Field & Stream magazine recently released a helpful guide to new ammunition offerings as seen at SHOT Show 2022. The article features 21 different new ammo types for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Many of the new ammo types, such as Hornady CX and CCI Blazer, feature lead-free projectiles. The Blazer even employs lead-free primers. Among the most notable new ammo selections is the Berger line, which features high-BC projectiles and superb Lapua brass. New for 2022 is Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC ammunition. Here are our selection of four notable, new-for-2022 Ammo products for rifle shooters. SEE all 21 new ammo types on Fieldandstream.com.
Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC Hunting Ammo
Berger has added the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC cartridges to its loaded ammo line which features great Lapua brass. The 6.5 load features the heavy 156gr Berger Elite Hunter bullet running at 2960 FPS. This bullet boast a very high G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.679. Packing even more powder, Berger’s .300 PRC load features the 0.631 BC Berger Elite Hunter bullet. Tested muzzle velocity is 2895 FPS.
Hornady Hunting Ammo with Solid Copper CX Bullets
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
Norma .22 LR Rimfire Ammo — Three New Offerings
Norma announced three new .22 LR rimfire ammo types to be released in 2022: Xtreme LR-22, ECO Power 22, and Hunter Power 22. The Xtreme LR-22 should prove popular in the growing long-range rimfire PRS/NRL disciplines. The LR-22 offers higher BC for better long-range performance. The new ECO Power 22 has a lead-free zinc hollowpoint bullet traveling at a very fast 1700 FPS — on the high end for any .22 LR on the market. Norma’s Hunter Power 22 features a 40gr bullet designed for controlled expansion. This Power 22 ammo runs at 1260 fps with 142 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Winchester New Lead-Free Copper Impact Hunting Ammo
Winchester’s new Copper Impact hunting ammunition features a tipped high-BC bullet. Winchester states that the Extreme Point helps create “immediate expansion”. Field and Stream’ reviewer states that “All this, combined with a lead-free bullet that will retain most of its weight, makes for a deep-penetrating big-game stopper[.]” Winchester’s new Copper Impact ammunition for over 12 different cartridge types, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western, .308 Win, and even the .350 Legend.
Ammunition News — Ammo Inc. Acquires Gunbroker, Builds Wisconsin Ammo Factory
In this interview, Mark Hanish (Pres., Global Sales & Marketing) of Ammo Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW) talks about his company. This enterprise is making significant moves in the firearms/shooting sports industry. Hanish discusses Ammo, Inc’s modern new 160,000-sq.ft. ammunition manufacturing plant in Manitowac, WI, and the company’s 2021 acquisition of GunBroker.com. Through a $240 million merger in May 2021, GunBroker.com officially become an Ammo Inc. subsidiary.
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Big news for F-Open competitors, long-range tactical shooters, and big game hunters — Lapua will offer four (4) new types of ultra-premium cartridge brass in the spring of 2021. The four new Lapua cases are: 6.5 PRC, .284 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .300 PRC. The .284 Win cartridge still dominates the F-Open game, so this is good news for F-Class shooters. Lapua is excited about the PRC offerings: “The new Lapua 6.5 and .300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters, and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.” The venerable .300 Winchester Magnum remains a top choice for hunting.
Here Is Product Information from the Lapua.com website:
The 6.5 PRC Case
The 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) was originally designed for long-range hunting, but it has also been popular for long-range precision shooting. The 6.5 PRC’s case capacity enables velocities up to 262 FPS (80 m/s) faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5×55 SE. By design, the cartridge features a long neck enabling the use of today’s popular, high-BC projectiles. The 6.5 PRC case works well with relatively slow burning powders. It is a great choice for heavy bullets (up to 150+ grains) with excellent retained energy and terminal performance.
The .300 PRC Case
The .300 PRC was designed for long range shooting with heavy, high-BC bullets. Its superior ballistics and modern, beltless case design with modern long, high-BC .30-caliber bullets . With its ability to load heavier bullets, the .300 PRC can out-perform the .300 Winchester Magnum and many other .30-Cal Magnums. The .300 PRC is also an excellent choice for long distance hunting of mid-to-large sized game, pushing bullet weights exceeding 15.8 g / 245 grains.
