NJ Legislature Supports Police Use of “Extra Lethal “Ammunition

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For more than thirty years NJ Firearms Law has all but banned Citizen use, ownership or possession of hollow point type ammunition, but with the obligatory exemption for Military and Police.

It is true that Citizens can in fact buy, and use hollow points under extremely limited and exceptionally narrowly tailored circumstances, but even most cops aren’t aware of them.

Ask nearly any anti-gun politician or spokesperson for an anti-gun group and the inevitable answer justifying the law is predicated on utter ignorance and unsupportable rhetoric. Opponents will invariably exclaim that hollow point bullets are “extra lethal “ and “they are designed solely to cause devastating wounds, inflicting un-necessary pain and trauma“ and they “pose a grave threat “ or other variations of the meme.

Yet there’s that pesky exemption for the Military and Police?

The only conclusion one can reach is that the Legislature approves of and supports the issuance and potential use of these “extra lethal” rounds of ammunition by Police Officers in the performance of their duties, essentially suggesting and overtly approving that it’s perfectly acceptable for an alleged criminal to be shot by a Police Officer with them if the situation calls for it.

This means, it is the stated policy of the NJ Legislature that a person engaged in a criminal act, but not having yet had a trial or having been convicted of such an act in a Court of Law, can suffer “ un-necessary pain and trauma “ and suffer “ devastating wounds “ if an Officer decides to shoot the suspect for whatever reason.

Now, let’s shed the harsh light of scientific facts on the issue.
A hollow point bullet is not designed “solely to cause devastating wounds “ its design and construction is engineered to have the bullet expand on impact with a surface, any surface; including concrete, steel, wood, fabric and yes, flesh. By expanding on impact, the surface area of the bullet increases and causes the kinetic energy stored in the bullet to be dispersed over a greater surface area, that’s it!

Remember I mentioned fabric amongst the list of surfaces that will cause a hollow point to expand when it impacts? What are Police issue Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests made from? That’s right, fabric. In fact, when Police issue Body Armor is tested by both the manufacturer and the government agency responsible for certifying its effectiveness, it’s tested against hollow point bullets!

Police Body Armor is actually much more likely to be more effective at stopping a hollow point bullet then a “full metal jacket“ type of bullet, which is the height of irony. Because of the Legislature’s incredible ignorance of the subject and their apparent willingness to swallow the baseless lies and fear mongering of Anti gunners..

..they’ve unintentionally created a more potentially deadly situation for those they claim to be trying to protect, Police and innocent Citizens.

I have in my custody an internal Ballistics Test Report from the NJ State Police that conclusively proves that the use of full metal jacket ammunition in a defensive shooting situation is exponentially riskier in terms of the likelihood of over penetration and or “target pass through“ with the significant potential to injure innocent people well outside the area of the shooting.

A study performed by the NYPD found the same thing and validated the findings of the NJ State Police, that the use of full metal jacket style ammunition was much more likely to result in the unintended injury of innocent bystanders due to the ability of the round to strike its intended target, generally retain its shape and energy, pass through the target and continue on its path to strike something else.

As opposed to a hollow point bullet whose design ensures that upon impact it expands and deposits its energy in its original target, thereby becoming significantly less likely to hurt or kill an innocent bystander.

The New Jersey Legislature cannot have it both ways.
They can either admit that if they truly believe that hollow point style ammunition actually is “extra lethal“ and all the other assorted, overheated adjectives they use to describe them, and their approved use against criminals then certainly seems like a clear cut case of “extra judicious“ force.

Or they can simply admit they made a mistake, take responsibility for it and fix it by treating hollow point ammunition just like any other bullet.

More articles, commentary and information by Dan Robert available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- Olin Corp. (NYSE:OLN), makers of Winchester ammunition, reported that fourth quarter Winchester division sales were up 8.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Segment earnings were $500,000, down from $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The company said the decline in segment earnings reflects the impact of a less favorable product mix, higher commodity metal costs, higher manufacturing costs and costs associated with the relocation of the centerfire operations to Oxford, Miss., partially offset by higher selling prices.

Guns & Tactics Magazine

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- As you walk into the gun store to look for a box of ammunition for your CCW or home defense weapon, you find yourself overwhelmed.

The selection on the shelves raises more questions than answers; you find yourself in an analysis paralysis state and leave the store with doubt and confusion.

The folks at Winchester Ammunition have developed the PDX1 Defender line, not just ammunition for handguns, but an entire line of ammunition for many different calibers and types of firearms from rimfire to shotgun, handgun to centerfire.

PDX1 Defender handgun ammunition, which utilizes the same bullets as Winchester’s law enforcement ammunition in service with the FBI, has become the ammunition of choice for many law enforcement agencies. In 2012, to complement this wildly popular and effective handgun line of ammunition and other PDX1 Defender products, Winchester is introducing another PDX1 Defender shotgun load, expanding their PDX1 Defender centerfire lineup and is introducing a PDX1 Defender rimfire round.

A New Slug
winchester12 PDX1 Defender from Winchester Ammunition
The PDX1 Defender Segmenting Slug is designed to segment or break into three equal pieces when the slug encounters what the FBI calls, “protocol barriers” in plain English; heavy cloth, wallboard, and plywood into ballistic gelatin. This slug gives the advantage of a slug and buckshot in one shell therefore eliminating the need and expense of both and reduces the chance of a slug over-penetrating interior walls as rifled slugs have a tendency to do.

Currently, the PDX1 Defender Segmenting Slug is only offered in 2 ¾ inch, the one ounce load boasts a respectable 1600 fps.

Centerfire Offerings
With more and more folks relying on ARs for their home defense needs, the problem of over penetration is a very real scenario. Winchester’s PDX1 Defender centerfire loaded with the Split-Core Technology bullets are designed to deliver energy when needed and expand rapidly to prevent over penetration.

S308PDB FrontView PDX1 Defender from Winchester Ammunition
New for 2012, is the 77 grain .223 Remington and the 120 grain .308 Winchester offerings.

The new 77 grain round can be fired from any .223 Remington, it is best stabilized in a barrel with a 1-7” or a 1-9”rate of twist. The 77 grain bullet exits the barrel at 2,850 feet per second.

The .308 Winchester offers owners of a .308 chambered AR the same advantages PDX1 Defender fans have come to rely on. The 120 grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2500 feet per second.

Both of these rifle loadings have been designed for use in close encounters like those in a home invasion.

A rimfire home defense round?

While I wouldn’t call a .22 magnum handgun an ideal home protection cartridge, the fact remains; the best home protection firearm is the one in your hand when you need it most. If the 22 magnum, which does enjoy brisk sales as a home protection firearm, is that firearm, why not have it loaded with the best designed bullet? Enter the PDX1 Defender 22 – A .22 magnum rimfire cartridge which delivers from a two inch barrel, according to Winchester, a 46 grain jacketed hollow point at 1,200 feet per second, like other PDX1 offerings the bullet is designed for optimal penetration and fast expansion.

I have seen arguments and comparisons of the .22 magnum head to head with the .380, .25 ACP and the .32 ACP. It will be interesting to see how these cartridges stack up against one another once the smoke clears.

About Guns & Tactics Video:
To inquire about a video production project for your brand or business, simply send us a message at www.gunsandtactics.com

Winchester Blind Side Waterfowl Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- In 2011, Winchester Ammunition revolutionized steel waterfowl ammunition with the launch of Blind Side, the most innovative steel waterfowl product in the company’s history.

“Before Blind Side ammunition, waterfowl hunters could only dream of steel shot that approached the performance of lead. Now, it’s a reality,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of marketing and sales.

“Our engineers spent years developing Blind Side and we’re taking it to the next level in 2012 by expanding the Blind Side line to offer more choices to hunters.”

For 2012, Blind Side ammunition will be offered in the following gauges, shell lengths and shot sizes (new offerings in bold):

Gauge Shell Length Oz. Shot Velocity Shot Sizes

• 12 3 1/2” 1 5/8 1400 BB, 1, 2, 3
• 12 3” 1 3/8 1400 BB, 1, 2, 3, 5
• 12 2 3/4” 1 1/4 1400 2, 5
• 20 3” 1 1/16 1300 2, 5

Blind Side ammunition combines ground-breaking, stacked HEX Shot technology and the new Diamond Cut Wad in the most deadly Winchester waterfowl load available. The HEX Shot pellets, shaped much like dice, literally stack together inside the shell, resulting in up to 15 percent more pellets in every shell.

Loaded with 100 percent HEX Shot, hunters get more pellets on target, a larger kill zone and more trauma inducing pellets than ever before – meaning quick kill shots. The shot is designed to hit waterfowl like high-velocity tumbling bricks – preventing over penetration and maximizing energy deposit and knock down shock within the bird.

With a company heritage dating back to 1866, Winchester Ammunition was there for the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and through the years, millions of fond memories made in the great outdoors. Known as The American Legend, Winchester is a global leader in sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition production. Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side waterfowl and PDX1 Defender™ personal defense ammunition.

For more information about Winchester Ammunition, visit www.winchester.com, or connect with The American Legend™ on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterAmmunition.

NJ2AS looking over the wall in New Jersey....WOLVERINES!

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society testified before the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee yesterday to weigh in on Assembly Bills A588 and A1013.

A588 was opposed because it proposed to give over-reaching authority to the New Jersey Attorney General to ban ammunition, including air soft pellets, at the whim of the Attorney General.

A1013 was opposed because it hinged on the poorly defined definition of ‘defaced’ in the New Jersey code, effectively making law-abiding citizens felons when in possession of older firearms that may have rust or normal wear making their markings unreadable.

The Committee tabled A588 and amended A1013 to address the concerns raised by NJ2AS and other Second Amendment groups that testified.

“We are very pleased with the way the Committee responded to their constituents’ today.” says Frank Jack Fiamingo, President of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, “The Committee was inundated with phone calls, email and faxes opposing these bills as well as a strong showing at the hearing in Trenton by concerned citizens – and we feel they responded appropriately.”

