gorilla Ammunition will offer a .45 load that is designated as an FBI Penetration load. This load is engineered to perform well in the lab testing.

Hornady

It seems that every year Hornady introduces a whole slew of new products. 2016 is no different with a new ammo line and a number of new loads in existing lines. Let’s jump in with the all new line and then move on to the additions.

Precision Hunter ammo

The Precision Hunter line is an all new addition to the company catalog that features the company’s new ELD-X bullets. The ELD-X bullet is a tipped hollow point bullet that has a special heat shield on the tip to prevent deformation during flight. Without getting too technical, it essentially ensures the aerodynamic properties of the bullet do not change during flight.

The ELD-X bullets were developed to provide excellent expansion at all ranges from point blank to 400+ yards. The end result is a load that Hornady claims is match accurate, yet will have ample expansion to help anchor game where hit. Here is a quick look at what the initial loads will be:

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
6.5 Creedmoor143 gr2,700 fps2,315 ft-lbs
7mm Rem Mag162 gr2,930 fps3,088 ft-lbs
308 Win178 gr2,600 fps2,672 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg178 gr2,750 fps2,989 ft-lbs
300 RCM178 gr2,900 fps3,324 ft-lbs
300 Win Mag200 gr2,850 fps3,607 ft-lbs
300 RUM220 gr2,910 fps4,136 ft-lbs
30-378 Weatherby Mag220 gr3,0254,469 ft-lbs

Hornady claims the ELD bullets are match worthy, and are backing that up with two new Match loads using these new projectiles. One is a 6.5 Creedmoor with a 140 grain bullet, while the second is a 338 Lapua Mag with a 285 grain bullet.

Hornady American Gunner Rifle

Hornady expanded on the success of the American Gunner line by adding rifle calibers. The four new loads all use match-style HP bullets that are geared toward target shooting, not hunting. All of the ammo is sold in 50 round boxes. The initial rifle calibers are:

  • 223 Rem
  • 6.8 SPC
  • 300 BLK
  • 308 Win

The Superformance line manages to wring out an extra 100-200 fps without a pressure increase in any given caliber due to the company’s proprietary powders and engineering. The loads have been popular for several years, and for this year, the company added two new loads.

The first is a 30-06 Sprg round that is loaded with the 180 grain GMX bullet. It makes 2,820 fps at the muzzle. That works out to be 3,178 ft-lbs of energy.

The second new Superformance load is a 300 Win Mag loaded with the same 180 grain GMX bullet. In this load, the bullet leaves the barrel at 3,070 fps for nearly 3,800 ft-lbs of energy.

If you are not already familiar, the GMX style bullet is a polymer tipped projectile that is made of copper. It is designed to deliver deep penetration and controlled expansion with a greater than 95% weight retention.

Developed specifically for deer hunting, the American Whitetail line of ammunition uses the time tested InterLock bullets in many of the popular calibers and bullet weights. Newly added, are the following loads to this line:

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
270 Win140 gr2,940 fps2,687 ft-lbs
7mm Rem Mag154 gr3,035 fps3,149 ft-lbs
308 Win165 gr2,700 fps2,670 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg180 gr2,700 fps2,913 ft-lbs
300 Win Mag180 gr2,960 fps3,501 ft-lbs

Another hunting line is the Full Boar ammo. As the name suggests, these loads are developed for hog hunting. To ensure penetrating the tough hide and bones in hogs, Hornady uses its GMX and Monoflex bullets in these loads. New for 2016, are several caliber additions:

 bulletvelocityenergy
25-06 Rem90 gr GMX3,350 fps2,242 ft-lbs
6.5 Creedmoor120 gr GMX2,925 fps2,279 ft-lbs
7mm-08 Rem139 gr GMX2,850 fps2,507 ft-lbs
300 BLK110 gr GMX2,350 fps1,349 ft-lbs
30-30 Win140 gr Monoflex2,465 fps1,943 ft-lbs

For big game safari hunters, Hornady’s Dangerous Game series of rifle ammunition is worth a look. The company loads for a number of calibers in this line already, and added four more for this year.

 bulletvelocityenergy
500-416 Nitro Express400 gr DGX2,300 fps4,698 ft-lbs
500-416 Nitro Express400 gr DGS2,300 fps4,698 ft-lbs
450 Rigby480 gr DGX2,400 fps6,138 ft-lbs
450 Rigby480 gr DGS2,400 fps6,138 ft-lbs

The Dangerous Game line uses two different bullet styles: DGS and DGX. The DGS is a full metal jacket round designed for the deepest penetration possible. The DGX round is an expanding bullet, but the hard lead and thick jacket limits the amount of expansion so deep penetration is still achieved.