The .284 Winchester Case
The .284 Winchester and “Improved” variants such as the .284 Shehane, have dominated F-Open competition for many years. From time to time a Big .30 will win a major match, but most top competitors are running the .284 Win or some improved .284. Now top shooters, including the members of the Lapua-sponsored U.S. Rifle Team, will have great Lapua brass without having to neck-up 6.5-285 cases. The .284 Winchester’s rebated rim design enables a large powder column, yet easily functions through medium-length actions making it desirable for custom rifles. With its accuracy and good velocity with heavy bullets the .284 Win is also a great hunting cartridge.
Jerry Tierney, who sadly passed away in 2015, pioneered the .284 Winchester in F-Open competition, which was previously dominated by the 6.5-284. The original “straight .284″ offers superb accuracy plus much better barrel life than its 6.5mm little brother.
The .300 Winchester Magnum Case
The .300 Winchester Magnum has been a staple within the firearms industry, widely used by hunters, target shooters, military, and law enforcement agencies since its development in the early 60s. It is still used for competitive target shooting, hunting, and Mil/LE snipers. It delivers excellent long-range performance with a wide range of bullet weights from 165 to 230 grains and more. Lapua’s .300 Win Mag case will be a great addition to Lapua line given the huge selection of bullets available for this caliber. And there is a great choice of factory hunting rifles chambered for the .300 Win Mag.
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This new rifle may interest game hunters. For around $1120 (street price) the new Howa Carbon Kratos rifle combines an excellent Hogue camo stock with a carbon-wrapped barrel. This allows a rifle that is significantly lighter than a conventional hunting rifle. The carbon-wrapped barrel also features a threaded muzzle (with cap), so you can easily fit a suppressor or muzzle brake.
Howa’s new Carbon Hogue Kratos rig will first be offered in .308 Winchester, followed by 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 PRC chamberings. The new rifle features a 24″ Howa barrel that is carbon fiber-wrapped and threaded for suppressors or muzzle brakes. The Hogue stock is pillar-bedded and dipped in the effective Kratos camo pattern. Also available is a scoped package with a 4-16×44 Nikko Sterling Diamond FFP scope. Although the scope package adds just $220 to the MSRP, we recommend getting the bare rifle and then adding a higher quality optic. You’ll be happier in the long run.
Howa Carbon Fiber Hogue Kratos Features
Howa 1500 Action with 3-Position Safety
Howa 24″ Carbon Wrapped Barrel, threaded with cap
Excellent 2-Stage HACT Trigger
Sub-MOA at 100 yards Guarantee
Optional Scope Package with 4-16×44mm Nikko Stirling Diamond FFP
Lifetime Warranty on Rifle and Optic
COMMENTARY: We’ve shot Howa rifles and can attest that the 1500 action cycles smoothly and the HACT 2-Stage trigger is very good for a factory gun. This is definitely a viable hunting option with a high-quality stock and weight savings via the carbon-wrapped barrel. You can pay significantly more and not get a better hunting rig. Put the savings into a good Laser Range Finder.
MSRP – $1,379 for Howa Hogue Kratos Rifle Only model HGCF308KTS — .308 Win
MSRP – $1,599 for Howa Hogue Kratos Scoped Package option HGCF308KTSP — .308 Win
For more information on all Howa rifle offerings or to request a FREE 2020 catalog, visit LegacySports.com.
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Many of the best videos on reloading products and methods have been produced by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com. Over the last 12 years, Gavin has released 465 videos showcasing reloading products, gunsmithing techniques, and gun testing. Thanks to Gavin’s movie-making skills and hard work, his GavinToobe YouTube Channel recently achieved the 100,000 subscriber milestone. Over the years Gavin’s videos have received over 17.7 million views. Gavin’s videos have benefited shooting enthusiasts and hand-loaders around the globe, and we congratulate Gavin and UltimateReloader.com!
