Ammo

Otto Bock’s 9.3x62mm Mauser: A 119-Year-Old Big Game Classic Still Going Strong

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4 min

Otto Bock’s 9.3x62mm Mauser: A 119-Year-Old Big Game Classic Still Going Strong

Developed in 1905 by German gunsmith Otto Bock, the 9.3x62mm Mauser remains one of the most respected medium-bore big-game cartridges in the world more than a century after its introduction. Originally designed for use in the standard Mauser 98 action, the cartridge was intended to provide hunters with a hard-hitting option suitable for large game in Europe, North America, and Africa. At the time, Germany maintained overseas colonies, and while the 8x57mm Mauser military cartridge was widely available, it was considered underpowered for some African game. Bock recognized the need for a more powerful sporting round that would still function in an unmodified Mauser 98 rifle aside from a barrel change.

New Ammunition Manufacturer Opens in Historic WWII Aviation Plant

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3 min

New Ammunition Manufacturer Opens in Historic WWII Aviation Plant

A new ammunition manufacturer, First Breach, has opened its doors inside a historic World War II-era aviation plant in Hagerstown, Maryland, marking a notable addition to the domestic ammunition industry amid ongoing efforts to stabilize supply and pricing. Founded in 2022 by Jeffrey Low and his son Jordan Low, First Breach was created in response to recent ammunition shortages and price spikes that peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period, common calibers such as 9mm and 12-gauge became scarce, with prices climbing dramatically due to panic buying, supply chain disruptions, and raw material shortages particularly primers.

From Wildcat to Mainstream: The Story Behind 300 AAC Blackout

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5 min

From Wildcat to Mainstream: The Story Behind 300 AAC Blackout

Today, the 300 AAC Blackout sits comfortably among the most popular alternatives to 5.56 NATO in the AR-15 platform. It’s widely available, supported by nearly every major manufacturer, and prized for its ability to run both subsonic and supersonic loads effectively.

Inside America’s Rimfire Powerhouse: A Look Behind the Scenes at CCI

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5 min

Inside America’s Rimfire Powerhouse: A Look Behind the Scenes at CCI

From a converted chicken coop to one of the world’s largest rimfire producers. Tucked into the rolling hills of Lewiston, where the Snake and Clearwater rivers converge, sits one of the most important ammunition factories in the United States. Surrounded by big-game country and legendary bird hunting, it’s fitting that this small Idaho city became home to a rimfire giant: CCI. For decades, CCI has been synonymous with reliable .22 LR performance. But how did it get there and how does it keep up with relentless demand in today’s market?

Is Another Ammunition Crunch on the Horizon?

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5 min

Is Another Ammunition Crunch on the Horizon?

Rising global demand and supply chain strain could tighten the market once again. American shooters have lived through shortages before and most remember them vividly. Empty shelves. Purchase limits. Bulk packs selling at eye-watering markups. Whether it was the post-2012 buying surge, the COVID-era scramble, or the so-called “Great .22 LR Drought,” ammunition scarcity has a way of catching people off guard. Now, warning signs are flashing again.

Are 5.45x39mm and 7.62x39mm Running Out of Road in America?

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5 min

Are 5.45x39mm and 7.62x39mm Running Out of Road in America?

For decades, two Soviet-designed cartridges carved out a loyal following among American shooters: the 5.45x39mm and the 7.62x39mm. Born of military necessity and refined through global conflicts, both rounds earned reputations for reliability, battlefield effectiveness, and affordability. But today, a different fight is unfolding not on distant soil, but on gun store shelves across the United States. With import bans, shrinking surplus supplies, and rising costs, many shooters are asking a simple question: are these calibers still viable here?

Defensive 9mm Showdown: Sierra THD vs. Black Hills EXP

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4 min

Defensive 9mm Showdown: Sierra THD vs. Black Hills EXP

Not all 9mm ammunition is created equal especially when it comes to concealed carry. While practice ammo might punch holes in paper just fine, defensive loads are engineered for controlled expansion, reliable penetration, and consistent performance. Two standout options in that category come from Sierra Bullets and Black Hills Ammunition.

What’s the Ideal Barrel Length for the .450 Bushmaster?

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5 min read

What’s the Ideal Barrel Length for the .450 Bushmaster?

Testing showed that reducing a .450 Bushmaster barrel from 18 inches to 10.5 inches resulted in only modest velocity loss roughly 150 fps in some loads. While the shorter barrel maintained strong energy and accuracy, it experienced cycling issues due to under-gassing. For reliable performance, a traditional 16–18 inch barrel remains ideal, though a tuned short barrel can still deliver effective short-range hunting power.

Rimfire Showdown: .22 LR or .17 HMR — Which One Truly Fits Your Needs?

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5 min

Rimfire Showdown: .22 LR or .17 HMR — Which One Truly Fits Your Needs?

Few debates in the shooting world are as enduring as the comparison between the .22 Long Rifle and the .17 HMR. One is the most prolific and affordable cartridge ever produced. The other is a modern hypervelocity round designed for flat trajectories and explosive varmint performance.