Frank Jack Fiamingo can be reached for comment via email at President@nj2as.com or by phone at (732) 233-6506.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (http://www.NJ2AS.com) is a no compromise defender of the right to keep and bear arms formed to promote those rights protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States within the legislature and the community.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Gun for Hire Radio

Gun for Hire Radio

Belleville, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- It is here! GFH Radio #35 In this episode Anthony and Sandy speak with Scott Bach and discuss Assembly Bill A588 which would enable the Attorney General to ban handgun and rifle ammunition by executive fiat.

http://gunforhireradio.com/podcasts/GFH_Episode_35.mp3

Please Please, thank and patronize ours sponsors. Without them there would NO GFH Radio! http://gunforhireradio.com/featuredsponsors.html

About:
Gun For Hire, Firearm Training Center and NJSO were started to promote the positive aspects of safe and responsible firearms ownership. I believe if you are going to make the commitment to own a firearm, it is your duty to learn the safe and responsible handling that goes with its ownership. I am the Chief Range Safety Officer at the Bullet Hole Range. I have been giving private and group lessons in firearms instruction since 1992. “Firearms in self-defense are not a cure all but in trained hands they are the ultimate equalizer.” Visit: www.gunforhireradio.com

SS109AP Green Tip Bullets

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-  On Friday afternoon January 27th, news broke on various social networks that four Northern New Jersey autocratic Assembly members snuck two new sweeping and completely unnecessary anti-gun bills onto the calendar of the Law and Public Safety Committee for Monday January 30th.

Assembly Bill A588 concerns a new ammunition ban, cleverly disguised and marketed for the protection of Law Enforcement, but granting unprecedented powers to an unelected official, in the form of the State Attorney General; to unilaterally ban any ammunition, of any type or construction, including incredibly enough, benign plastic “BB’s “of the type used by Airsoft Toys, if the Attorney General deems them a “threat to the safety or welfare of Law Enforcement “.

When reached for comments over the rationale and reasoning for such an onerous proposal, an aide to one of the sponsors claimed the bill was only concerned with banning a particular type of round, the FN 5.7 caliber SS109AP Armor Piercing one, fired from the FN Pistol, due to its concerns that the round in question can penetrate multiple layers of Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests most commonly issued to Police Officers. Ignore for the moment the blatant and almost certainly Un Constitutional vesting of near omnipotent regulatory powers in an unelected and unaccountable Official in favor of focusing on the concerns over the ammunition specifically referenced in the Statement and the language of the proposed legislation in general.

The Statement portion of the proposal, which briefly explains the sponsors reasoning, appears on its face to target only the SS109AP 5.7 round.

A round which is already restricted by both NJ State and Federal Law to Law Enforcement and Military personnel.

This is readily apparent from the description of the type of round in question, with the AP initials standing for, quite obviously, its designation as an Armor Piercing round. Essentially this means that the sponsors of this legislation are arguing to make an already prohibited round “more illegal “ then it already is. How this is a logical conclusion on the parts of the various Assemblypersons is anyone’s guess. More troubling is the intentionally over broad language found in the proposal that would potentially make possession of virtually any round of ammunition by a law abiding citizen a criminal offense at the whim of the Attorney General.

There are any number of common and ubiquitous rifle rounds that are used in target competitions, hunting and numerous other completely legal activities that are fully capable of penetrating standard Police Issue body armor. And as more manufacturers continue to develop and market handguns that fire a rifle caliber bullet, the threat becomes obvious. The language of the proposed legislation would most certainly grant the ability to outlaw those rounds by fiat, merely by a finding by the Attorney General that they “pose a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement Officers”. As AirSoft toys are not considered firearms under NJ law, despite the best efforts of ideological hoplophobes in the Legislature, it’s a mystery why AirSoft “BB’s” are included in the language.

At a future date the AG could conceivably issue an opinion and finding that because an AirSoft pellet might cause a red mark or “shoot someone’s eye out” that they meet the criteria of posing a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement and must therefore be banned.

Assembly Bill A1013 concerns “defaced firearms “ and is once again written so poorly as to criminalize the ownership use or possession of any firearm whose factory finish has been degraded by use, age or rust, or replaced, changed or enhanced with the application of numerous firearms finishing products such as “bluing “ chemicals or DuraCoat products. Anonymous sources that spoke to the primary sponsor of A1013 on Friday, Assemblyman and Law and Public Safety Committee Chairman Charles Mainor; told this journalist that

Assemblyman Mainor ‘s intent with A1013 was solely to deal with the criminal use of defaced firearms, meaning ones that had their serial numbers obliterated by criminals in order to frustrate any potential law enforcement investigation.

Once again, this is an act that is already a Federal Level Felony, so it remains unclear why a new law making it “more illegal “ is felt necessary.

Word from my sources is that Assemblyman Mainor intends to have the overly broad language stricken from the proposal.

In an effort to be fair in my capacity as an independent journalist, I contacted the offices of each of the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, seeking on the record comments of their reasoning and explaining that I was under a 48 hour deadline. While the various aides or spokespersons were unfailingly polite and promised to get back to me either with a statement from the sponsors or to request the sponsors contact me directly to get their opinions from the horse’s mouth as it were, not one of them actually did.

I will also be following up with the NJ State Police Public Information Officer as soon as possible to get their position on these matters, specifically A588 and whether or not there is even a concern among Law Enforcement over the already banned SS109AP round, or if this is as a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. My own belief, one shared by anyone familiar with the 30 year history of draconian firearms laws is that A588 is a thinly veiled effort to perform an end run around Second Amendment rights in NJ, effectively neutering them beyond all recognition. It has long been argued by various Pro Gun Control groups, their enablers in the Legislature and their sycophants in the media that; if they cant accomplish an outright gun ban, they would pursue the next best course, efforts to ban ammunition, which if successful would render law abiding citizens firearms as useful and effective as a paperweight.

So why are certain Legislator’s pursuing this course?

Simple, they are ideological purists, smug in their sense that they know better than everyone else, and will do whatever they can, and we the Citizens allow, to force their views on others via the force of law. It’s far easier for them to blame an inanimate object and its accessories, to slander and demonize a politically incorrect segment of society and to cater to voters who get their knowledge of firearms from Hollywood. It’s about power and control, about crass political expediency and nothing more. Legislators like the sponsors of A588 count on people’s ignorance and apathy, they use deceit and misrepresentation, aided and abetted by a complicit media to ram through policies they know won’t have any meaningful effect on criminals, in favor of punishing innocent people and running roughshod over the Second Amendment.

For twenty plus years we have witnessed, ever more onerous Feel Good Anti-Gun Legislation in NJ, so that politicians can claim to be “doing something “ about violent crime, forgetting or more likely not caring the least about the fact that criminals by their very definition are predisposed to not follow the law to begin with. These policies don’t work, haven’t worked and in fact can’t work. What will pay noticeable dividends in reducing violent crime is cracking down hard on criminals that commit violent acts while possessing a firearm, including stiff, minimum mandatory sentences that will not be plea bargained away so a Prosecutor can notch another guilty plea in his or her file.

In the interim, I urge anyone reading this to contact the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, plus the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee and politely but vociferously voice your steadfast opposition to these proposals and your commitment to do everything possible to ensure their defeat in addition to any future similar legislation and those in office that come up with it, while ignoring going after criminal misuse of firearms. Even better, if at all possible given the short notice; make every effort to journey to Trenton tomorrow, Monday January 30th and voice your opposition and resolve in person during the public comment portion of the Law and Public Safety Committee hearing to be held at 2 pm.

More information for anyone planning or able to attend tomorrow’s Committee Hearing can be found by joining the Facebook Page of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society which is spearheading, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, opposition to these proposals. http://tiny.cc/NJ2AS

These are the four sponsors of A588 (Ammunition Ban Bill)

• Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 624-1730
• Assemblyman Albert Coutinho 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 589-0713
• Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan Jr 18th Legislative District
  South Plainfield NJ Office Number (908) 757-1677
• Assemblywoman Annette Quijano 20th Legislative District
  Union NJ Office Number (908) 624-0880

These are the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee

Law and Public Safety Committee

• Mainor, Charles – Chair 31st Legislative District Office Number (201) 536-7851
• Wilson, Gilbert L. – Vice-Chair 5th Legislative District Office Number (856) 547-4800 (Audubon)
• Albano, Nelson T. 1st Legislative District Office Number (856) 696-7109 (Vineland)
• Benson, Daniel R. 14th Legislative District Office Number (609) 631-0198
• Connors, Sean 33rd Legislative District no number listed
• Cryan, Joseph 20th Legislative District Office Number (908) 624-0880
• Kean, Sean T. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• McGuckin, Gregory P. 10th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• Peterson, Erik 23rd Legislative District Office Number (908) 238-0251
• Rible, David P. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-1719
• Watson Coleman, Bonnie 15th Legislative District Office Number (609) 292-0500

More articles and information by Dan Robert available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

Social Media Phenomenon Grips Shooting Sports...

Frank Brownell - Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- Our Gang just returned from the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. It was a very successful – and a very hectic – event.

Our industry appears to be very strong right now, and the pace at the show almost felt “frantic“.

We picked up on five trends that we think you’ll want to keep in mind to stay ahead this year.

Ammunition — All calibers. Most of the ammunition manufacturers out there wrote business way in excess of last year’s SHOT Show. Remember, ammunition has not seen a down, or even flat, year since before 2008, and 2012 will be another large year in the ammunition market. We suggest you place orders with your suppliers or stay in contact with your just-in-time suppliers and stay ahead of this market. Some calibers that may be of more interest are the popular concealed carry handgun cartridges and the long range rifle rounds.

Check with your customers in those two venues to see what they’re shooting and have plenty on hand for them and their buddies, who quite likely will be buying much the same calibers. Also, as new calibers become “hot” during the year, check them out with your customers. There’s always someone in the gang who has to be first at the range with the “latest and greatest” according to the TV show they’re watching or the magazines they’re reading. And, at this point in this conversation, I just can’t help myself… I’ve just got to plug our own vast selection of ammunition at brownells.com where we are always in stock and ready to serve your immediate needs. Or work with our partner in the industry, “Crow Shooter Supply”, which is a massive wholesaler of ammunition.