Gavin posted: “Twelve years ago I started my YouTube channel. Shortly thereafter I started publishing ammunition, reloading and shooting sports content. In 2017 I quit Microsoft to work on Ultimate Reloader full time, and on 11/26/2019 I surpassed the 100,000 subscriber mark. WOW, it’s been sooooo much work, but sooooo much fun. Special thanks to my family for putting up with all of the times I’ve worked on this project ‘after hours’. I feel totally blessed. Very much appreciate my community, and also Jonathan Patton for helping me to understand online communities better. I also really appreciate Hornady for their help in getting me started (my first partner). Neil Davies — that’s you. Thanks everyone!”
To mark this major milestone, we’re featuring five of Gavin’s popular videos. The first is his 2019 Black Friday video covering bargains from Midsouth, Starline, KMS Squared, and Inline Fabrication.
Black Friday 2019 Special Bargains
Epic Reloading Hardware Test — 14 Single-Stage Presses
In this remarkable video, Gavin review fourteen (14) single-stage reloading presses. This is the most comprehensive reloading press comparison test ever done by anyone:
Most Popular Video — .223 Rem vs. 5.56×45
This is Gavin’s #1 Video of all time. His .223 Rem vs. 5.56×45 video has been viewed over 1.9 million times. It provides key facts about the similarities (and a few differences) between the .223 Remington cartridge and the 5.56x45mm NATO round.
1000 Yards with .224 Valkyrie
With 50,000+ views, this is one of Gavin’s most popular field shooting videos. Shooting on his scenic “home range” in the Washington mountains, Gavin developed a tack-driving load using Berger 80.5 gr bullets. See 100-yard results and Gavin’s remarkable first-round hit on steel at 1000 yards!
Buck Fever — Right in the Back Yard!
In this video, Gavin uses his new 300 PRC rifle to bag an impressive buck just 100 yards from his shop. For those of you who have hiked miles on a hunt, only to return home empty-handed, this will seem amazing. And yes, Gavin’s 300 PRC cartridge dropped the animal like a stone.
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Hornady was founded in 1949. That means the company will celebrate its 70th Anniversary next year in 2019. Befitting that milestone, Hornady will introduce a host of new (or enhanced) products. There are new ammo types, new bullets, new reloading products, and new security accessories. All of Hornady’s new-for-2019 products are showcased in this long (12-minute) video. Here are time markers:
As you’d expect, Hornady has many new loaded ammunition offerings for 2019. Most noteworthy is the new Outfitter line of hunting ammunition, designed for field use. Outfitter ammunition features corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated cases that are sealed watertight and topped with the GMX® bullet. Outfitter ammo will be offered in a wide range of calibers and bullet weights.
Following its 6.5 PRC cartridge, next year Hornady will release its big brother — the 300 PRC. Watch the video above for a full description of this new magnum cartridge. Hornady touts this as “the Ultimate 30 Caliber Magnum”. However, one of our Forum members observed: “I found it strange that Hornady would come out with the 300 PRC, ‘the Ultimate 30 Caliber Magnum’, when Hornady already produces 300 Norma Magnum brass and ammo, ammo that has superior ballistics with the same bullet. I find exactly nothing ‘ultimate’ about this cartridge.”
Hornady also will produce a variety of ammunition for the popular new .224 Valkyrie. This cartridge offers impressive performance in AR-platform rifles. And for you 6.5 Creedmoor fans, Hornady now offers a nice varmint ammo option loaded with 95gr V-Max bullet.
Hornady Reloading Products
For 2019, Hornady will sell two new digitally-enabled gadgets for the reloading room. First is a new high-capacity case tumbler with a digital timer that cycles up to 8 hours. The large bowl handles up to 7.5 pounds of brass. In addition, Hornady will offer a new case and parts dryer with a digital controller.
Hornady also offers two new micrometers. Use the Standard Micrometer to measure external dimensions and lengths. Use the Vernier Ball Mic to measure case-neck and case-well thickness. Precision loaders should have both types.
Hornady Security Products — Gun Safe Accessories
Hornady will introduce more pistol safes and security boxes for 2019. But what really got our attention was a new line of accessories for gun safes. These include a Digital Hygrometer, a Golden-rod style Heating Rod, and both Canister-type and Electric Dehumidifiers.
DIGITAL HYGROMETER — Hygrometer displays high/low for temperature and humidity on large touchscreen display. Install quick-connect bracket on safe wall or use fold-out stand. We like this product — it instantly shows the conditions in your gun safe.
