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Archive for the ‘Ammo’ Category

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Loose Ammo Bag w/ ID Pocket and Legend Window

Friday, May 16th, 2025

The new FirstSpear LOOSE AMMO BAG is a rugged and reliable solution for storing and transporting ammunition. Built for durability and function, this bag features a spacious main compartment capable of holding a generous amount of ammo. Its roll-top closure, secured with SR buckles, ensures contents are protected from the elements while allowing for quick and easy access. The design emphasizes convenience and organization, making it ideal for hunters, range shooters, and tactical operators alike.

Two external identifier slots are located on either side of the bag—one for an ammo-type card or cartridge and the other for a name tag or unit identifier. These features make it easy to recognize contents at a glance and prevent mix-ups during missions or training exercises. The weather-resistant materials offer peace of mind in unpredictable conditions, whether you’re on the range or in the field.

The LOOSE AMMO BAG offers a balance of portability and storage. Its tactical styling and tough construction reflect the needs of serious shooters. Whether used for ammunition storage, gear organization or as part of a loadout kit, this bag stands up to demanding environments. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking a dependable and efficient ammo transport solution.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Shell Shock’s Next-Gen 7.62×51 Ammo Crushes Military’s Most Demanding Live-Fire Evaluation

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

Zero failures across the harshest testing conditions at the Naval Surface Warfare Center confirm NAS3 case technology’s battlefield readiness.

Eubank, KY (March 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce a critical achievement in its mission to redefine military-grade ammunition performance. The company’s 7.62x51mm NAS3 cartridge cases have successfully completed rigorous testing at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, one of the most demanding environments in the defense sector. The results: zero case failures.

The tested ammo used a 155-gr bullet, loaded at 50,000 psi, and had velocities of 3000 ft/sec. It was tested under extreme pressure and velocity in belt-fed machine guns, including the 240 Bravo and Minigun platforms, SST’s 7.62×51 cases passed with flying colors, even under the violent conditions of automatic fire and harsh ejection cycles. Testing was conducted at ambient temperature, -40°F and +160°F, with all pressure and velocity benchmarks met or exceeded.

“This milestone underscores the durability, consistency, and tactical advantages of our NAS3 case technology,” said Peter Foss, Managing Director and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. “Zero case failures in such unforgiving conditions is not just a win for us – it’s a validation for every warfighter and defense partner looking for lighter, faster, and more accurate ammunition.”

The 7.62x51mm success joins a growing list of calibers, including 300 BLK, 5.56, 6.5 Creedmoor, and the promising early results from .338 Lapua, that are reshaping battlefield expectations. The company is now ahead of schedule with initial test samples for the .338 Norma, and tooling is officially underway for .50 BMG. The 7.62x51mm will be available in Summer 2025.

Together, these advanced case offerings deliver a generational leap in combat performance:

Reduced weight for increased mobility

Higher velocity and extended range

?Improved accuracy and consistency

SST continues to drive innovation in ammunition design, helping international defense and ammunition manufacturers gain a critical edge in today’s most complex operational environments.

Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website.

MDM 25 – Collapsible Lightweight Ammunition Container

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Created by UD2MO (Using Design to Multiply Outcomes) a Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business, the Collapsible Lightweight Ammunition Container is an aluminum alternative to traditional ammunition cans.

CLAC can be configured internally with dividers and color coded for different munitions.

clacamerica.com/products/collapsible-lightweight-ammunition-container-clac

Shell Shock Technologies Signs Licensing Agreement with Phantom Defense for 8.6 BLK Ammunition

Friday, April 25th, 2025

Small design changes, massive ballistic gains. Phantom Defense is taking 8.6 BLK to the next level – with Shell Shock Technologies NAS3 case technology under the hood.

Eubank, KY (April 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce a new licensing agreement with Phantom Defense under its recently launched License Program. Through this partnership, Phantom Defense will manufacture the 8.6 Blackout (8.6 BLK) cartridge utilizing SST’s revolutionary NAS3 two-piece case design.

Phantom Defense’s upgraded 8.6 BLK will be built using SST’s proprietary case architecture, offering significant performance improvements while ensuring manufacturing consistency. Utilizing SST’s custom-built assembly equipment and trusted U.S.-based vendor network, Phantom Defense can deliver ammunition that matches SST’s rigorous standards.

“Phantom Defense is the ideal partner to showcase how our case technology can take modern ammunition to new heights,” said Peter Foss, Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. “Their 8.6 BLK line exemplifies how small design changes can result in massive ballistic gains. We are excited to see what comes next.”

Drawing on SST’s data from recent 7.62×51 testing, Phantom’s 8.6 BLK round is expected to achieve:

50 Percent Case Weight Reduction: from 185 grains to just 92.5 grains, significantly cutting overall ammo weight and shooter fatigue.