Concealed Carry Pistols — No new trend here, but a huge emphasis on smaller frames fitting the smaller hand, with a lot of new models of all kinds of handguns specifically targeted at this market. The question we get from all of our friends, since we’re known as the “gun guys in Iowa” is “What pistol should I be getting for myself or my spouse?” Be prepared to answer this question from your customers or friends, and become the local expert on the subject while you’re at it.

Getting folks involved in shooting through the self-protection or concealed carry channel will only help our industry and solidify in their minds the enormous importance of personal ownership of firearms under the guarantees of the Second Amendment.

It’s important to have these pistols in stock to display, especially for a new purchaser of a firearm. These new buyers are going to want to handle them and test them for look, feel and weight – all very important to the new customer. Also, make sure you have a good selection of holsters and carrying devices and quick-access safes. We fielded questions about all of these things, and you’ll need to be prepared to show and tell and demo. And, if you’re really smart, you’ll offer concealed carry training classes for these new customers – and all the other folks who want to get the permits. We’re really astonished at how many folks want the CCW permit whether they’re ever actually going to carry or not. They just want the option of being completely legal and properly trained if the need ever does arise.

Cleaning Equipment & Range Equipment — A huge field of “stuff” with almost unlimited possibilities was at the SHOT Show. First, of course, are the basics: eye protection and hearing protection. Next, the various and multi-assorted cleaning rods and brushes, jags, patches and solutions. Lots of choices at the show. Some new and interesting ones, too. Then range equipment, with the choices limited only by what you and your customers want, need, or can afford. We saw some wonderful action targets that’ll make shooting lots more fun and can be used to make it more competitive, too. Next, everything from range mats to rests of all sorts and styles to the specialty things used by the long-range shooters and in the various other competitive venues, especially 3-gun. Shotguns galore and all the items that can go with this market. You need to understand your particular market and from the really gigantic selection out there, choose what works for your customers and the local ranges.

Just be prepared to special order what they need and you don’t stock – and be knowledgeable of what is available.

Tactical & Long-Range Rifles — We saw a significant presence of AR-style 308 caliber platform firearms, as well as long-range rifles based on the .30 caliber bolt-face. People want to be shooting accurately at a long distance – and this is where much of the buzz is at this moment. We saw the coordination of rifles and ammo suitable for long ranges, as well as many accessories for the bench and field that can assist in reaching out to 300–500 yards or, listening to the shooters talking, frequently much farther.

Social Media — Various forms of this phenomenon were so frequently mentioned in visits with folks that I think we need to discuss it. Marketing on the web has become almost automatic for lots and lots of companies and businesses. It seems if you want to be serious about your business you need a web site. Almost a given. Now Facebook, [AmmoLand.com] blogs and forums of all kinds are becoming a major source of information. People love the web and magazines as a source of information, but now they are linking up to various info interchanges and getting “the word” at lightning speed on just about any subject.

If you want to stay up to date with what people are looking for, you absolutely must have a web site, and by now you almost need the blogs, Facebook, and forums as a way to get people to find you and for you to get information out to them.

As we said at the opening, 2012 SHOT Show was frantic. We believe a good part of that will flow on into the buying patterns of the year: A record number of NICS checks in the weeks before Christmas than any other time ever. Record gun sales for 2011. Huge ammunition sales. An apparent up-tick in the number of hunting licenses issued in some areas. And, an ever increasing understanding and focus on the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

More and more people are “getting it” and exercising that right. You need to be ready for it in your shop in 2012.

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, ammunition, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 50,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

Iowa Firearms Coalition

IOWA – -(Ammoland.com)- Progress at the Capitol!This has been a busy, busy couple of weeks for IFC, your Iowa NRA Affiliate Club!

We have 3 issues to update you on, a new state added recognition of Iowa’s Permit to Carry, steady progress on the Traditional Ammunition Ban front and most importantly Stand Your Ground legislation is moving forward!

Iowa Permit Now Recognized in Georgia
IFC has been working with NRA, and also with Gary Slider at www.hangunlaw.us, to help get Georgia to recognize Iowa’s Permit to Carry.

Thanks to all parties involved for their efforts. Georgia law was written such that it would recognize states that honored Georgia’s permit, but bureaucracy was getting in the way of making it official. That hurdle has now been overcome!

Your Iowa Permit to Carry is now valid in 27 other states.

Traditional Ammunition Progress
Tuesday, Senate Joint Resolution 2001 passed in the state Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee by a 9 to 3 vote. State Senators Dennis Black (D-21), Dick Dearden (D-34), Joni Ernst (R-48), James Hahn (R-40), Shawn Hamerlinck (R-42), Tom Hancock (D-16), Tim Kapucian (R-20), Brian Schoejahn (D-12) and Kent Sorenson (R-37) voted to pass SJR 2001, while Senators Robert Hogg (D-19), Amanda Ragan (D-7) and Joe Seng (D-43) voted against it.

Today, House Joint Resolution 2001 passed in the state House Natural Resources and Environment Committee by a 17 to 4 vote. State Representatives Henry Rayhons (R-11), Jeff Smith (R-6), Richard Arnold (R-72), Clel Baudler (R-58), Joel Fry (R-95), Mary Gaskill (D-93), Bob Hager (R-16), Chris Hall (D-2), Mark Lofgren (R-80), Steven Lukan (R-32), Jim Lykam (D-85), Helen Miller (D-49), Dan Rasmussen (R-23), Annette Sweeney (R-44), James Van Englehoven (R-71), Guy Vander Linden (R-75), John Wittneben (D-7), while Curtis Hanson (D-90), Dan Kelley (D-41), Sharon Steckman (D-13) and Phyllis Thede (D-81) voted against it.

We will keep you updated and let you know when these bills get scheduled for a floor vote.

Stand Your Ground Progress
Tuesday the House Public Safety Subcommittee passed HF 573 by a 2 to 1 vote. This important piece of “stand your ground” self-defense legislation will now be heard by the full House Public Safety Committee as early as Tuesday of next week.

Representative Matt Windschitl (R-56) has been working on this legislation since 2007. Previously the legislation had struggled largely due to Democratic control in the House. Since the power balance in the House has shifted Rep. Windschitl has worked hard with NRA and IFC on crafting a solid self-defense bill for Iowans.

Please take time to e-mail or call Representative Windschitl and thank him for working with IFC and the NRA. Ensure him that you will be helping get behind his effort to pass this important piece of legislation this year! He has been a strong Second Amendment advocate for the Iowans at the Capitol.IFC will be putting together an action alert on this issue soon, so keep an eye out. It’s your voice from the grassroots that really helps us get things done in Iowa!

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

NJ Assembly Committee To Consider Ammo Ban In The Name Of Police Safety

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban under A588, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and plastic airsoft pellets!

Additional legislation being considered (A1013) could land gun owners in jail for refinished or damaged firearms that might be deemed “defaced”

On Monday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee is scheduled to consider A588, legislation that would enable the Attorney General to ban all handgun and most rifle ammunition if he unilaterally determines that it “poses a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers.”

Cleverly disguised as police safety legislation aimed at armor piercing ammunition (which is already prohibited under federal and state law), the measure actually opens the door to a sweeping ammunition ban by an unelected public official by executive fiat. Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and non-metallic ammunition like plastic airsoft pellets, if the Attorney General decides that they pose a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement.

Although the bill only mentions handgun ammunition, it is in fact not limited to handgun ammunition, and would apply to all rifle ammunition for which a handgun if ever made. As an increasing number of gun manufacturers make handgun models that shoot rifle caliber ammunition, the line between “handgun” vs. “rifle” ammunition has become blurred, and the New Jersey State Police have already begun treating rifle ammunition in this category as if it were handgun ammunition for regulatory purposes.

So long as a handgun exists that shoots a particular caliber of rifle ammunition, New Jersey treats that ammunition as if it were handgun ammunition.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee is also scheduled to consider A1013 on Monday. One provision of this police safety legislation significantly increases the penalties relating to “defaced” firearms. Because of New Jersey’s longstanding poorly crafted definition of “defaced” firearms, it is possible that refinishing a firearm, or long-term damage from rust or scratches from ordinary wear and tear, could be deemed “defacement” subjecting honest gun owners to lengthy prison sentences, even though identifying information on the firearm is still legible.

• PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” ON A588 – BACKDOOR AMMUNITION BAN!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” OR AMEND A1013 TO PROTECT HONEST GUN OWNERS FROM SEVERE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES!

MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Charles Mainor (Chair) (D31)
  AsmMainor@njleg.org
  Phone: 201-536-7851
  Fax: 201-536-7854
• Gilbert L. Wilson (Vice Chair) (D5)
  AsmWilson@njleg.org
  Phone: 856-547-4800
  Fax: 856-547-5496
• Nelson T. Albano (D1)
  AsmAlbano@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-465-0700
  Fax: 609-465-4578
• Daniel R. Benson (D14)
  AsmBenson@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-631-0198
  Fax: 609-631-0324
• Sean Connors (D33)
  AsmConnors@njleg.org
• Joseph Cryan (D20)
  AsmCryan@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-624-0880
  Fax: 908-624-0587
• Sean T. Kean (R30)
  AsmKean@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-974-2564
• Gregory P. McGuckin (R10)
  AsmMcGuckin@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-840-9757
• Erik Peterson (R23)
  AsmPeterson@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-238-0251
  Fax: 908-238-0256
• David P. Rible (R30)
  AsmRible@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-1719
  Fax: 732-974-3615
• Bonnie Watson Coleman (D15)
  AswWatsonColeman@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-292-0500
  Fax: 609-633-2179

Help Defeat the Iowa Ban on Traditional Ammunition for Dove Season

Iowa Firearms Coalition

Iowa --(Ammoland.com)- Iowa Firearms Coalition, and your friends at NRA, have been working hard at the Capitol this session already!

As you may have read in Iowa media outlets we are working diligently to overturn the ban on traditional ammunition that was slipped in as an amendment last session by the Natrual Resources Commission.

We are working hard on defending your rights and you can help us out by taking action here!

The Commission has taken a page straight out of the anti-hunting extremist groups’ playbook to deter hunting through traditional ammunition bans.