The traditional Hornady line, the Custom ammunition, gets several new additions also. They are:

 bulletvelocityenergy
17 Hornet25 gr HP3,375 fps632 ft-lbs
22 Hornet45 gr SP2,665 fps710 ft-lbs
30 Carbine110 gr FMJ2,000 fps977 ft-lbs
30 Carbine110 gr RN2,000 fps977 ft-lbs
300 BLK135 gr FTX2,085 fps1,303 ft-lbs
300 Wby Mag180 gr GMX3,050 fps3,718 ft-lbs
300 RUM180 gr GMX3,180 fps4,041 ft-lbs
30-378 Wby Mag180 gr GMX3,190 fps4,067 ft-lbs

I don’t know about you, but the thought of shooting a whole box of those 4,000+ ft-lbs loads (and the Dangerous Game loads above) make my shoulder ache just a little.

Critical Duty

For handguns, Hornady introduced but a single new load: a Critical Duty round in 10mm. As 10mm goes, it is pretty mild: 175 grain FlexLock bullet @ 1,160 fps. Keep in mind that the Critical Duty rounds are built to a specific purpose: consistent performance in the FBI testing protocol. Maximum energy or velocity are not the goals.

Liberty Ammunition

Liberty Ammunition 308

Announced in late 2015, Liberty Ammunition will begin shipping the fastest .308 ammo on the market this year. The new load uses a 100 grain nickel-plated copper hollow point. This bullet is pushed to 3,500 fps and makes for 2,720 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.

Magtech

Magtech announced two new 300 BLK loads for 2016. The first uses a 115 grain hollow point with a flat base bullet. It has a BC of 0.325 and is loaded to 2,280 fps at the muzzle.

The second new Magtech load is the 300 BLK with a 123 grain FMJ bullet. It is rated at 2,230 fps and makes for the third FMJ 300 BLK load in the company’s catalog.

I urge caution when considering the purchase of Magtech ammunition. I have tried various loads – both rifle and pistol – from this company and have had poor results.

When I encountered a problem with excessive recoil in one of their handgun loads, I contacted the company about the possibility of the rounds being improperly loaded. They did not want to see the remaining ammunition and merely said they would check into it and get back to me. They never did.

For me, I will not purchase or shoot any Magtech ammunition until such time that I believe the company’s products are safe and reliable.

Nosler

30 Nosler

Nosler has a number of new options for the new year. I’ll start with the biggest announcement: a new cartridge called the 30 Nosler. According to the company, the 30 Nosler combines the best features of several different .30-caliber cartridges to produce a single round that:

  • headspaces on the shoulder,
  • fits the same standard length action as a 300 Win Mag,
  • has a more efficient powder column, and
  • is 200 fps faster than the 300 Win Mag.
 bulletvelocityenergy
Trophy Grade180 gr AccuBond3,200 fps4,092 ft-lbs
Trophy Grade Long Range210 grain AccuBond Long Range3,000 fps4,196 ft-lbs

The 30 Nosler uses the same parent case as the 26 Nosler and 28 Nosler cartridges that have been introduced in recent years.

Nosler E-Tip Ammo

Of course, the 30 Nosler is not the only new thing from the company. Nosler also introduced its E-Tip ammunition line. E-Tip ammo is a lead-free line of hunting rounds that are designed to offer good performance at a reasonable price. It offers 95%+ weight retention and deep penetration.

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
243 Win90 gr3,200 fps2,046 ft-lbs
270 Win130 gr2,950 fps2,511 ft-lbs
7mm-08140 gr2,850 fps2,525 ft-lbs
7mm Rem Mag150 gr3,000 fps2,997 ft-lbs
300 Win Mag180 gr2,950 fps3,478 ft-lbs
308 Win150 gr2,750 fps2,519 ft-lbs
308 Win168 gr2,750 fps2,820 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg168 gr2,800 fps2,924 ft-lbs
30-06 Sprg180 gr2,750 fps3,022 ft-lbs

The company also added three new loads to its Ballistic Tip ammunition line. Introduced in 2015, the Ballistic Tip ammo uses the company’s bullets of the same name and are optimized for deer, antelope and hogs. The three loads added for 2016 are:

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
6.5 Creedmoor140 gr2,650 fps2,183 ft-lbs
260 Rem120 gr2,850 fps2,164 ft-lbs
7mm-08140 gr2,825 fps2,480 ft-lbs

In addition to the 30 Nosler mentioned above, the company added a 150 grain 270 Weatherby and a 129 grain 6.5 Creedmoor to its Trophy Grade Long Range ammunition line.

