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.

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.”

[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, 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.