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Archive for the ‘Ammo’ Category

HOP Munitions Unveils Baller .68 Caliber Projectiles: The Ultimate Innovation in Less Lethal Tactical Ammunition

Monday, January 13th, 2025

HOP Munitions is proud to announce the exclusive launch of the revolutionary Baller .68 caliber projectiles, a groundbreaking advancement in less lethal ammunition. Engineered in partnership with Roborounds, these projectiles address a critical gap in law enforcement operations by combining enhanced glass-breaking capabilities with an OC agent or UV Marker.

A Tactical Game-Changer for Law Enforcement
In high-stakes situations like barricaded suspects or crowd control, reliable less lethal options are essential. Standard polymer rounds often fail to break through tempered auto glass, leaving officers at a tactical disadvantage. The Baller projectile shatters these limitations—literally. With the ability to break tempered auto glass from up to 50 yards, these projectiles deliver precision and performance unmatched by conventional .68 caliber rounds.

“Baller projectiles are designed to bridge the gap between safety and effectiveness. We’re committed to equipping law enforcement with tools that ensure control while minimizing risk to everyone involved.”

Innovative Features That Redefine Performance
Baller projectiles stand apart thanks to the following:

  • Unmatched Glass-Breaking Ability: Penetrates tempered auto glass at 50 yards using a standard .68 caliber launcher at 240–300 fps.
  • Reduced Penetration Risk: Designed to mitigate harm after breaching glass, ensuring the safety of individuals inside the vehicle.
  • Optional Dual-Action Payloads: Can deliver OC powder or UV marking agents for swift de-escalation post-barrier breach.
  • Seamless Integration: Fully compatible with existing .68 caliber launchers, making adoption easy for law enforcement agencies.

Addressing Tactical Challenges with Confidence
Baller projectiles enable law enforcement officers to respond confidently, from vehicle barricades to volatile crowd control scenarios. Their precision minimizes collateral damage, and their innovative payload options streamline operational efficiency.

“By offering a safer, more effective solution for glass-breaking scenarios, Baller projectiles provide agencies with a critical tool to enhance their response capabilities.”

Availability
Baller .68 caliber projectiles are available exclusively through HOP Munitions. Agencies seeking to equip their departments with these projectiles should contact max@hopmunitions.com for more details.

The Next Step for the Artillery Plant in Lithuania: Rheinmetall, EPSO-G Invest and Girait?s Ginkluot?s Gamykla Officially Sign Partnership Agreement

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

The project of the German-Lithuanian artillery plant in Baisogala continues to move forward. On 20 December 2024, representatives of the German defence technology company Rheinmetall, the Lithuanian energy transmission and exchange group EPSO-G, the EPSO-G company EPSO-G Invest and the Lithuanian company Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla signed a partnership agreement. This regulates the acquisition of shares in the company Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, which will build the artillery shell manufacturing plant for 155-mm artillery shells.

The agreement stipulates that Rheinmetall will hold 51 percent of the shares in Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva. 48 percent will be owned by EPSO-G Invest and 1 percent by Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla.

“At the end of November, we signed a contract for the lease of a land plot for the future factory in the Radviliškis district and the purchase of 155 mm ammunition. With the signed agreement with our Lithuanian partners, we have completed another very important stage and will now plan the construction of the new factory and prepare it for operation together,” says Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Rheinmetall executive board.

“Lithuania’s energy independence and security are inseparable from each other and these are the main strategic directions of the EPSO-G group. In this project, we will use our accumulated experience in implementing strategic infrastructural energy and security projects,” says Tomas Varneckas, CEO of EPSO-G Invest.

According to Violeta Kaš?tien?, interim manager of the Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla, the involvement of the Girait? Armaments Factory in this project is a significant step, opening up new opportunities for cooperation with one of the world’s leaders in the defense sector. “This partnership project not only strengthens our competencies and role in the Lithuanian defense industry, but also contributes to ensuring the country’s security interests. From an economic point of view, this is a targeted development step, strengthening the potential of the Lithuanian defense industry and promoting its further development,” says V. Kaš?tien?.

The plant near Baisogala is expected to start operations in two years period and, once completed, will be capable of producing tens of thousands of 155 mm calibre artillery shells annually. According to the preliminary calculations total investments into the facility may reach around €260 million. The plant is expected to create at least 150 new direct jobs in the region. 

Federal Ammunition Announces an Entirely New Hunting Cartridge: 7mm Backcountry

Tuesday, January 7th, 2025

ANOKA, Minnesota – January 7, 2025 – Federal Ammunition launches a ground-breaking long-action hunting cartridge that raises the bar for what a non-magnum, centerfire rifle hunting load can achieve. The patented Peak Alloy one-piece, high-strength case boosts the new Federal-designed 7mm Backcountry cartridge, which provides magnum performance in a standard bolt face rifle. Through 20-inch barrels and with 170-grain bullets, it can achieve 3,000 feet per second.