OATH

OATH Shotgun Shell

OATH announced a pair of new 12 gauge slugs for 2016. One new load is an expanding copper slug while the second is a fragmenting brass slug.

The copper slug weighs 1.25 ounces and is loaded to 1,600 fps. OATH states the slug can expand to 2.5″. This is part of the company’s Tango line of ammunition.

The brass slug is designed to fragment on impact. OATH states the muzzle velocity of this round is 1,200 fps. It weighs 2.25 ounces and the fragments it breaks into are roughly 158 grains each.

For the sake of comparison, the famous “FBI Load” for the .38 Special was a 158 grain bullet. The OATH round breaks into six pieces. Getting shot six times with a .38 is not the same as this round breaking into six pieces – but it is certainly an interesting thought. I look forward to seeing some testing done with this round.

PolyCase Ammunition

In the last year, PolyCase Ammunition made big news by partnering with Ruger to introduce that company’s first line of ammo products. For 2016, PolyCase added a .38 Special load to its own Interceptor ARX line. The 77 grain bullet is loaded to 1,116 fps, though it is unclear what length barrel was used to test it.

Remington

Details on new ammunition from Remington is a little sketchy as the company’s own information conflicts. I’ll try to give you the best information I can, and we’ll just have to see what the company actually ships before the end of the year.

Remington Black Belt

The Golden Saber Black Belt line of ammunition is a bit of an enigma. This ammunition was first announced by Remington at the 2013 SHOT Show. It has also been announced as a “new” product at the 2014 and 2015 SHOT Shows. I’ve not yet seen any “int he wild,” so I don’t know if the company has shipped a single box. Unfortunately, the media representative at Remington has not responded to multiple requests for information on this product.

The Black Belt ammunition appears in the .pdf version of the company’s 2016 catalog, but is missing from the online version of the same catalog. For more historical information on the Golden Saber Black Belt, click here.

Remington did announced a pair of new 12 gauge Ultimate Defense Buckshot loads that are on its site and in its catalog. One of the new loads has nine 00 buck pellets while the second is a reduced recoil load with eight 00 buck pellets. Both are 2 3/4″ shells.

Remington may also be expanding its Hog Hammer line to include shotgun slugs and buckshot. I say may simply because it is something referenced in its catalog, but no specifications (such as gauge) or other details are provided. There is no mention of it on the company’s website either.

Sellier & Bellot

Sellier & Bellot (S&B) will offer loads in three new calibers during 2016. For the 300 BLK, the company will offer three loads:

  • 124 grain FMJ @ 2,165 fps
  • 147 grain FMJ @ 2,077 fps
  • 200 grain FMJ @ 1,060 fps

S&B introduces a new 10mm load. This handgun load uses a 180 grain FMJ bullet loaded to 1,165 fps.

The final caliber that the company will offer new loads for is the 5.7x28mm. Currently, the company does not seem to offer any ammo for this caliber. S&B intends to release two loads for it this year. The first is a 40 grain FMJ round while the second is a 55 grain FMJ round.

Specifications for the new 5.7x28mm loads have not yet been released. However, the company is stating the 55 grain version will be subsonic. I expect that will be a very light recoiling load.

A quick note about S&B: S&B is owned by CBC of Brazil that owns both Taurus and Magtech. I’ve had numerous bad experiences with both Taurus and Magtech, and I choose not to purchase either company’s products for a variety of safety reasons. I recognize that other people have different experiences than my own, and you are encouraged to make your own decisions as to what you what to rely on.

However, I have traditionally had good experiences with S&B ammunition. The acquisition of S&B is a relatively recent thing, and I have hopes that S&B will influence CBC – not the other way around. For now, I will purchase S&B ammunition even though I will not touch Magtech.

