New-Cartridge Trend Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down

by
posted on April 2, 2023
Trend Toward New Cartridges

The pace of new cartridge introductions from major manufacturers has increased dramatically in the past five years, and the trend shows little signs of slowing. Even this partial list of those standardized and approved by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) demonstrates the age of rapid development enjoyed by today's enthusiasts. 

In 2018, for example, Federal’s new .224 Valkyrie centerfire cartridge was standardized and accepted by SAAMI. The cartridge—which is based on a 6.8 SPC case necked down to .22 caliber—was created specifically for the AR-15 platform. Its design, however, allows the use of heavier, more ballistically streamlined bullets for more energy than delivered by .223 Rem. The same year, Hornady rolled out the 6.5 mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) and its bigger brother, the .300 PRC. The name was a wise choice, as it turns out, because it gained favor with precision shooters and competitors almost overnight.

Improved performance is the recurring theme throughout this list. Whether developed for semi-automatics, bolt rifles, lever guns, pistols or single-shots, there’s a reason these firms spent thousands of dollars and manpower hours in researching and bringing these new cartridges to market. There is arguably, one exception to that trend, though.

In 2019, SAAMI standardized the 1 3/4" shotshell when Federal submitted its loads for acceptance. The “shorties,” as they’re often called, have been around for at least a decade. Despite that tenure, there had been no official maximum pressures or precise dimensions officially recognized. SAAMI, which has been in that business since 1926, took care of it that year. Also, in 2019, Winchester’s straight-wall .350 Legend cartridge was endorsed by the organization.  

In 2020, Wilson Combat’s .300 HAM’R was approved. Then that pace of new cartridges increased dramatically. The 2021 list includes the .429 DE (Desert Eagle) from Kahr, .300 Norma Mag. (Ruag Ammotech), .338 Norma Mag. (Ruag Ammotech), .277 Fury (SIG Sauer), 6.5 mm Weatherby Rebated Precision Mag. (Weatherby) and 6.8 Western (Winchester).

The next year, SAAMI approved its first composite case with True Velocity’s 6.8 mm True Velocity Composite. In 2022, the organization also standardized the 6 mm GT from Hornady and Federal’s .30 Super Carry.

We’re just beginning the third month in 2023, and SAAMI has already signed off on the .338 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum, Federal’s .360 Buckhammer and Winchester’s .400 Legend, and Hornady added a 7 mm PRC to its growing family of cartridges.

With the recent volume, odds are good a company or cartridge has been overlooked—or standardized shortly after this article appeared. Regardless, there’s no denying the industry is hard at work, giving gun owners more options than ever before.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.