Anti-conservation fanatics failed at the federal level after the EPA rejected their lead-ban petition and have now placed their focus on Iowa knowing that doves are the most popular and abundant game bird hunted in America. This traditional ammunition ban is designed to price hunters out of the market and keep them from taking part in traversing Iowa’s fields and forests after the historic dove hunting legislation passed this year.

The Commission did not cite any relevant scientific studies showing negative effects of traditional ammunition when proposing this amendment last session, and has simply jumped in the political bed with anti-hunting extremists.

Just look at what Iowa’s DNR Director, Roger Lande, had to say about the ban in the Commission’s press release: “There will be a number of hunters who will be opposed to this decision, but at the end of the day, this action by the commission will help protect Iowa’s environment and wildlife from the adverse affects of lead.”

Dove populations are doing better than ever all while the vast majority of states allow traditional ammunition for dove hunting.

This amendment is the same position the Commission took earlier this year when it attempted to ban the use of lead shot on numerous state and federal wildlife areas across Iowa and said that they would “begin limiting the use of lead for all hunting and fishing on all public areas.” The Commission is blatantly subverting the will of the legislature, where the state House debated the lead issue and overwhelmingly rejected it.

Also, the Iowa DNR has a section on its website titled “Get the Lead Out” which has language eerily similar to the Center for Biological Diversity (“Get the Lead Out”) campaign – and yes, this is a propaganda piece written by the group that petitioned the EPA to ban all lead and traditional ammunition in America!

The Commission’s first attempt at a traditional ammunition ban last session was defeated with Governor Terry Branstad’s help, but this amendment has made their intentions clear. They intend to keep trying until they can get something to stick and once they do they will take this ban across the board.

Please help us take action on this by clicking here. By taking time to make your voice heard we can once again overcome yet another attack on your rights here in Iowa!

Also, please consider becoming a member today. Iowa Firearms Coalition is the only Iowa-based Second Amendment organization whose leadership is completely focused on your defending and advancing your Second Amendment rights. Help join the fight today and know that 100% of your investment goes directly to the cause by clicking here!

Defending your Second Amendment rights in Iowa,

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

Winchester Announces 2012 Distributor of the Year

Winchester Ammunition

LAS VEGAS, NV – -(Ammoland.com)- For setting a high standard of service to dealers, solid sales performance and support of the Winchester brand, W.L. Baumler Company was named the 2011 Distributor of the Year by Winchester Ammunition.

The award was presented to W.L. Baumler Company at the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

“W.L. Baumler Company was a large part our success in 2011 and we’re excited to present them with this award,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re looking forward to continuing a strong partnership with W.L Baumler Company and as we have for many decades, work together to meet the needs of our customers.”

Headquartered in Lorain, Ohio, W.L. Baumler Company was founded in 1946 and has been a valuable distributor for Winchester Ammunition since the early 1960s. The company is a wholesaler of hunting and fishing supplies including firearms, ammunition, rods, reels, lures and more.

Pictured from left to right are Rick Papendick, Winchester Ammunition wholesale distribution manager, Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of marketing and sales, Jack Baumler, W.L. Baumler Company owner and president, Dennis Prebble, Winchester Ammunition sales representative, Bill Recknagel (W.L. Baumler Company), Tom O’keefe, Winchester Ammunition president.“It means a lot to our company that Winchester Ammunition recognized our work,” said Jack Baumler, W.L. Baumler Company owner and president.

“We receive great feedback on Winchester products. They are a great company to deal with and have been very loyal to W.L. Baumler Company. We owe a great deal of thanks to our customers and manufacturers’ reps for making this award possible.’”

With a company heritage dating back to 1866, Winchester Ammunition was there for the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and through the years, millions of fond memories made in the great outdoors. Known as The American Legend™, Winchester is a global leader in sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition production. Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side waterfowl and PDX1Defender personal defense ammunition.

Winchester Announces 2012 Distributor of the Year

For more information about Winchester Ammunition, visit www.winchester.com, or connect with The American Legend on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterAmmunition.

HPR .223 Remington Ammo

HPR Ammunition

Payson, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- HPR (High Precision Range) is manufactured in Payson, Arizona and is positioned in the market as a high quality and innovative brand. HPR is introducing their .223 caliber.

From the competitive shooter to the varmint and predator hunter, HPR’s new line of .223 ammunition will leave you confident of your shot.

HPR Ammunition is American Made. Components, including brass, primers, powder, and projectiles are assembled in the USA. Furthermore, personal inspection, and hand packaging is performed by US Citizens in Payson, Arizona.

HPR offers the .223 in 4 varieties: 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket, 60 Grain Soft Point Match Grade, 60 Grain V-MAX Match Grade and 75 Grain Boat Tail Hollow Point Match Grade.

These loads feature extreme accuracy, HPR’s proprietary HyperClean technology, and a powerful punch for the targets and varmints in your sights. While HPR mainly uses new brass, these four particular offerings feature factory processed Mil Spec brass that boasts tremendous accuracy. This accuracy makes them the choice of Match shooters and a favorite of many 3-gun competitors.

HPR .223 Remington Specifications

HPR .223 55 Grain Full Metal Jacket

• Caliber: .223 Remington
• Bullet Weight: 55 Grain
• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket
• Muzzle Velocity: 3276 f/s
• Velocity at 100yds: 2939f/s
• Muzzle Energy: 1311 ft/lbs
• Energy at 100yds: 1005 ft/lbs

HPR .223 60 Grain Soft Point Match Grade

• Caliber: .223 Remington
• Bullet Weight: 60 Grain
• Bullet Type: Soft Point Match Grade
• Muzzle Velocity: 3015f/s
• Velocity at 100yds: 2669 f/s
• Muzzle Energy: 1211 ft/lbs
• Energy at 100yds: 949 ft/lbs

HPR .223 60 Grain V-MAX Match Grade

• Caliber: .223 Remington
• Bullet Weight: 60 Grain
• Bullet Type: V-MAX Match Grade
• Muzzle Velocity: 3085f/s
• Velocity at 100yds: 2733f/s
• Muzzle Energy: 1267 ft/lbs
• Energy at 100yds: 949 ft/lbs

HPR .223 75 Grain BTHP Match Grade

• Caliber: .223 Remington
• Bullet Weight: 75 Grain
• Bullet Type: BTHP Match Grade
• Muzzle Velocity: 2780f/s
• Velocity at 100yds: 2451f/s
• Muzzle Energy: 1287 ft/lbs
• Energy at 100yds: 1000 ft/lbs

The energy and velocity charts can be viewed at http://hprammo.com/specifications/.

About HPR:
HPR strives to include all American components to their cartridges. Other countries may be able to produce products cheaper at the expense of quality and the outsourcing of jobs but, HPR believes in American quality and American jobs. HPR is the first manufacturing facility to locate in Payson in more than a decade. They are growing quickly and becoming the pride of their community. For more information, visit www.hprammo.com

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Anti-gun legislators from New York City have once again introduced firearms microstamping legislation (A. 1157b, Assembly Codes Committee) that would result in banning firearms in the Empire State.

If microstamping were to become law, firearms manufacturers would be forced to employ a patented, sole-sourced concept that independent studies, including those from the National Academy of Sciences and the University of California at Davis, found to be flawed and easily defeated by criminals.

Passage of this bill could result in layoffs of factory workers throughout New York as manufacturers, already being heavily lobbied by tax and gun friendly states, consider moving out of New York. Furthermore, firearms manufacturers could be forced to abandon the New York market altogether rather than spend the astronomical sums of money needed to completely reconfigure their manufacturing and assembly processes. This would directly impact law enforcement, firearms retailers and their law-abiding customers.

“This is an extraordinarily dangerous bill,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “As legislation that would mandate microstamping not only threatens law-abiding gun owners but our industry’s ability to supply the nation’s law enforcement officers and military with high-quality firearms, we encourage all citizens of New York to contact members of the Codes Committee and their assemblymember today and urge them to oppose A. 1157b, firearms microstamping.

Learn more about microstamping by viewing the NSSF Microstamping Fact Sheet.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Norma-300 Win Ammunition Cases

Norma USA

ANYTOWN, USA --(Ammoland.com)- Norma, the Swedish manufacturer of superior hunting and target ammunition is launching a concerted effort in the US market to grow the brand as Norma USA.

At the annual SHOT Show held in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 17 – 20, 2012, Norma USA will be introducing a complete line of US, European and Weatherby component cases for the consumer market.

The new cases will be packaged in 25-round consumer packs with the new Norma USA branding and graphics. A new Norma USA website is also scheduled to launch mid-January 2012.Norma USA ammo components

Norma USA will warehouse and fulfill all Norma products in all calibers by mid-February of 2012 with distribution through major US retailers.

Norma USA’s commitment to the US hunting and target shooting market will be supported by an extensive advertising campaign in the National Rifle Association publication “American Hunter,” “Safari,” “Bugle,” “Handloader,” and “Rifle” magazines, as well as attendance in the annual National Rifle Association Annual Meeting to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, April 12 – 15, 2012. New loaded ammo initiatives will be announced at this popular consumer show.

For retailers interested in carrying the Norma USA line directly, please contact sales@norma-usa.com or visit Norma USA at the 2012 SHOT Show at booth 12752.

Pierce Munitions

Buffalo, New York – -(Ammoland.com)- Pierce Munitions, LLC has entered an exclusive agreement to manufacture high performance hunting ammunition for the legendary Ted Nugent.

Pierce Munitions is a company whose main focus is producing high quality performance ammunition. The Ted Nugent Brand will be available for retail distribution exclusively through American Tactical , Rochester, NY

Under the Nugent Brand, Pierce will manufacture the most popular calibers of hunting ammunition. They plan to produce hand gun hunting ammunition in .357 magnum, 10mm, 44 magnum and 45 Long Colt as well as various hunting rifle ammunition from the .223, 308, 30-30, 243, 30-06, 270, 300 Win Mag and the 50 cal. BMG. Each caliber will be available with various projectile options.

Ted Nugent, a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter, said “My life, family and friends are one big shooting, hunting, outdoor family. I am excited and proud to now help create state of the art ammo for dedicated sporters everywhere.”