SIG SAUER

SIG 45 COLT

SIG SAUER jumped into the ammunition market two years ago with a limited selection of self-defense handgun loads. Since then, the company has expanded to include a broader range of calibers, practice ammunition and even a rifle caliber. For 2016, the company announced the following loads:

 bulletvelocityenergy
.38 Special125 gr JHP900 fps225 ft-lbs
.357 Magnum125 gr JHP1,450 fps583 ft-lbs
.44 Sepcial240 gr JHP800 fps341 ft-lbs
.44 Magnum240 gr JHP1,300 fps900 ft-lbs
.45 Colt230 gr JHP850 fps369 ft-lbs
300 BLK120 gr copper HP2,250 fps1,349 ft-lbs

I spent some time with several of the 9mm loads in the Elite Performance line and found they were reliable. Check out my full review by clicking here.

TulAmmo

TulAmmo announced the company was now making brass cased .50 BMG ammunition. This load uses a 680 grain FMJ bullet and is loaded to 2,707 fps.

Weatherby

Weatherby announced an entirely new cartridge for the new year: the 6.5-300 Wby Mag. This new cartridge is said to be the fastest 6.5mm on the planet.

The company will make three loads initially: a 127 grain LRX @ 3,531 fps, a 130 grain Scirocco II @ 3,476 fps and a 140 grain A-Frame @ 3,395 fps. The company will also offer rifles in this new caliber, but that’s a story for another day.

Winchester

Winchester ammo logo

2016 marks the 150th anniversary of Winchester Repeating Arms and Winchester Ammunition. Understandably, the companies are proud of their long-standing place in firearms development and are introducing a variety of commemorative guns and ammo loads. If you are interested in any of the commemorative ammunition, keep your eyes open for special silver and red boxes with “150” emblazoned on them.

Winchester Deer Season XP

Beyond the company’s anniversary celebration, Winchester is introducing a number of new products this year. First up is the expansion of the Deer Season XP line. Launched in 2015, this hunting cartridge has become quite popular. For this year, the company adds three more calibers to the lineup:

 bullet weightvelocityenergy
7mm-08140 gr2,800 fps2,437 ft-lbs
30-30 Win150 gr2,390 fps1,902 ft-lbs
300 BLK150 gr1,900 fps1,202 ft-lbs

Winchester is also launching a brand new line called Expedition Big Game. These rounds are designed “for the toughest hunts in the world.” Specifications have not yet been released, but what we know is that the rounds will use the company’s Accubond CT bullets that are good against tough skin and thick bone.

The bullets use a polymer tip to improve the ballistic coefficient while the bullet structure provides limited expansion with deep penetration. This line will include the following calibers:

  • 270 Win
  • 270 WSM
  • 7mm Rem Mag
  • 7mm WSM
  • 30-06 Sprg
  • 300 Win Mag
  • 300 WSM
  • 325 WSM
  • 338 Win Mag
  • 338 Lapua Mag

Winchester Varmint X

If varmints or predators are what you are hunting, Winchester expanded its Varmint X line to include the 17 Hornet and 20 Hornet. These are very zippy cartridges. With a 35 grain bullet, the 22 Hornet is moving at 3,100 fps. The 17 Hornet is even faster at 3,650 fps with a 20 grain bullet. The Varmint X line has been around for several years and includes other calibers such as the .204 Ruger, .22-250 Rem and the .223 Rem.

Looking to knock out varmints with a rimfire cartridge? Take a look at the new 17 WSM Power-Core. The 17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum) is a blazingly-fast rimfire cartridge that operates at centerfire rifle velocities. The Power-Core load uses a 20 grain, copper hollow point bullet that makes for 2,875 fps at the muzzle.

Another rimfire introduction is the M-22 Subsonic. This is a subsonic .22 LR cartridge that was designed to reliably operate in semi-automatic rifles and pistols, both with and without a sound suppressor. According to the company, when shot from a rifle fitted with a suppressor, the noise is only 116 dB.

The bullet is a 45 grain plated projectile that is moving at 1,090 fps from a rifle barrel. These will be sold in packs of 100 and 800.

Winchester USA Forged

Moving on to handguns, Winchester announced a new line of steel cased practice ammunition called USA Forged. Initially, the line will only contain a 9mm offering. However, I expect this to expand if consumers show an interest in the line. The ammo will be sold in boxes of 150 rounds, and yes, the ammunition is manufactured in the United States. Check out my review of USA Forged ammunition here.