“Welcome to the future of rifle cartridges,” said Jesse Whiteside, Federal’s Vice President of Product Management and R&D. “When it comes to innovation in rifle ammunition, as an industry, we have reached a point of diminishing returns with brass cased ammunition. With modern magnums, for example, it may take 30% more propellant to increase velocity by 10%. With our new 7mm Backcountry cartridge, featuring Peak Alloy case technology, those rules are re-written. We can achieve that same 10% velocity increase with less propellant than current magnums and do so out of shorter barrels with less felt recoil. Additionally, unlike conventional magnums, 7mm Backcountry utilizes a standard bolt face which allows for an additional round in the magazine of most hunting rifles. We expect factory gun offerings with barrels as short as 16” that match or outperform today’s current offerings with much longer barrels. This new technology allows hunters and shooters to shoot a barrel with a suppressor on it that is essentially the same length of a barrel without a suppressor on it, in a conventional round today.”

“Hunters are trending toward using shorter-barrel rifles with suppressors,” said Mike Holm, Federal’s Director of Centerfire Rifle Ammunition. “They want a suppressed rifle with a shorter barrel to make it more manageable while on the hunt, but they also want to retain velocities in that 3,000-fps range for flat-shooting performance. At launch, we are loading our new cartridge with some of the industry’s best all-range and long-range projectiles to fully exploit its velocity, energy, range, and trajectory advantages.”

“The five initial loads of 7mm Backcountry are 155- and 170-grain Federal Premium Terminal Ascent, 195-grain Federal Premium Berger Elite Hunter, 168-grain Federal Premium Barnes LRX Copper, and 175-grain Federal Fusion Tipped,” said Eric Miller, Federal’s Centerfire Rifle Ammunition Product Line Manager. These flat-shooting, heavy-for-caliber bullets offer the optimal range of options between sleekness and energy, touting high ballistic coefficients.”

Federal’s 7mm Backcountry is an entirely new high-performance, all-range cartridge that reinvents modern ammunition. But achieving this incredible feat is nothing without the tools to ignite it. Federal Ammunition has engaged with many major gun companies while developing 7mm Backcountry, and those manufacturers are working on multiple rifle models chambered for the new cartridge. The new product will be shipping in January 2025.

Federal Ammunition products are available at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on all Federal products, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Replenishment for Air Defence: Rheinmetall Delivers 35mm-Ammunition forAnti-Aircraft Gun Gepard to Ukraine

Monday, January 6th, 2025

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver additional 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft gun. The new order comprises 180,000 rounds of HEI-T ammunition (High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer) and was booked in December of 2024. The order value is in the high double-digit million euro range and is being funded by Germany. Already in February of 2023, Rheinmetall received an order to supply 300,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition to Ukraine.

The ordered ammunition can be used to effectively re-fight various airborne targets, such as drones. It will be produced at Rheinmetall’s site in Unterlüß. Due to the increased demand for 35mm ammunition, the production line at the site was rebuilt at great expense in a very short time in the spring of 2023.

Until today, the Federal Republic of Germany has handed over a total of 55 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, which had been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr. There, they have proven their value in air defense for more than two years.

Rheinmetall has also supplied the attacked country with various state-of-the-art air defense systems such as Skynex, using the programmable AHEAD airburst ammunition. Internationally seen, the company is one of the leading manufacturers of complex air defence weapon systems. Rheinmetall is the world’s leading maker of cannon-based air defence systems, and the sole supplier of a full range of fire control systems, protected and integrated guided missile launchers.  The portfolio is completed by air surveillance systems and radar technology with search and detection radars. 

Geissele Purchases SSK Firearms

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

Geissele Automatics is pleased to announce it has acquired SSK Firearms. SSK Firearms was founded in 1977 by J.D. Jones, a world-renowned firearms enthusiast/gunsmith and co-creator of the Super Vel® line of ammunition that became the basis for most of the high-performance handgun ammunition that exists today. J.D. also created his Whisper® family of firearm cartridges, which is the foundation of many heavy bullet subsonic rounds, such as the popular 300 Blackout.

J.D. Jones founded SSK Firearms with a focus on providing premium quality custom barrels and cartridges that are compatible with the very popular single shot hunting pistol and rifle platforms from Thompson/Center Arms, the Contender® and Encore®. With millions of these firearms in circulation since their inception, SSK Firearms has built a reputation of being the premier option for receivers, custom and standard caliber barrels, and scope bases.

Geissele’s and SSK’s values are aligned in providing the hunting and target shooting community with premium products and solutions, while also providing the best customer service. SSK will be supercharged by Geissele which will provide match grade bench rest quality barrel blanks, as well as increased capacity from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Wales, PA.

