Norma is taking a unique approach to lead-free big-game bullets with EcoStrike. Beginning with a copper-alloy composition that has proven superior in terms of penetration and weight retention. The Swedish manufacturer is applying a proprietary plating that all but eliminates the problem of copper fouling. Rather than the driving bands present on some copper bullets, this tipped, boat-tail design has a slight “waist,” thus allowing displaced metal to flow and pressures to remain stable as the bullet travels through the bore. At present, EcoStrikes are available in 7x65 mm R, 7x64 mm, 7 mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .30-’06 Sprg., .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, 8x57 mm JRS, 8x57 mm JS, 9.3x62 mm and 9.3x74 mm R and will also be sold as handloading components. norma-usa.com
CVA's mid-point Optima muzzleloader got a refresh in 2025, and this third-generation model offers a number of additional features while still remaining affordable.
Any survey of military firearms isn’t complete without also discussing the development of ammunition across this past quarter-millennium. From a conceptual standpoint, very little has changed.
Initially introduced in 2019 to the international military market in a select-fire format, the IWI Carmel is a modular, durable and thoroughly modern sporting rifle.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year.
KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.