Another product for pistol shooters is the Super Clean line. This line offers 9mm and .40 S&W ammo that uses zinc core bullets with a total brass jacket. This eliminates any airborne lead concerns from extensive shooting at an indoor range.

With a zinc core, the bullets are a lighter than normally seen in the calibers. The 9mm uses a 90 grain bullet that is traveling at 1,325 fps. The .40 S&W bullet weighs 120 grains and clocks at 1,250 fps.

Winchester hasn’t neglected shotgun shooters for 2016. For the 28 gauge crowd, the company is offering two new reduced recoil Super-X shotshells for upland hunters. Both are 2 3/4″ shells with 3/4 ounce payloads. One uses #5 shot, while the other uses #6 shot. The velocities on both are a relatively mild 1,295 fps.

Winchester’s final new offering is a 12 gauge Varmint-X shotshell. This new load packs  1.5 ounces of BBs into the 3″ shell. Winchester then fills the shell with a liquid gel that hardens. Called Shot-Lok, this system is said to produce very tight patterns at long ranges. Winchester states the BBs will penetrate more than 12″ at 40 yards.

American Eagle Syntech Ammunition

by: Richard Johnson 7 Comments

American Eagle Syntech

Federal Premium will introduce a new line of ammunition under its American Eagle brand at the SHOT Show. Called Syntech, the new ammunition uses a polymer jacket instead of a more traditional copper one.

The new ammo will be offered in three handgun calibers at launch: 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Bullet weights will be typical for the caliber: 115 grains for the 9mm, 165 grains for the .40 and 230 grains for the .45.

Using a polymer jacket has a number of potential advantages for the company and the shooter. First, Federal may be able to manufacture these bullets for less money than if the company used a traditional copper jacket. This can work out to be lower prices for the consumer.

Secondly, by using a polymer jacket, there can be less fouling of the bore. Plain lead bullets can leave quite a bit of residue behind that is tough to scrub out. Copper jackets reduce the fouling, but copper is still tough to remove from a bore. Any polymer left behind is likely to be easier to remove from the pistol’s barrel.

Another potential benefit of using a polymer jacket is a reduction in “splash back” when shooting steel. Shooting steel targets is both fun and useful as a training tool. However, one of the risks involved bullet shrapnel bouncing back at the shooter. Even when operating at supposedly safe distances, I’ve seen part of a copper jacket come back and strike a shooter just above the eye. In theory, a polymer jacket will not rebound off of steel in the same way that copper would.

American Eagle Syntech ammunition is not the first time the company has used a polymer jacket. Federal used a polymer jacket on its popular Nyclad line of ammo many moons ago, and still does on the modern Nyclad .38 Special rounds.

For these loads, Federal used a soft lead alloy that would readily expand at even low velocities. However, copper jackets would inhibit expansion, and bare lead would leave a lot of gunk behind in the gun. To solve the problem, a polymer jacket was developed.

While the Nyclad line was eclipsed by other defensive ammunition lines, I am not familiar with any problems with the ammo caused by the polymer jacket.

I do not have any word on pricing yet for these rounds. As I get additional information leading into the SHOT Show, I will update this article.

New SIG Ammo for 2015

by: Richard Johnson 3 Comments

SIG SAUER FMJ ammo

SIG SAUER will introduce a number of new ammunition loads for 2015. Although I’ve not received official word from SIG on these, I have confirmed the information through more than three different sources.

New loadings will include at least one new rifle round, several new self-defense pistol rounds and a number of FMJ loads for practice and target shooting.

Let’s take a look at what I’ve been able to find out so far…

[Read more…] about New SIG Ammo for 2015

HPR Black Ops Ammunition

by: Richard Johnson 2 Comments

HPR Black-Ops Ammo 45 ACP

Using lighter-than-typical bullets, the new HPR Black Ops ammunition promises to deliver superior accuracy and “unparalleled takedown force.” Initially, the Black Ops ammo will be offered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Another load in .223 Rem is said to be available soon.

According to HPR, the bullets used in the new ammo are Open Tipped Frangible (OTF) projectiles. The OTF bullet has a powdered metal core with a jacket. The jacket and core are designed to separate when striking soft tissue, yet hold together and track straight when encountering an intermediate barrier such as auto glass, sheet rock, and car doors.

[Read more…] about HPR Black Ops Ammunition

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