Lower Chamber Pressure: from 35,000 PSI to ~33,125 PSI for the same velocity, reducing wear on firearms and improving shooter comfort.

Enhanced accuracy and thermal efficiency for superior suppressed precision shooting.

This marks the first of several anticipated agreements as SST expands its licensing program. Discussions are underway with additional manufacturers seeking to differentiate their ammunition through improved ballistic performance, lighter weight, and reduced component costs. To learn more about SST’s licensing opportunities, contact Foss at peter@shellshocktech.com.

About Shell Shock Technologies NAS3 Cases:

NAS3 cases are 50 percent lighter than brass cases, offer greater lubricity, and will not abrade, clog, foul, wear out, or damage breach and ejector mechanisms. The cases offer greater corrosion resistance, tensile strength (2x stronger), and elasticity than brass. NAS3 cases will not split, chip, crack, or grow (stretch), are fully reloadable (using S3 Reload dies), and can be reloaded many more times than brass cases. NAS3 cases have been tested successfully by customers to pressures over 70k psi. NAS3 cases can be picked up with a magnet. The head can be colored for branding purposes and easy load identification.

NAS3 is “Best in Class” for maintaining consistent velocity between rounds. In an independent test performed by H.P. White Laboratory (a major munitions testing facility), rounds fired using NAS3 cases achieved a velocity standard deviation of 0.093 FPS (124-grain FMJ bullet, 4.2 grains Titegroup powder, 10 rounds, extreme variation 3fps).

Rheinmetall Takes Over Hagedorn-NC GmbH, Securing the Supply Chain for Propellant Production

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Rheinmetall AG is taking over Hagedorn-NC GmbH, headquartered in Osnabrück, Lower-Saxony. This long-established company has been producing industrial nitrocellulose for civilian applications in Lingen an der Ems for over 100 years. In the course of the takeover, relevant parts of the production are to be converted to military applications. The acquisition enables the Düsseldorf-based technology group to strengthen its manufacturing capacity for propellants for all types of ammunition, especially for 155mm artillery ammunition.

A corresponding purchase agreement has now been concluded between Rheinmetall and Hagedorn AG, Osnabrück, as the seller. The acquisition is subject to antitrust approval by the relevant authorities.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “The acquisition helps us to overcome a strategic bottleneck in propellant production. It gives us an important source of raw materials and continues the vertical integration along the entire value chain in the production of ammunition. We look forward to welcoming the approximately 90 employees of Hagedorn NC to the Rheinmetall Corporation and to offering them secure prospects for the future”.

Gerd Hofmann, CEO of Hagedorn AG: “I am very pleased to have found a new owner for Hagedorn-NC in Rheinmetall, which will offer the company new prospects and growth opportunities. I am convinced that both companies will work well together.” 

Nitrocellulose is an essential energetic component of propellant powders. These are used, among other things, as propellants for artillery ammunition. Nitrocellulose is produced by reacting cellulose with nitrating acids. Rheinmetall currently produces nitrocellulose at three sites: Wimmis (Switzerland), Murcia (Spain) and Wellington (South Africa). Through this acquisition, the corporation will have an additional site.

Existing customers of Hagedorn-NC GmbH in the civil sector will continue to be supplied for the time being. In the coming months, conversion 
of production to military-grade nitrocellulose is planned.

This step further strengthens Rheinmetall’s position as a leading supplier of large calibre ammunition within NATO, ensuring a long-term, independent supply of essential components for production. As a system house, Rheinmetall offers the ‘full shot’ from a single source: the projectile, the fuse, the explosive charge and the propellant.

Your Exclusive Invite: HOP Munitions Dealer Program

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Designed to help local gun shops move ammo, boost revenue, and get more customers through the door.

Introducing the HOP Munitions Dealer Stocking Program

Built with feedback from trusted industry partners to help local gun shops grow. This program is designed to drive more foot traffic through your doors, move ammunition faster, and increase your revenue.

With enforced MAP pricing across our line of poly ammo, professional marketing support, and priority placement in our upcoming Dealer Locator, you’ll get the visibility and tools needed to stay competitive and profitable.

Three Tiers – Bronze, Silver & Gold

Each tier comes with increasing perks, priority support, and premium HOP gear.

Bronze Tier – Entry-Level (5-case minimum)
A starter pack designed to build in-store presence.

Silver Tier – Mid-Level (10-case minimum)
For shops ready to grow their name and revenue.

Gold Tier – Top-Level (25-case minimum)
Full-brand support and premium display tools.

Built for Dealers, Backed by MAP Pricing

We’re committed to protecting your margins and keeping your product competitive. Our entire line of poly ammunition is MAP protected and actively enforced.

Coming Soon: Get Listed on Our Dealer Locator

Be among the first to appear on our soon-to-launch Dealer Locator. It’s designed to drive local foot traffic and help customers find your shop when searching for HOP Munitions in-store.