Nugent looks forward to partnering with Pierce. “Ted Nugent is putting his name on our product and insists in Perfection in every shot said Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Wright. “That is our sole focus right from the beginning” . We use only the finest components available. Each round is hand inspected and hand packaged.”

In the first quarter of 2012, the company will start producing the Nugent branded ammunition and the product is expected to be available at most sporting goods retailers by July 2012.

Pierce Munitions LLC is based in Buffalo, NY, founded in 2009 and is owned by CEO, Aaron J. Pierce. Visit: www.piercemunitions.com

Winchester Razorback XT Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- In 2012, Winchester Ammunition continues its leadership in innovation with the launch of several key new products for hunters, and also expanding many of the company’s most trusted lines with exciting new offerings.

Razorback XT, the world’s first line of cartridges designed specifically for wild hog hunting, headlines the 2012 new hunting products from Winchester.

Designed to bring down the biggest and toughest boars from the California coast to the swamps of Florida, Razorback XT will be offered in two popular sporting calibers – .223 Rem and .308 Win.

“Razorback XT is creating a buzz because of rising wild hog populations in North America and the growing popularity of hog hunting,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of marketing and sales. “But we didn’t stop with Razorback XT – this year we’re excited to expand many of our most innovative and proven product lines for hunters.”

Winchester Blind Side Waterfowl Ammunition

Blind Side waterfowl ammunition hit store shelves in 2011 and immediately became the most innovative steel waterfowl load in Winchester history. HEX Shot pellets and the Diamond Cut™ Wad revolutionized steel waterfowl shotshell technology and in 2012, the Blind Side line expands to include new shot sizes, a 2-3/4-inch shell for 12-gauges and for the first time, a 20-gauge offering.

Big game hunters can be on the lookout for expanded offerings in many popular centerfire rifle product lines from Winchester. Power Core 95/5™, with its protected hollow point and power-core cavity, is available in several new calibers for hunters who need a lead-free bullet at an economical price point. Winchester also adds two new calibers to Power Max Bonded™, a cartridge featuring bonded core technology and designed specifically for white-tailed deer hunters.

Winchester is also adding .204 Ruger in Ballistic Silvertip Lead-Free, offering varmint hunters a super-fast, lead-free cartridge. Finally, in the classic Super-X line, Winchester is adding a cowboy-action cartridge in .45-70 GOVT.

For more on each Winchester Ammunition new hunting product, click here.

With a company heritage dating back to 1866, Winchester Ammunition was there for the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and through the years, millions of fond memories made in the great outdoors. Known as The American Legend, Winchester is a global leader in sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition production. Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side® waterfowl and PDX1 Defender personal defense ammunition.

For more, visit Winchester.com, or connect with The American Legend on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterAmmunition.

Ammunition will continue to be a big seller in 2012.

Frank Brownell - Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- What an amazing year 2011 has been!

Since this is our final WebBench for the year, we wanted to take a little time to review just how the year has gone… and what we expect to see happen in the upcoming year, 2012.

Well, we would have to say 2011 was the year for home defense and personal protection firearms with their related accessories and equipment.

With the of expansion of concealed carry through all the states – except for Illinois, which we understand is working on the issue [and New Jersey which will have to be sued into submission] – this interest in self-protection has fueled much of the firearms sales, training, and accessorizing. When you layer over that the really tough economic times that have been thrust upon us, you get a tsunami of new and re-engaged firearm owners in America.

Falling Crime Rates
The amazing impact of all of this is that crime has fallen nationally for the 5th straight year in a row. So, the realization that more and more people are ready to protect themselves – and are equipped and properly trained to do so – has had an amazing effect on those heretofore inclined to crime. Their targets of opportunity are narrowing considerably, as people become more and more intent on not being a victim. Of course, there are no numbers supporting how many potential crimes have been stopped or prevented by trained and armed citizens exercising their right of personal protection and taking control of potentially dangerous situations – and there never will be. Nor does there need to be. All we have to do is watch those crime statistics continue to fall, even in these times of cutbacks in police budgets, and we know that those of us who take personal protection seriously and get ourselves trained properly are part of the cause of these decreasing crime rates.

Of course, we must also realize this was also the year for having fun out at the range – with tactical rifles taking the lead, and all the building/rebuilding, accessorizing and tinkering you can do with these great guns and calibers.

There seems to be no end to what you can do if you’ve a mind to do it with these guns, and we’ve seen some mighty innovative things come out of this particular venue.

Women Shooters
Another continuing trend is the amazing increase in the number of women taking part in the shooting sports. The gals are discovering that not only is it a lot of fun to go out to the range and shoot, but they are competing in more and more events. And they’re getting their friends, kids and partners involved if it wasn’t their guy who got them there in the first place. I love it, and I’m happy to see the woman in my life getting into shooting. It’s one of the things a couple can do together for fun, or even serious competition if they’ve a mind to do so.

Three Gun
Another huge growth factor this year is the increase in the various types of competitions and the huge growth in attendance we’ve seen at some of them. Coming to mind first, of course, is the proliferation of 3-gun matches. Lots of places, some wonderfully creative stages, and more and more of these matches being held. They are lots of fun, and the necessity of becoming proficient with 3 different firearms not only makes them more challenging – but also easier to screw up. This type of competition has practical applications for self protection…the different scenarios of the stages and the stress of competition really start to build a person’s skills. We believe the growth of shooting at the range has actually surpassed the growth of golf. Think I saw these numbers somewhere, but of course in putting this WebBench together I can’t find a source now.

Well, we can do the old political thing about “if you say it loud enough and long enough, everybody’s gonna believe it“, and just make it so!

SO FOR 1212, what do we see coming down the pike? Hate to be stuck in a rut here, but we all agree that it basically is going to be a repeat of 2011 for tactical rifles, the AR’s and clones and calibers. And more people shooting for the sheer pleasure of shooting and tinkering and fiddling with their guns. But, most importantly of all, 2012 is definitely going to be another year for personal protection, self-defense firearms and the training and accessories that make this all work… and, of course, ammunition!

2012 Election
Let’s look at it – we know 2012 will be heavily influenced by the major election coming in November. We know the gun issue may not get top billing because of the huge potential to do damage to one of the major parties. But, it definitely will be a sub-plot that plays out in the polls due to the enormous impact of voters watching out for their firearms ownership, personal protection and Second Amendment rights. We know that tensions in the Middle East are not going to go away – not in our lifetimes anyway. And the potential threat of terrorists’ activities on our shores further fuels serious thinking about the need for personal protection. We know the economy, the massive debt and housing crisis, and unemployment cannot be cured by election time – or for that matter even for some time after.

Ammunition
All of these issues put stress on our cities and citizens and everyone concerned with their own personal safety and their access to ammunition – the one expendable part of the personal protection equation. Ammo’s one thing we all run out of, given enough time, so it will be a big selling item in ’12, and we truly expect for the foreseeable future. The issues hanging over 2012 are not curable in just one year – not a one of them – so our projection goes well through 2012 and likely further.

It will most assuredly be another year for the growth of ammunition sales. An astronomical year of ammunition sales. You want it, and we’ve got it. How could it be any better?

From all of us here at Brownells, our very best wishes to you personally for a most Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.

This has been an amazing year of joys and growth and family and good times – may 2012 be an even better one for all of you. Be sure to include your family and friends in your prayers and most especially include our Law Enforcement and Military members and their families – these are the professionals who are truly keeping our homeland safe for the rest of us.

Brownells.com

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, ammunition, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 50,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

Setpoint Custom Precision Ammo

Setpoint Ammunition

OGDEN, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Setpoint Ammunition was awarded the esteemed 2011 Entrepreneur Excellence Award for “Greatest Potential” from the NorthFront Entrepreneur Alliance Group (NEAG) at the third annual “Entrepreneur Excellence” Awards Banquet.

The NEAG was created under the sponsorship of SEED Weber/Davis/Morgan & Grow Utah Ventures with the purpose to bring entrepreneurs in Northern Utah together and help them develop their businesses.

The group hosts monthly events that feature advice and training from experienced business professionals on key topics, competitions among local entrepreneurs, and social interaction with various peer groups. Their goal is to create an alliance that fosters and promotes entrepreneurism throughout Northern Utah.

When presenting the Greatest Potential award, NEAG officials made special note of Setpoint Ammunition’s unique manufacturing process for customizing rifle ammunition.

The process is revolutionary in that it allows customers to dictate the case, projectile, powder load and overall length of the cartridge via their online ordering system at www.setpointammo.com/custom-rifle-ammo. This exclusive process gives consumers the ability to fine tune their ammunition to fit their specific firearm and application, assuring the most accurate and consistent performance possible. This represents a dramatic shift from the “one size fits all” mentality that has been the standard in commercial ammunition manufacturing for the last century.

Setpoint’s custom rounds are available to the general public and can be ordered in any quantity, whether it is a single 20-round box or a truckload.

In addition to their unique ability to customize ammunition to order, Setpoint also brings another key advancement to the manufacturing process: extreme precision. Their system is fully automated on custom machinery designed and built by Setpoint Systems Inc. The elimination of human interaction during the manufacturing process combined with Setpoint System’s expertise in producing extremely tight manufacturing tolerances delivers an end-product that is very precise, consistent, and almost infinitely adjustable to adapt to specific firearms.

Brad Angus, President of Setpoint Ammunition, was pleased but a little surprised when his company was chosen for the NEAG’s Greatest Potential award.

“This is a great honor to be chosen for this recognition, particularly when you consider all the exemplary efforts that we were competing against. The NorthFront group has attracted some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the state, and we’re grateful to be among them. This award is a well-deserved validation for all of the people on the Setpoint Ammo team that have worked so hard to get us where we are today. We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful future for this business.”

About Setpoint Ammunition:
Setpoint Ammunition provides custom-tailored, high-precision rifle ammunition cartridge solutions for sporting and tactical shooting applications. Ammunition configuration and ordering can be completed at www.setpointammo.com. Sales packages are available for military, law enforcement and tactical security groups.

For more information: www.setpointammo.com

Radetec Speedshot Ammunition Counting System

Radetec

BETHLEHEM, Pa --(Ammoland.com)- Rade Tecnologías SL of Madrid, Spain, has announced the opening of a subsidiary facility in the U.S. to launch its first entry into the handgun accessory market with two unique SpeedShot ammunition counting training systems designed to improve human reflexive speed-to-magazine replacement.

