SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

by
posted on November 12, 2024
SAAMI Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute EST. 1926 logo
Logo courtesy of SAAMI.org.

Monthly gun sales reports based on NICS background checks are the widely accepted yardstick for gauging relative health of the firearm industry, but the consumer-based index is no measure of manufacturers’ dedication to harnessing the technology that fuels innovation and enhances safety. The annual Ballistics Conference—presented by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)—is a better barometer for that task, and this year’s record-setting attendance indicates enthusiasts have some cutting-developments to look forward to soon.   

More than 110 industry professionals attended the 2024 Ballistics Conference, which was held Sept. 10 through 12 in Salt Lake City, Utah. When SAAMI held the event for the first time in 2014 it attracted 40 participants. Attendance has increased at a steady pace ever since.

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO. “It also is an important part of SAAMI’s commitment to the promotion of safety, reliability and interchangeability in firearms and ammunition for the shooting public.”

The 2024 conference included new topics on long-range ballistics and drag measurement, applications of additive manufacturing techniques, and measurement of physical dimensions of firearm parts and ammunition components by established manufacturers serving the industry. Presentations on the operation of piezoelectric pressure transducers and other electronic sensors and associated data acquisition systems are included at every conference and form the backbone of the agenda.

Representatives came from Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Germany, Spain and, of course, across the United State to attend. Sept. 10 and 11 included full-day technical presentations.

The September 12 range day, which was new for the 2024 conference, featured a demonstration of the Infinition long-range radar system presented by Barnes Bullets; a demonstration of the Oehler System 89 for measurement of ballistic coefficient and time-of-flight presented by Oehler Research; a demonstration of the calibration system by the Modal Shop; and a chance to shoot variety of firearms provided by Browning Arms Company and H-S Precision.

Latest

Rem 360 Buckhammer Rifleman Review 4
Rem 360 Buckhammer Rifleman Review 4

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.

Rifleman Q&A: A Curious Concoction

My husband owns an antique fowling piece, and we wish to establish a possible date range during which it could have been made.

Model 1918: The Sniper Rifle That Never Was

Despite the best efforts of the Ordnance Department and civilian contractors, the quest for a suitable U.S. rifle with which to arm World War I snipers eventually led to a dead end.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.