Want early access or more info?

Email support@hopmunitions.com with your name, business name, and contact information, and we’ll reach out.

– The HOP Munitions Team

*Please note: Pricing, swag contents, and delivery timelines are subject to change. Final program details will be confirmed upon launch.

**Participation requires a physical storefront, active inventory of HOP Munitions products, and may be subject to verification of your business location.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Actively Using RAROG Polymer Machine Gun Belts at the Frontline

Monday, March 31st, 2025

Modern warfare involves the infiltration of contemporary technological solutions. One such innovation is the unique development by the Ukrainian company «Kharkiv Factory of Personal Protective Equipment» RAROG, specifically an ammo logistics system for machine guns PK/PKM.

The metal belt for the PK, PKM, and SG serves as the basis for equipping machine guns, but it is not manufactured either in Ukraine or in the overwhelming majority of the 53 countries that have machine guns in their arsenals. In addition to the shortage caused by the lack of production and constant battlefield losses, the metal belt has several significant disadvantages, including the need to remove it from the battlefield, manual loading of rounds, heavy weight, masking noise, corrosion, and so on.

Experts from the Kharkiv Factory of Personal Protective Equipment (Ukrainian Defence Innovations (UDI) Group, former Rarog Group) have found solutions to all these issues by developing a world`s first polymer disintegrated links for machine gun ammo belt, which significantly improves the mobility and effectiveness of machine gunners on the battlefield. This fact has been proven both through field testing and in actual combat. First samples were tested back in 2016. In 2019 Rarog won Sikorsky challenge (competition of innovative startup projects), suggested a new ammo logistic system for Armed Forces of Ukraine based on polymer links.

The polymer machine gun belt consists of a series of links, each of which has three rings connected by a crossbar. The links are hinged and connected by cartridges inserted into the aligned rings. This belt is three times lighter than the metal analogues, has low cost and high production speed, minimal noise during transportation, no corrosion, and prevents snags during operations. A key difference of this system is that the belts could be supplied to the combat zone already loaded, so soldiers do not need to spend time on this task. The standard machine gun belt for the PKM is supplied in solid links of at least 25 units. This creates inconvenience when shooting, the so-called tail. The links of the polymer belt simply fly out along with the cartridge cases. The metal belt must be collected and reloaded, the polymer belt is one-time use (although in training ground conditions Ukrainian soldiers use it up to 4 times in a row). Also, cartridges loaded into a metal belt are subject to corrosion during storage. This creates a risk that the machine gun may fail in a critical situation. Cartridges loaded into a polymer belt make less noise when moving as well.

The development and testing process of the polymer belt took much time, as Rarog aimed to ensure maximum convenience, reliability, and efficiency in this product. UDI Group`s representatives are in constant communication with Ukrainian defenders participating in combat operations on various parts of the frontline, and receive feedback from them. Over the course of the war, the polymer belt produced by the Kharkiv Factory of Personal Protective Equipment has been used by the soldiers of Airborne Assault Forces, 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, and other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Soldiers have praised the ergonomics, ease of transport and versatility of the polymer machine gun belt.

The opponents did not ignore this product. In 2022, an article was published on the website of the well-known Russian magazine «Kalashnikov», where the author, a weapons expert and editor-in-chief of the publication, Mikhail Degtyaryov, accused the experts from Rarog of «lack of professional knowledge and ignoring historical experience», while also emphasizing that replacing the usual metal belt with a much lighter and cheaper polymer one was impossible due to several critical shortcomings.

However, two years later, several Russian companies introduced their «new products» – analogs of Ukrainian development, one of which even made it to the cover of the aforementioned expert magazine.

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets Launch New Websites

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

MONA, Utah – March 26, 2025 – Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets are proud to announce the launch of its new websites. Both sites have undergone significant upgrades to enhance functionality and improve user experiences, allowing customers to better access offerings from Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets. 

“The team has worked relentlessly over the past few months to get these sites up and running,” said Sierra Bullets’ and Barnes Bullets’ VP of Marketing and Business Development Andrew Sparks. “To bring the consumer a site where they can find what they need, easily and in multiple ways, was our number one priority. On top of that improved user experience, we included load data, dealer locators and improved content – we just want the user to enjoy being part of our family.”  

The new websites boast streamlined layouts and offer user-friendly navigation, providing visitors with easy access to all the tools and information they need in one place. Along with resources such as a load data and dealer locations, customers can effortlessly browse product details and view upgraded content. With these improvements, Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets deliver an exceptional online experience, demonstrating the brands’ commitment to quality in both its products and customer service.  

To check out the new websites and learn more about the latest new products and offerings from Sierra and Barnes, visit www.sierrabullets.com and www.barnesbullets.com