The newly created U.S. company, called Rade Technology Corp. (radetec.com), located in Bethlehem, Pa., will launch the SpeedShot training grip systems at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 17-20, 2012 (booth no. 15938A).

Drawing on its vast experience in cutting-edge electronics technology for the medical industries, Rade Technology Corp. was established in 2010 to serve professional and amateur firearm users who want to improve shooting speed and accuracy in competitive speed shooting sports, as well as personal protection, home defense, and law enforcement.

There are two SpeedShot electronic training systems for pistols and long guns, both using a sensor in the dedicated magazine and then a choice of numerical digital or LED light display on the firearm depending on the training system chosen by the student and instructor. SpeedShot patent-pending ergonomic electronic grips replace existing pistol grips during training in order to show the number of rounds remaining in the weapon’s magazine. It does not sense the presence of a round in the chamber.

Radetec is currently rolling out pistol grips for virtually all popular pistols in the most popular caliber ammunition. Currently, Radetec systems are available for Beretta, Glock, Smith & Wesson M & P, and M1911 platform pistols.

SpeedShot electronic training systems come in two models to indicate rounds left in the magazine: an LED colored light system (left) and a digital display system.

Displays come in two models that indicate rounds left in the magazine: an LED colored light system and a digital display system. In the LED light version, the light changes from unlit for four or more rounds, to blue for three rounds, to green for two rounds, to red for one round, and flashing red to indicate an empty magazine.

The digital numeric read-out indicates the actual number of rounds left in the magazine. The total number of rounds fired by the pistol since the installation of the grips can also be accessed in this configuration.

The SpeedShot counting system is powered by a five-year lithium battery. SpeedShot for pistols comes with a specially designed set of ergonomic grips with embedded electronics for each make and model of firearm, one magazine, and a user’s manual. It has a suggested retail price of $160 for both the digital model and for the LED light display version.

Miguel Labodia, CEO of Rade Technology Corp’s U.S. operation stated, “Radetec’s ammunition counting system can improve speed, confidence, and reaction time in sport or defensive situations. It’s for those who never want their gun to run dry – we anticipate this will be greatly beneficial for training home defense and recreational/sports shooters who will make up most of our customer base.”

Labodia continues, “While we are based in Spain, we are building our organization with American sales and marketing professionals who understand the needs, wants, and culture of the American consumer and law enforcement professionals. One of our first orders of business was to join both the NSSF and NRA, and we are proud of our affiliation and association with both these groups dedicated to preserving the rights of individuals while promoting safe and proper use of firearms.”

For more information: www.radetec.com. Tel. 888 930 3212. The U.S. company is located at 1510 Valley Center Parkway No. 160, Bethlehem, Pa. 18017.

My Gun Culture

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Hornady Critical Defense. Expands every time. We had to test that claim.

So here is Episode 1 of our series that will test Hornady’s Critical Defense ammo against the toughest targets our readers can suggest.

In this case it is cans of natural and artartificial SPAM, as opposed to farm raised or free range spam.

Our results? Hornady Critical Defense Ammo left some pretty big exit wounds in our SPAM test subjects.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

HPR 9mm Ammunition

HPR Ammunition

Payson, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- HPR (High Precision Range) is manufactured in Payson, Arizona and has been distributing ammunition regionally for the last 18 months. HPR is opening their doors to national distribution to the firearms and hunting industry.

HPR’s factory uses the latest equipment and technology to meet SAAMI Specs.

All production is carefully and directly handled by highly trained ammunition technicians and quality control inspectors led by their engineering staff. With design engineers, HPR built a manufacturing plant that includes a state of the art test lab per SAAMI specifications utilizing the finest testing equipment from Oehler Research, and PCB Piezontronics.

With the latest equipment, hand inspection, hand packaging and attention to detail, HPR is aiming to give shooters the confidence of safety and consistent accuracy between shots.

HPR is poised to be one of the finest commercial production ammunition brands on the market. HPR is currently producing ammo in the following calibers: .223 Remington, .223 V-Max, 10mm Auto, 10mm Auto XTP, .380 Auto, .380 Auto XTP, .38 Special, .38 Special XTP .40 S&W, .40 S&W XTP, .45 Auto, .45 Auto XTP, 9mm Luger and 9mm XTP.

About HPR:
HPR strives to include all American components in their cartridges. Other countries may be able to produce products cheaper at the expense of quality and the outsourcing of jobs but, HPR believes in American quality and American jobs. HPR is the first manufacturing facility to locate in Payson in more than a decade. They are quickly growing and becoming the pride of their community. For more information, visit www.hprammo.com

Cabela’s Recon Hunt app for iPhones

Weatherby.com

Paso Robles, California – -(Ammoland.com)- Weatherby, Incorporated, long known for it’s magnum velocity cartridges and heightened ballistics, can now be found on the Cabela’s Recon Hunt app for iPhones and Android smartphones.

Along with many other features the app will display drop charts and energy charts for any load that Weatherby offers.

Download the app at your smartphone app store or go to http://cabelas.trimbleoutdoors.com/ for more details.

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard and legendary Mark V rifles (production and custom), Threat Response shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com .

Winchester Introduces Power Max Bonded Ammunition just for Whitetails

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- When it comes to whitetail deer hunting, Winchester has your back.

Introducing Power Max Bonded. Designed specifically for the whitetail deer hunter, Power Max Bonded delivers maximum performance at an affordable price.

The proprietary bonding process welds the lead core to a contoured copper allow jacket.

The aerodynamic profile of the protected hollow point (PHP) bullet design promotes long range accuracy and initiates maximum expansion to provide dramatic knock down power.

With long range accuracy, maximum bullet expansion and dramatic knock down power, you won’t be disappointed.

Goex Powder

Shawnee Mission, Kansas --(Ammoland.com)- At Goex Powder Company-The Tradition Continues.

The manufacturer of the only American made authentic black powder for over 200 years, is happy to announce that Tim and Harry Marsh won a combined 17 first place, 13 second place and 13 third place muzzleloading titles at the recent National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association National shoot. Both used Goex.

Tim and Harry Marsh father and son, from Stanton Kentucky, are regular attendees at the muzzleloading NMLRA Championships in Friendship Indiana.

Tim broke three national records with several in the traditional offhand categories. Harry competed in two aggregates and won one.

“I can honestly say that Goex powder performed flawlessly in helping Harry and I have a successful season, it’s our propellant of choice for patched round ball shooting” said Tim.

To find out more about Goex’s The Tradition Continues superior made in the USA black powder products see goexpowder.com, call 913-362-9455 or write to 6231 Robinson, Shawnee Mission KS, 66202.

Traditional Lead Shot Shells

AmmoLand Gun News

U.S. SENATE --(Ammoland.com)- Gun and sporting organizations are supporting Senator Jon Tester’s efforts to ensure that hunters and anglers can continue using traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.

Tester this week offered an amendment to clarify that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the ability to regulate bullets, shot or sinkers.

“When it comes to our outdoor heritage, Montana’s hunters and anglers deserve common sense,” said Tester, Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “It’s my job to make sure that Montana’s sportsmen can access and enjoy the Big Sky’s great outdoors without having to look over their shoulders.”

Tester’s efforts are supported by the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, American Sportfishing Association and the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation.

“The Tester amendment will preclude the EPA from banning traditional ammunition,” said Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action. “This is an important issue to hunters and gun owners and we are grateful for Sen. Tester’s leadership on this matter.”

“Sen. Tester’s amendment is important to all Americans because a ban on traditional ammunition would not just affect hunters, target shooters and gun owners, but it would impact all law enforcement and the U.S. military as well,” said National Shooting Sports Foundation Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

Tester’s measure also maintains the ability of the U.S. military and law enforcement to use lead ammunition.

The EPA previously decided not to restrict traditional ammunition and fishing tackle, but with that decision now in the courts, Tester’s measure would enshrine protections for hunters and anglers in law.

Currently ammunition is regulated by state and federal wildlife agencies and that ability would be retained under the Tester Amendment. The amendment would not affect current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service safeguards aimed at protecting water fowl.

Tester is a champion for gun rights, hunting and fishing. Most recently, he pushed to restore the Open Fields initiative that improves voluntary access to land for Montana’s hunters and anglers.

Tester’s amendment is available online HERE.

Hodgdon’s 2012 Annual Reloading Manual

Hodgdon Powder

Shawnee Mission Kansas --(Ammoland.com)- Hodgdon The Gunpowder People proudly announces its 9th Annual Manual.

The 2012 Hodgdon Annual Manual features so much more than any typical manual: 100+ pages of rifle and pistol data with well over 5,000 shown loads, information on 30 Hodgdon, 19 IMR and 10 Winchester brand powders, new 300 AAC Blackout data, lead free bullet recipes for 21 rifle cartridges, and seven highly anticipated articles on such topics as economical handloading with lead free “green” bullets by some of the top industry outdoor writers.

The 2012 Hodgdon Annual Manual is the complete resource for the hot new Hodgdon propellant called CFE 223 or “Copper Fouling Eraser” that greatly deters copper fouling, shown in 27 different cartridges and 147 loads.

Look for Hodgdon’s most inclusive Annual Manual yet at favorite newsstands and gun stores in early 2012. Cost is only $8.99 retail or $11.99 by ordering direct from Hodgdon at 913-362-9455 or Hodgdon.com

Got Ammo - National Ammo Day

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The next National Ammo Day is Saturday November 19 2011.

National Ammo Day has been an unofficial grassroots holiday since 2002 and is growing in celebration each year.

The goals of Ammo Day:

• Goal One: Shoot 1000 rounds of ammunition. Dust off that old ammo and get your friends and family to the range.
• Goal Two: The goal of National Ammo Day is to empty the ammunition from the shelves of your local gun store, sporting goods, or hardware store and put that ammunition in the hands of law-abiding citizens. Should be easier to do now that we have come through the worst of the great ammunition shortage of 2009-2010.

Lets make your support of the Second Amendment known–by voting with your dollars!