In addition, Geissele’s cutting edge engineering team will be leading the charge on advancing SSK with new products and offerings in the near future.

Revolutionizing the Battlefield: How Lighter Ammo Saves Troops’ Lives and Reduces Casualties

Monday, December 16th, 2024

Shell Shock Technologies’ lighter-weight ammunition is setting a new standard for military efficiency, cost savings, and life-saving innovations. By embracing cutting-edge design, the company is helping to redefine the future of combat readiness.

Eubank, KY (December 2024) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC, (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, has released groundbreaking findings that demonstrate how its lighter-weight ammunition can save lives and enhance military efficiency. The analysis highlights the significant benefits of a 30 percent reductionin ammunition weight, including fewer troop casualties, improved combat readiness, and substantial cost savings.

Weight Reduction: Saving Lives and Reducing Casualties

Combat Casualty Reduction: A 30 percent reduction in ammunition weight can directly impact battlefield survival rates. For a 13-member Marine Rifle Squad engaging an enemy of four (4) in a defensive position, rushing across 100 meters of rough desert terrain, a 15 lb. weight reduction for troops can save lives – “it can reduce squad casualties from 8.9 to 3.5.” Ammunition is 8 lbs. per troop, so a 30 percent reduction is 2.4 lbs., or 16 percent of the weight reduction targeted – in essence saving about one troop per engagement. This is based on over 885,000 simulations.

Enhanced Mobility: Lighter ammunition enables soldiers to carry more rounds without increasing their load, boosting mobility and agility on the battlefield. This improved efficiency allows for faster deployment and reduced physical strain.

Reduced Fatigue: With less weight to carry, troops experience less fatigue, which significantly enhances endurance and operational effectiveness during high-stress missions.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlined Logistics and Cost Savings

Increased Transport Capacity: Shell Tech’s lighter ammunition reduces the need for every fourth vehicle in transport convoys, enabling fewer shipments and lowering fuel consumption. For instance, traditional .50 caliber ammunition requires 10 pallets per vehicle, whereas lighter ammo accommodates 14 pallets per vehicle.

Aircraft Fuel Savings: A 30 percent weight reduction in ammunition payloads translates to a 9–15 percent savings in fuel costs per mission. For the U.S. military, this equates to over $1.16 billion in annual savings based on 200,000 aircraft missions.

Maintenance Reduction: The reduced weight lessens wear and tear on weapon systems, transportation vehicles, and aircraft, resulting in significant long-term maintenance savings.

Combat Readiness: Empowering Troops on the Battlefield

Improved Safety and Endurance: Lightweight ammunition decreases the risk of injuries related to carrying heavy equipment, such as back and joint problems. Healthier and less fatigued troops are better prepared to execute their missions effectively.

Enhanced Efficiency: By reducing combat load weight, troops gain the ability to carry additional supplies or critical equipment, improving readiness for a variety of combat scenarios.

Growing Military Interest and Scaling for Success

Both the U.S. military and allied forces are taking notice of Shell Shock’s groundbreaking advancements. This case technology has been part of winning solutions for lightweight, highly accurate ammunition with increased projectile velocities in multiple Requests for Proposals (RFPs) completed by the U.S. military over the past few years. Military testing has been extremely successful, although specific programs remain undisclosed due to ongoing NDAs.

The company disclosed that it has received multiple Indications of Interest (IOIs) for 7.62 rifle and machine gun rounds, worth over $200 million. As a result, Shell Shock will need to scale rapidly and is currently in discussions with several large defense contractors to partner with the company.

While the company serves military customers, Shell Shock recently released its Shell Tech ammo line, which is available to the civilian market. This ammunition is sold direct from its factory and shipped to customers, enabling the company to offer military-grade ammo at a cost comparable to traditional brass-cased ammunition.

A Pioneering Step Forward

“Shell Shock Technologies is committed to providing our armed forces with innovative solutions that not only enhance mission success but also protect the lives of those who serve,” said Peter Foss, CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. “Our lighter-weight ammunition not only saves weight and money but most importantly reduces casualties among U.S. troops.”

HOP Munitions Introduces Electrically Disruptive Projectiles (EDP): A New Frontier in Ammunition Technology

Monday, December 16th, 2024

[Haysville, Ohio]— HOP Munitions is proud to announce its partnership with RoboRounds to manufacture and distribute Electrically Disruptive Projectiles (EDP) for 9mm, .45 ACP, and 12-gauge shotgun rounds.

This groundbreaking ammunition is designed to address modern threats posed by drones, robotics, and exoskeletons, making it a game-changer for security forces, law enforcement, and private users.

HOP Munitions remains committed to pushing the boundaries of ammunition technology to meet evolving threats. The Electrically Disruptive Projectiles initiative is a testament to our mission of innovation, precision, and reliability in modern defense.