CANISTER DEHUMIDIFIER — This can help prevent rusting. When the cap indicator changes color, re-activate unit by placing it in the oven. Unlimited recharges.
RECHARGEABLE DEHUMIDIFIER — Electrical unit helps controls humidity to help prevent rust and mildew. Moisture-control crystals change color when unit needs recharging via 110V electrical outlet.
12-INCH DEHUMIDIFIER ROD — Maintenance-free solution for humidity control in gun safes, cabinets and small enclosures. Mount vertically or horizontally with snap-on mounting brackets. Removable plug for easy installation.
Hornady New Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions
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The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI®) has accepted two new Hornady-marketed cartridges, the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (6.5 PRC) and the 300 PRC. Notably, for both cartridges, SAAMI lists a Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) of 65,000 PSI. The 300 PRC is NOT just a necked-up version of the 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC has a 2.030″ case body length, while the 300 PRC is considerably longer, with a 2.580″ case body length (rim to case mouth). Both PRCs share a fat 0.532″ rim diameter, hence these cartridges require a magnum bolt face.
The 6.5 PRC is designed for the PRS and tactical crowd. GA Precision’s George Gardner, who helped develop the 6.5 PRC cartridge, has posted: “It’s a non-rebated short mag based on a short RCM [Ruger Compact Magnum] case. It has 3-4 grains less capacity than the 6.5 SAUM which nets about 30-50 fps deficit to the SAUM.” Cartridge and chamber drawings for both RPCs are available from SAAMI:
Both cartridges were developed by Hornady Manufacturing Company, a Voting Member of SAAMI. “SAAMI member companies are the leaders of firearm and ammunition development and innovation,” said Rick Patterson, SAAMI’s Executive Director. “Both the 6.5 and 300 PRC cartridges seek to meet the demand for increased accuracy in today’s trending sport of long-range shooting, and we are pleased to add these new cartridges to our SAAMI Standards.”
New 6.5 PRC Is a Short Magnum Requiring Magnum Bolt Face
Dubbed the “big brother” to the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6.5 PRC fits in short or medium actions with a standard magnum bolt face (.532″). The case geometry features a long cartridge case neck and 30-degree case shoulder. It sort of looks like a 6.5 Creedmoor on steroids. For its factory-loaded 6.5 PRC Match Ammo, Hornady is showing a 2910 fps Muzzle Velocity with the 147gr ELD Match bullet. That’s not very impressive. Why go to the trouble when you can get those kind of velocities from a 6.5-284 with a standard bolt face? The 6.5 PRC requires a magnum bolt face. Moreover, the 6.5-284 is a barrel burner. The 6.5 PRC surely promises to be likewise.
Now, to be fair, with handloads, we expect you’d see meaningful speed gains with the 6.5 PRC compared to the 6.5-284. Also it may work better than a 6.5-284 in a short-action magazine — that may be what Hornady is thinking…
The .300 PRC — A Longer Version of the 300 Ruger Compact Magnum
The 300 PRC seems to be more a hunting cartridge than a cartridge for tactical games. Talking about this cartridge, Hornady states it would be an “excellent choice… for hunting applications” as well as “long-range precision shooting”. Inspired by the 300 Ruger Compact Magnum (RCM), the 300 PRC has a longer case body (2.580″) compared to the 300 RCM (2.100″), for more case capacity. That gives it the ability to push big .30-caliber bullets at higher velocities. But honestly, there are many other well-established Magnum hunting cartridge, so we doubt the .300 PRC is going to become popular among the hunting crowd. Time will tell however.
“Both the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC are multi-functional cartridges that are excellent choices for target and match shooting as well as hunting applications,” said Joe Thielen, Hornady’s Assistant Director of Engineering. “The primary focus of the design of both the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC has always been long-range precision shooting.”
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For 2019, Hornady will sell two new digitally-enabled gadgets for the reloading room. First is a new high-capacity case tumbler with a digital timer that cycles up to 8 hours. The large bowl handles up to 7.5 pounds of brass. In addition, Hornady will offer a new case and parts dryer with a digital controller.