There are an estimated 75 MILLION gun owners in the United States of America. If each gun owner or Second Amendment supporter buys 100 rounds of ammunition, that’s 7.5 BILLION rounds in the hands of law-abiding citizens!

The purpose of National Ammo Day is to make it known that ammunition is in the hands of LAW ABIDING CITIZENS, not to frighten anyone or put ammunition in the hands of criminals.

It is CRITICAL that you comply with all the laws of your state and locale if you participate in National Ammo Day.

Before purchasing guns or ammunition, review the laws and safety issues for proper handling and storage. Don’t give the gun-grabbers any “ammo” to use against us!

Contact your local representative or law enforcement agency/office/station for specific information for your state or locale.

Need a place to shoot visit? Want to know where to practice target shooting, find a safety course or learn how to get started in shooting? Find what you’re looking for at a range near you. Visit: WheretoShoot.org

Thank you: Kim DuToit.

Setpoint Ammunition

OGDEN, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- Setpoint Ammunition, a custom precision ammunition provider, today announced the release of its new video, “Setpoint Ammo – Optimized Ammunition Load for Ruger Scout.”

The video shows how Setpoint Ammunition has changed the way ammunition is made through their automated ordering and production process. Every round of the custom ammo is tailored to an individual’s specific rifle by Setpoint Ammunition’s ballistic experts or built to one’s own recipe.

In this video, Setpoint tests loads targeted to optimize both long range and subsonic performance and accuracy for the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle. To ensure their custom loaded ammunition would out- perform other factory ammo options, Setpoint tested their ammo in a wide range of shooting conditions. Tests included a 50 yard accuracy analysis, a 30 degrees F cold test, a rapid fire and extreme heat test, as well as 100 yard ladder testing to find the accuracy node of the loads developed specifically for the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle.

Many people don’t realize the impact ammunition has on accuracy and overall rifle performance. The video clearly demonstrates the difference between shooting Setpoint Ammunition from factory ammunition.

For watching the video, viewers are extended an offer of 25% off their next order of ammo from November 7, 2011 through November 27, 2011. This discount is good for a one time order of up to three boxes. Shipping is not included. Watch the video today and look for the unique promo code in the Video Info to redeem your prize!

About Setpoint Ammunition:
Setpoint Ammunition provides custom-tailored, high-precision rifle ammunition cartridge solutions for sporting and tactical shooting applications. Ammunition configuration and ordering can be completed at www.setpointammo.com. Sales packages are available for military, law enforcement and tactical security groups.

For more information: www.setpointammo.com

Remington Arms Company

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Remington’s Premier Nitro line of target loads were the shotshells of choice for both the National Champion and the Lady National Champion at the recent 2011 National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Championship in San Antonio, Texas.

With a record-breaking attendance of shooters on hand and more than one million targets thrown at the event, Team Remington members Bill McGuire and Ashleigh Hafley took top honors as National Champion and Lady National Champion.

McGuire chose Remington Premier Nitro Gold Sporting Clays shotshells to score 287 out of 300 targets for his championship round. Hafley chose Remington Premier Nitro 27 Handicap shotshells for her winning performance of breaking 261 out of 300 clays.

Other notable Team Remington victories at the NSCA Championship matches include Gebben Miles and Diane Sorantino taking top spots in the Federation Internationale de Tir Aux Sportives de Chasse (FITASC) Championship as National Champion and Lady Champion, respectively. Both team members elected to use Remington Premier Nitro 27 Handicap shotshells for their victories.

Continuing their winning ways, Team Remington members Travis Mears and David Radulovich also relied on Remington Premier Nitro 27 Handicap shotshells for wins in their respective matches. Mears was awarded 5-Stand Champion after breaking 98 out of 100 clays; Radulovich earned two titles as Kreighoff Kup Champion and High All-Around Junior Champion.

“We are extremely proud of Team Remington’s performance at the sporting clays championships,” said John Bauer, Shooting Sports Manager at Remington. “Our athletes and products continue to prove their superiority by bringing home titles at the toughest of competitions.”

The 2011 NSCA National Sporting Clays Championships were held in San Antonio, Texas on October 25-30, 2011.

About Remington Arms Company, LLC.
Remington Arms Company, LLC., headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.remington.com.

Sierra Bullet 30 Caliber 125 grain HP MatchKing

Sierra Ammunition

Sedalia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- Sierra is pleased to introduce the newest member of our MatchKing line; the 30 caliber 125 grain HP MatchKing.

This uniquely designed flat based bullet was designed in conjunction with AAC (Advanced Armament Corporation) and Remington Arms for the new .300 AAC Blackout cartridge designed for the AR platform. This bullet has also proven to be exceptionally accurate in bolt action rifles and other .30 caliber AR chamberings.

The jacket was specifically designed to handle velocities ranging up through common .30 caliber midlevel cartridges. The #2121 will be available for sale in Jan 2012.

About:
For over 60 years Sierra Bullets has been dedicated to the manufacture of the most accurate bullets in the world. This commitment to performance has established a “Tradition of Precision” for which Sierra is known throughout the world. Visit: www.sierrabullets.com

Winchester Ammunition

East Alton, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- Matthew Campbell was recently named director of commercial sales by Winchester Ammunition.

In the position, Campbell will be responsible for both international and domestic commercial sales.

“I’m excited to assume my new position with Winchester,” said Campbell. “Winchester has manufactured quality ammunition for hunting, shooting and personal defense for decades and it’s important to me that we continue to meet the needs of our customers.”

Winchester Appoints Matthew Campbell As Director Of Commercial Sales

Campbell has worked at Winchester Ammunition since 1998. He previously worked as director of national retail accounts.

With a heritage dating back to 1866, Winchester Ammunition was there for the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and through the years, millions of fond memories made in the great outdoors.

Known as The American Legend, Winchester is a global leader in sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition production.

Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side waterfowl and PDX1 Defender personal defense ammunition.

For more information about Winchester Ammunition, visit www.winchester.com, or connect with The American Legend on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterAmmunition.

Staff Sargent Daniel Horner of the US Army’s Marksmanship Unit

Advanced Armament Corporation

Las Vegas, Nevada --(Ammoland.com)- Staff Sargent Daniel Horner of the US Army’s Marksmanship Unit used the new 300 AAC Blackout cartridge to win 1st overall in the Tactical Optics division of the 2011 USPSA Multigun National Championship, held outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

300 AAC Blackout was launched by Advanced Armament Corp. and Remington primarily for the military as a way to shoot 30 caliber bullets from the M4/AR15 platform while using standard magazines, but is expected to see a lot of use for hunting, plinking, and home defense as well.

The concept of putting a 30-caliber bullet in a shortened 223 case has been done before, but not as an industry-wide standard that anyone can make products for, royalty-free.

SAAMI, the industry standards organization, adopted 300 BLK earlier this year, and it now has broad industry support– with over 60 companies making products for it. Remington is leading the pack with the most types and highest volume of ammo available – 125 grain open-tip match with a custom Sierra bullet, 220 grain subsonic, and 125 grain AccuTip for hunting, law enforcement, and self-defense.

300 AAC Blackout cartridge

While this is one of the lowest-cost cartridges to reload for – Remington and AAC recognized that most people are not reloaders – so UMC ammo is planned to be out soon with a price of just $12.99 MSRP per box – substantially less than other cartridges that are a power upgrade from 223.

And the use of the cartridge to win the Nationals while qualifying for “Major Power Factor” leaves no doubt about the potential for accuracy and the capability of some major punch.

Robert Silvers, AAC’s Director of Research and Development – and project lead for the platform, explained “People want to hunt with their AR, and 223 may not be legal in their state or they just may not like varmint-sized bullets – now there is a way to shoot 30 caliber from your AR while still using normal magazines with full capacity. Even the bolt stays the same, and all that changes is the barrel.”

Expect to hear a lot more about this cartridge as many more companies announce products at the 2012 Shot Show and throughout next year.

For more information visit www.300aacblackout.com.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

Setpoint Ammunition Announces Berger Bullets Agreement

Setpoint Ammunition

OGDEN, Utah - -(Ammoland.com)- Setpoint Ammunition continues to grow rifle projectile offerings in the only web-based ammunition configuration and ordering system in the shooting sports market.

Customers using the Setpoint Ammunition online ordering system now have three new Berger Bullet rifle projectile choices.

Setpoint Ammunition, a subsidiary of Setpoint Systems Inc., today announced the completion of an OEM distribution agreement with Berger Bullets of Fullerton, CA. Berger Bullets is a well-known world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance ballistic projectiles for hunting, sporting and tactical shooting applications.

The agreement allows Setpoint Ammunition to offer a selection of Berger’s precision bullets for use in their custom cartridges sold on their setpointammo.com website.

Setpoint Ammunition will initially offer three Berger Bullets projectiles for use in their 7.62MM/308 WIN cartridges:

• 155 grain Match Hybrid
• 185 grain Long Range BT
• 168 grain Match Hunting VLD

Combined with the projectiles already offered by Setpoint, this brings their selection total to nine for their 7.62MM/308 WIN cartridges.

Hornady Ammunition

Grand Island, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- ZOMBIE MAX Ammunition and PROVEN Z-MAX Bullets.

Be PREPARED – supply yourself for the Zombie Apocalypse with Zombie Max ammunition from Hornady!

Loaded with PROVEN Z-Max bullets… yes, PROVEN Z-Max bullets (have you seen a Zombie?).

Make sure your “bug out bag” is ready with nothing but the best!

Available Cartridges:

Warning: This is Live Ammunition. This is not a toy.

Warning: This is Live Ammunition. This is not a toy.

Disclaimer: Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition is NOT a toy (IT IS LIVE AMMUNITION), but is intended only to be used on…ZOMBIES, also known as the living dead, undead, etc. No human being, plant, animal, vegetable or mineral should ever be shot with Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition. Again, we repeat, Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition is for use on ZOMBIES ONLY, and that’s not a nickname, phrase or cute way of referring to anybody, place or thing. When we say Zombies, we mean…ZOMBIES!

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- Federal Premium Ammunition wants to know: What’s your Premium Moment? Federal Premium will be sharing videos and stories from sportsmen across North America.

The clips will be posted exclusively on Federal Premium’s Facebook page.