What Are Electrically Disruptive Projectiles (EDP)?

EDPs are specially designed rounds with an advanced compound capable of disrupting electrical and mechanical systems.

Upon impact, these projectiles deposit 3-5 grams of a proprietary powder designed to incapacitate devices by targeting critical components like cameras, LIDAR, and electro-mechanical systems.

The compounds used in these rounds range from magnetic materials to whiskering compounds, each tailored for specific applications. The disruption is cumulative, with repeated hits amplifying the effect until the target system is entirely disabled.

This innovative solution provides a practical alternative to electromagnetic pulses (EMP), offering precision and scalability.

Why EDP? Meeting the Modern Threats

From hostile drones flying over military bases to autonomous robotic systems, the need for effective countermeasures has never been greater.

Reports of drone swarms and their potential uses in surveillance and attack scenarios underscore the urgency of this technology. EDP rounds offer an immediate and reliable solution to neutralize such threats.

Target Applications:

-Drones: Neutralizing surveillance or delivery drones.

-Robotics: Disabling autonomous machines.

-Exoskeletons: Countering advanced systems used in military or industrial applications.

“By 2025, the share of robots in the Russian weapon structure is supposed to reach 30%.” – Rand: Russia’s Asymmetric Response to 21st Century Strategic Competition

HOP Munitions’ Role

As RoboRounds’ manufacturing partner, HOP Munitions will produce and distribute EDP rounds, leveraging our expertise in innovative ammunition solutions.

Our initial focus is on the .45 ACP and 12-gauge slug, with prototypes showcasing significant payload capacities and efficiency.

.45 ACP: A hollow-point design capable of encapsulating up to 4 grams of compound, sealed with a precision 3D-printed cap for reliability.

12-Gauge Slug: Designed for larger payloads, these slugs offer unparalleled effectiveness against high-tech targets.

While development of the 9mm variant is ongoing, HOP Munitions is committed to ensuring reliable and consistent performance across all calibers.

Available to All Markets

In alignment with our principles of accessibility, EDP rounds will be available to civilian, law enforcement, and military markets. Whether defending infrastructure, protecting privacy, or enhancing public safety, EDP rounds are indispensable for modern defense.

Market Timing and Future Plans

HOP Munitions plans to introduce EDP rounds to the market at the upcoming SHOT Show, showcasing their potential to revolutionize counter-technology defense.

With interest from law enforcement, government agencies, and the private sector, we anticipate high demand for this cutting-edge product.

While the .45 ACP and 12-gauge slug are production-ready, the 9mm round is being refined for optimal performance. HOP Munitions is working closely with material science experts to finalize this innovative addition to the EDP lineup.

Learn More

To stay updated on Electrically Disruptive Projectiles or inquire about partnerships, visit the HOP Munitions website.

HOP Munitions Unleashes the Ultimate Hog Hunting Ammo: 62-Grain Solid Copper 5.56 REX

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

HOP Munitions, a leader in high-performance ammunition, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 62-grain Solid Copper 5.56 REX (Rapid EXpanding) ammunition. Precision-engineered for hunters who demand maximum performance from their AR-15s, this new round sets a new standard for ethical and effective hog hunting.

At the core of this cutting-edge cartridge is a solid copper projectile designed to deliver unparalleled penetration and controlled expansion. With a muzzle velocity of 2,870 fps and an impressive 1,134 ft/lbs of energy, this ammo ensures devastating on-target results. A .300 ballistic coefficient and sectional density of .177 provide exceptional accuracy and stability, making it ideal for close-range and extended-range shots.

Whether you’re clearing feral hogs from farmland or chasing a trophy boar in rugged terrain, the 5.56 REX gives you the edge you need. This round is engineered to deliver consistent, lethal performance while maintaining the precision hunters expect from HOP Munitions products.

Key Features of the 5.56 62-Grain Solid Copper REX

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Grain Weight: 62

Bullet Type: Solid Copper REX (Rapid EXpanding)

Muzzle Velocity: 2,870 fps

Muzzle Energy: 1,134 ft/lbs

Ballistic Coefficient: .300

Sectional Density: .177

Packaging: Convenient 50-round boxes

Designed with hunters in mind, this ammo’s solid copper construction ensures lead-free compliance, making it environmentally friendly without sacrificing power or performance. Its rapid-expansion design minimizes over-penetration, ensuring a clean, ethical kill with every shot.

Optimized for AR-15 Platforms

Perfectly tuned for AR-15 rifles, the 5.56 REX offers smooth cycling and reliable feeding. Its lightweight 62-grain bullet delivers the flat trajectory needed for fast follow-ups and accurate shots, even under challenging conditions.

Now Available

The 5.56 62-grain Solid Copper REX is now available in 50-round boxes. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or preparing for your first hog hunt, this round ensures you have the ultimate tool for success.