The Overlooked Hammer: Why the .444 Marlin Still Deserves a Spot in Your Lever Gun

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5 min

The Overlooked Hammer: Why the .444 Marlin Still Deserves a Spot in Your Lever Gun

In an era dominated by sleek bolt-actions and high-BC 6.5mm cartridges, the big-bore lever gun refuses to fade away. Quick-handling, hard-hitting, and perfectly suited to thick timber, these rifles continue to draw loyal hunters. While the 45-70 Government often steals the spotlight, the .444 Marlin remains a formidable and often underestimated alternative. If you hunt in heavy cover and value fast follow-up shots, the “Triple Four” deserves a serious look.

Dialing In the Perfect 12-Gauge Load for Opening Day Dove

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5 min

Dialing In the Perfect 12-Gauge Load for Opening Day Dove

When early fall mornings start cooling off and the first flights of dove streak across open sky, it’s a reminder that wingshooting season is officially underway. Fast, darting, and unpredictable, doves demand quick reflexes and the right shotshell. While 12-gauge dove loads aren’t overly complicated, small differences in shot size and payload weight can make a noticeable impact depending on your setup and hunting environment.

Stopping Power Without the Funeral: A Closer Look at Byrna’s 12-Gauge Less-Lethal Round

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5 min

Stopping Power Without the Funeral: A Closer Look at Byrna’s 12-Gauge Less-Lethal Round

For decades, less-lethal shotgun ammunition was largely the domain of riot control teams and specialized military units. Today, that technology has crossed into the civilian market. With its Kinetic 12-gauge offering, Byrna Technologies aims to provide a defensive option that discourages aggression without the destructive consequences of traditional buckshot or slugs. The concept is simple: deliver enough blunt-force trauma to stop bad behavior without penetrating flesh.

Built to Win: Federal’s Purpose-Driven 3-Gun Shotgun Load

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4 min

Built to Win: Federal’s Purpose-Driven 3-Gun Shotgun Load

Competitive 3-Gun is fast, technical, and unforgiving and nowhere is that more obvious than during a shotgun stage. While rifle and pistol work demand precision, it’s often the shotgun reload that determines who lands on the podium. Recognizing that reality, Federal Premium developed its Action Shotgun line specifically for the demands of modern 3-Gun competition. This isn’t repurposed trap or field ammo. It’s a shell engineered from the ground up for speed, reliability, and smooth cycling in competition guns.

Black Hills Elevates the 6mm ARC with a Premium 103-Grain ELD-X Load

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3 min

Black Hills Elevates the 6mm ARC with a Premium 103-Grain ELD-X Load

The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) has steadily built a loyal following since its introduction by Hornady. Designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and downrange performance from a standard AR-15 platform, the cartridge filled a niche that previously required stepping up to larger-frame rifles. Now, Black Hills Ammunition has added its stamp of approval with a new Black Hills Gold load featuring the 103-grain ELD-X bullet a move that signals long-term confidence in the cartridge.

Short Barrel, Big Performance? Rethinking the 16-Inch .308

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3 min

Short Barrel, Big Performance? Rethinking the 16-Inch .308

The .308 Winchester has long been associated with 22- to 24-inch barrels. That’s the length range it was originally optimized around, and for decades that became the “standard.” But modern rifles are trending lighter and handier and that raises an important question: Does a 16-inch barrel cripple .308 performance, or is the velocity loss overstated? Let’s break it down.

China’s 5.8×42mm: The PLA’s Quest for a True Do-It-All Combat Cartridge

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5 min

China’s 5.8×42mm: The PLA’s Quest for a True Do-It-All Combat Cartridge

Adopted in the late 1980s, China’s 5.8×42mm cartridge was designed to do something few military rounds have successfully achieved: replace both an intermediate rifle cartridge and a full-power machine gun round with a single unified caliber. More than three decades later, it remains one of the most unique service cartridges in the world.

Beyond the Shotgun: Why 5.56 NATO Might Be the Smartest Choice for Home Defense

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5 min

Beyond the Shotgun: Why 5.56 NATO Might Be the Smartest Choice for Home Defense

Most gun owners suggest a 12-gauge shotgun or handgun for home defense, overlooking the AR-15 in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. However, considering terminal ballistics and control, the 5.56 carbine is a strong contender. Is the stigma against rifles in homes based on fact or myth?

5.7x28mm: History and Usage Review

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5 min

5.7x28mm: History and Usage Review

Much of the renewed interest in modern compact carbines and pistols centers around a small, high-velocity bottlenecked cartridge with Cold War roots: the 5.7x28mm. Designed to solve a specific battlefield problem, the cartridge has evolved into one of the most discussed PDW rounds in the commercial market today.

Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain JHP +P: Field Review

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5 min

Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain JHP +P: Field Review

In recent years, defensive handgun ammo has evolved, with manufacturers improving bullet designs to meet strict standards. Hornady's Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain +P load is designed for the FBI Ammunition Testing Protocol and is well-regarded in both commercial and law enforcement sectors, even adopted by the FBI after extensive testing.

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