Throughout the fall hunting season, fans are encouraged to share their own stories and define their “Premium Moment”.

Fans can “Like” the Federal Premium page on Facebook and enter to win a $1,000 prize package. It’s all part of Federal’s new “Premium Moments” campaign.

What’s Your Premium Moment?
Short video clips were submitted to Federal by devoted television partners and well-known sportsmen. Fans can expect to see celebrities such as Jackie Bushman, the Beasley brothers, Ron Schara, Louisiana’s Duckmen and a host of others. Each hunter vividly describes their “Premium Moment”—what they live for during the hunting season.

Each week a new video will premiere on Federal’s Facebook page. The videos compliment the new advertising campaign—Certain moments are worth a Premium.

“We want to reach our fans at every stage and on all mediums,” said Rick Stoeckel, Ammunition Brand Director. “Today’s hunters and shooters are connecting with us in new and exciting ways. We are here to listen to our customers and learn from what they say.”

Other videos like Premium Moment #22: The “Glow” and wind on wings—why Phil Robertson hunts ducks, can also be seen on Federal Premium’s YouTube channel.

Users can experience the exciting moments themselves, at www.federalpremium.com, www.youtube.com/user/federalpremiumammo, or www.facebook.com/federalpremiumammo.

Enter to Win Cool Gear

Starting October 14th, the Premium Moments sweepstakes will be open to U.S. and

Canadian fans who “Like” Federal’s Facebook page. New and existing fans are encouraged to enter. One lucky winner will be awarded a prize package loaded with Federal Premium gear and more, worth over $1,000.

Details, rules, and a complete list of the prize package for the sweepstakes can be found at, www.facebook.com/federalpremiumammo.

For more information on Federal Premium Ammunition, please visit www.federalpremium.com.

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Hornady Presents Boone and Crockett Club from Boone and Crockett Club on Vimeo.

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- Lead in all its forms has become a four-letter word in our society.

Of late it has become a tool for environmentalist, animal activist and anti-hunting and fishing groups – a tool with dangerous consequences, in some ways maybe more so than the metal itself.

If there ever was an elephant in the room that could affect how we hunt, shoot, and fish from here on out, this is it.

Environmental groups are now claiming that wildlife on a large scale are being impacted by lead poisoning, either by ingesting spent lead, or in the case of large raptors and scavengers, ingesting lead fragments from consuming gut piles or unrecovered game.

They further claim a human heath risk from eating wild game. They make no secret; they are pushing for a complete ban on the use of lead in all ammunition and fishing tackle.

The facts surrounding this issue are complex and the ramifications of a complete ban far reaching.

Lead is the easiest and least expensive metal to form into bullets, birdshot, and sinkers. As such lead is at the foundation of the traditional outdoor actives of hunting and fishing.

All forms of hunting with a firearm, plus recreational, law enforcement, and military shooting involve lead ammunition. In fishing lead is used in weights, sinkers, and jig heads, and in flyfishing, in split shot and twist-ons.

Because lead is so widely used in the products that support these activities, two issues emerge – funding for wildlife conservation and management, and the low cost participation in these activities by young hunters, shooters, and anglers.

It’s no secret that sportsmen and women, shooters and anglers pay for the vast majority of wildlife conservation and management through the excise taxes on equipment purchases, including ammunition. It is also no secret that if equipment manufactures are forced to use alternative metals that cost more to source and produce into product, the cost of these products has to go up, and in some cases go up substantially.

Ramification #1 is future conservation funding – as costs go up participation goes down, purchases go down and excise taxes go down. Ramification #2 is the loss of inexpensive ammunition for young shooters getting into shooting or hunting. The last thing conservation, our wildlife, and hunting and fishing needs is another obstacle keeping young people for getting active outdoors.

Shots Fired
On August 3rd, 2010 environmental groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue a complete ban under the Toxic Substance Control Act.

Congress had specifically excluded ammunition from this legislation and the EPA rejected the petition on the grounds it did not have the authority for such a ban.

Subsequently, environmental groups filed suit against the EPA claiming they do have authority to ban lead ammunition. Those behind this petition would have us believe that any amount of lead deposited into the environment is a threat to wildlife and humans.

Real Science
Lead is a naturally occurring element in the environment and has no functional or beneficial role in biological systems. Based on our knowledge of its toxicity, lead has been banned in paint, toys, and gasoline – gasoline being of the biggest concern in transfer to humans.

Over concern for waterfowl eating spent lead pellets and the threat of lawsuits by environmental groups, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service banned lead in all waterfowl hunting in 1991. The ban followed from research documentating the accumulation of lead shot in wetland habitats that were heavily used by waterfowl hunters, and other studies reporting mortality in bottom-feeding waterfowl following the ingestion of lead pellets while foraging.

Depending on a range of factors lead can be toxic to some wildlife, but it is primarily an issue with birds. This is because birds have gizzards, which hold on to and grind up food, rather than pass it quickly through their systems. The right type of lead can also be a toxic to humans depending on the amount consumed, over certain duration of time, individual body size, and age.

Proponents of the ban cite the impacts on individual raptors, such as Bald Eagles even though raptor populations are increasing across North America and the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species list as recently as 2007.

Understanding this issue and sorting fact from fiction is difficult because of all the variables. It is being made even more difficult by groups asking for more science. Many studies have already been conducted and a technical review of existing scientific literature on the subject was completed by The Wildlife Society, the premier professional organization for wildlife science and management, in collaboration with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. These studies show that potential ingestion rates and health impacts vary by species, age, body size, amount consumed, method ingested, and geographic area.

Some have measured the amounts and distributions of lead fragments found in carcasses and gut piles. We know that ingestion rates are related to lead concentration in the specific environments where animals may possibly ingest pellets or fragments while feeding. On the extremely low-hazard end are individual bullets fired in the field. On the high side is where shot-shell pellets concentrate where shooters regularly use the same locations, like dove fields and trap and skeet ranges.

Other than condors there is no evidence lead bullets are a serious conservation issue at the population level – meaning an entire group of one species living in a certain area.

With the endangered California condor, every death is significant and so banning the use of lead ammunition in condor range made sense and sportsmen have supported this effort.

Considering human health, we have to realize that the lead in gasoline was emitted into the air and settled everywhere in our environment and that is very different from how hunters and anglers are depositing lead. The question is not whether lead fragments or pellets can be found in wild game. The question is can this be a source of lead toxicity for humans?

The only reported human health issue from ingested lead ammunition comes from a study of subsistence hunters in Northern Canada that ate lead-harvested wild game in high quantities every day.

The punch line is, if there is more science needed it would on be at the population level for a specific species in a specific area.

The real question with lead is should our policy- makers take a sledge-hammer approach to an issue science says is tightly limited to certain populations and situations?

Bottom Line
The tools used for centuries by hunters, shooters, and anglers are in the crosshairs of environmentalists whose agenda appears to be mixed. Some would say theirs is a real concern for wildlife and humans. Others contend the plot to ban all lead is just another attempt to chop the legs out from under sportsmen and the user-pay model of wildlife conservation.

A blanket ban on all lead ammunition and in fishing tackle is clearly overreaching, especially when it includes lead that has no chance of being deposited in the environment, like indoor facilities for shooters, self-defense and law enforcement training. This is not a one-size fits all issue. The science simply isn’t there to support a human health issue. As for wildlife, in terms of the health of populations and ecosystem function there may be the need for localized restrictions, but those decisions are best left to local managers, not judges. Our wildlife professionals need to clearly articulate to policy-makers what is a conservation issue requiring drastic regulatory changes and what is a non-issue, or a personal choice based on a desire to not kill or sicken individual birds.

S. 838
After the environmental groups filed suit a Bill was introduced to Congress supported by sportsmen’s organizations that would amend the Toxics Substance Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the EPA. The S. 838: Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational

Shooting Protection Act is now being discussed and considered in committees. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s112-838

Where this issue will land is yet to be seen. What we do know is that sportsmen care about wildlife, all wildlife, and have proven so time and again. If or where real science, not advocacy called science or agenda-based science, but real science that holds up to scrutiny demonstrates a population impact and the use of non-lead products is warranted, sportsmen will do their part.

The best thing you can do now is stay informed and let yourself be heard, especially regarding the proposed Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act.

About the Boone and Crockett Club:
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Montana.

Traditional Lead Shot Shells Under Attack

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- Anti-hunting and anti-fishing interests are currently litigating against the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) to force the EPA to expand its Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) authority in order to regulate traditional ammunition and recreational fishing tackle.

When the Act was established in 1976 Congress explicitly excluded from regulation any article subject to excise taxes — including pistols, revolvers, firearms, shells and cartridges.

The EPA has already once declined a petition that asked the agency to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers because it did not have the authority to do so under the TSCA.

Anti-hunting and anti-fishing interests assert the EPA does have the authority and that a lead ban is necessary to address the significant impacts to wildlife populations that are resulting from traditional tackle and ammunition.

The assertions made by the petitioning groups lack credible scientific foundation, especially when seeking a blanket ban on all lead use. Outside of the California condor, where every death is significant, there is no evidence of a lead crisis at the population level – an entire group of one species living in a specific area.

The biggest threat of lead in wildlife is with birds that have gizzards, which hold on to and grind up food, rather than pass it quickly through their systems.

Proponents of the ban cite the impacts on individual raptors, such as Bald Eagles even though raptor populations are increasing across North America and the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species list as recently as 2007.

If a complete ban on lead in ammunition where achieved it would have a dramatic negative impact, because of the increased cost of alternative metals, on the cost of ammunition, and therefore participation in hunting and recreational shooting, which in turn is the engine that drives most of the funding for conservation and wildlife management through the excise taxes paid on the purchases of ammunition.

Sportsmen groups have rallied to push forward the introduction of the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S.838 & H.R. 1558), which will amend TSCA in a manner that serves to protect and enhance our hunting, recreational shooting and recreational fishing heritage while concurrently facilitating the important benefits that the hunting, shooting and recreational fishing industries contribute to the betterment of our nation’s economy and treasured natural resources.

The Act is now being discussed and considered in committees. To learn more: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s112-838

About the Boone and Crockett Club:
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Montana.