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Archive for the ‘Ammo’ Category

Introducing NAS3 6mm ARC – A New Era of Performance, Exclusively by BlackArc Munitions

Friday, June 6th, 2025

BlackArc Munitions is proud to announce that we are the exclusive licensee of the NAS3 6mm ARC program, in partnership with Shell Shock Technologies.

This program, built on Shell Shock Technologies’ NAS3 hybrid case design, elevates the 6mm ARC to new performance levels. With an 8% increase in case capacity, the NAS3 6mm ARC delivers significant velocity gains while meeting SAAMI safety standards. Newly designed platforms are being developed across the industry, and BlackArc Munitions will offer a range of loads at optimized pressures that maximize the cartridge’s advanced potential with significant increases in velocity.

The new NAS3 6mm ARC will initially be offered in loads for precision and competition applications, as well as for defensive and hunting needs. Our R&D efforts are ongoing, and by the time the product is released, we are committed to introducing heavier projectiles that will redefine the ballistic capabilities of the 6mm ARC.

BlackArc Munitions is honored to bring this exclusive partnership with Shell Shock Technologies to life.

We are committed to our loyal customer base – your trust drives us to expand our lineup and push the limits of precision ammunition.

Stay tuned. Standby for serious results.

– John Wright

Owner and Former US Army Sniper

Rheinmetall Receives Major Orders for 155 mm Ammunition from an International Customer – Order Value in the Higher Double-Digit Million Euro Range

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Rheinmetall has received additional major orders for the delivery of 155 mm artillery ammunition. An international customer has placed two orders at the subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition to supply extended range, full bore (ERFB) 155 mm artillery ammunition worth a total of a high double-digit million amount. The order includes projectiles, propellants and fuses.

“We are very grateful for the trust that our business partners and customers place in our globally proven extended-range ammunition and our technology for long ranges”, says Dr Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. “As a system supplier, we are constantly working to improve our cutting-edge technologies to offer the best possible solutions to modern armed forces”.

The latest orders are the result of rapidly rising international demand, triggered by the tense global security situation. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large-calibre ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has been increasing its production capacity since 2022, and aims at producing at least 1.1 million 155 mm artillery shells per year by 2027.

Like the entire Rheinmetall Corporation, Rheinmetall Denel Munition is constantly expanding its production capacities, as international supply capacities are unable to keep up with demand.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition is also making progress in integrating significant technological innovations into its production. This also results in higher performance and outstanding field usability for users. Rheinmetall Denel Munition is currently validating the firing of precision projectiles with a range of 73 km from howitzers which are compatible with NATO’s Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU). These ranges enable significant survivability and offensive effectiveness on the battlefield.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition is committed to its long-standing business partners and end customers, who value the company’s delivery reliability and high level of technical support. With its production capacities and technical expertise, Rheinmetall Denel Munition enables utmost and reliable performance of 155 mm howitzers. This expertise extends the life cycle and value of the howitzers. Rheinmetall Denel Munition has its own manufacturing structure that covers all energetic and mechanical parts for the production of 155 mm ammunition, whether rocket-assisted, with increased effect or an even scattering. Rheinmetall Denel Munition expects increasing orders, and is constantly adjusting its five-year production plan to meet the needs of its most important customers.

Shell Shock Technologies Delivers Game-Changing Ammo Weight Reduction for Black Hawk Missions

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Lighter, smarter ammunition increases payload efficiency and firepower by up to 24 percent.

Eubank, KY (May 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry,  is proud to share new analysis demonstrating a major operational advantage for Black Hawk helicopter missions using its NAS3 casingsand lightweight ammo belt links. The data reveals that replacing traditional brass-cased ammo with SST’s innovative NAS3 casings can reduce the ammo load weight by nearly 300 lbs. – or enable U.S. and allied forces to carry thousands of additional rounds without exceeding payload limits.

According to a recently released analyst report, the standard ammo loadout for a Black Hawk helicopter includes approximately 7,000 rounds of 7.62mm and 1,200 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition. When loaded with traditional brass and standard M13 links, the combined weight is roughly 1,022 lbs. SST’s lightweight solution cuts that to 723 lbs. – a 299 lb. reduction.

“Black Hawk mission dominance begins with smarter ammunition,” said Peter Foss, Managing Director and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. “By switching to Shell Shock Technologies’ NAS3 cases and ammo belt links, our military partners can either lighten their load by nearly 300 pounds or increase firepower by over 4,500 rounds. That kind of gain can shift the odds when seconds matter and every round counts. This isn’t theoretical, it’s operational.

In combat, weight matters. SST’s NAS3technology delivers not only dramatic reductions in ammo weight but also enhanced ballistic performance. Each round loaded in an NAS3 casing delivers eight to 10 percent more energy than those in traditional brass, giving warfighters both speed and stopping power when it matters most.

SST continues to support U.S. and allied military operations by redefining the performance standards for small arms ammunition, helping them stay lighter, move faster, and hit harder.

Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Canada Pursues NATO STANAG of 6.5 x 43mm

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

During my visit to Canada last week, I spoke with multiple people across the Army and industry and one topic dominated discussions, the 6.5 x 43 cartridge.

You probably know it by the designation of 264 USA, named when it was developed by the US Army Marksmanship Unit as an intermediate cartridge. Turns out, it’s a ballistic Goldilocks between 5.56 and 7.62 NATO and that term came up over and over in conversation. It offers additional range and lethality over both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO with a compromise in ammunition weight between the two. Additionally, it can also be used for both rifle and belt-fed applications.

Those of you familiar with the FN America Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) developed for the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD), will know the caliber which at one point has also been referred to as “264 International” as a nod to the program’s co-sponsor CANSOFCOM. They are so impressed with what they’ve observed during the LICC program that they have decided to press forward.

With an eye to the future, CANSOFCOM is pursuing a NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) for 6.5 x 43 mm in partnership with at least one additional NATO member. At this point, the other party has not been disclosed. However, I know it is not the US, which has been working on the 6.8 x 51mm common case cartridge as their path forward.

STANAG 4884. Technical Performance Specifications Providing For The Interchangeability of 6.5mm x 43 Ammunition.

With this new development, it seems that the caliber wars aren’t yet over. Hopefully, with NATO standardization, likely with brass and composite case designs, we will see more manufacturers of ammunition as well as additional weapon designs.

We will update this story as we learn more.

– By Eric Graves

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).