SHOT Show 2025 has produced quite a bit of new products, including the newest hunting ammo. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
January 23, 2025
By Game & Fish Staff
Hornady Backcountry Defense Photo courtesy of Hornady Hornady’s 10mm Auto 200-grain DGH Backcountry Defense ammo is a must-have for anyone heading into predator country. Featuring the Dangerous Game Handgun (DGH) bullet, this round delivers straight-line penetration with no deflection—exactly what you need when the stakes are high. Unlike traditional hard-cast bullets, the jacketed design reduces lead smoke, making it easier to stay on target for fast follow-ups. With a heavy 200-grain bullet generating 598 foot-pounds of energy at 1,160 fps from a 4-inch barrel, this round packs the power to stop big threats in their tracks. If you need dependable backcountry protection, Hornady has your back. (hornady.com)
Hornady 338 ARC Photo courtesy of Hornady Hornady's new 338 ARC is the "big little cartridge" that's turning heads in the shooting world. Purpose-built for hard-hitting subsonic performance, this round delivers a whopping 1.5 times more energy than the 300 Blackout Subsonic.
Whether running supersonic or subsonic loads, the 338 ARC ensures consistent pressure and reliable cycling, making it a versatile choice for your AR-15 or micro-bolt action setups. With options like the 307-grain SUB-X bullet in the Subsonic line and the 175-grain HP in the BLACK series, Hornady has crafted a cartridge that packs a serious punch without compromising on performance. (hornady.com)
Federal 7mm Backcountry Photo courtesy of Federal Premium Federal’s new 7mm Backcountry cartridge is rewriting the rulebook for hunters who want magnum performance without the bulk. Thanks to their innovative Peak Alloy case technology, this round hits a blazing 3,000 fps with a 170-grain bullet from a compact 20-inch barrel—giving you big performance without the punishing recoil. Perfect for shorter, suppressor-friendly rifles, it’s a dream setup for backcountry hunters who need mobility and precision. With options like the 155- and 170-grain Terminal Ascent, 195-grain Berger Elite Hunter, 168-grain Barnes LRX and 175-grain Fusion Tipped, this lineup has a solution for every hunting scenario. Federal just made the backcountry a whole lot more accessible. (federalpremium.com)
Advertisement
Fiocchi Hyperformace Hunt Photo courtesy of Fiocchi USA Fiocchi's Hyperformance Hunt .357 Magnum is the kind of ammo that serious handgun hunters and backcountry adventurers can count on. Built around the Barnes XPB all-copper hollow point, this round is a powerhouse, offering deep penetration, controlled expansion and incredible weight retention—everything you need when the stakes are high. With a 140-grain bullet cruising at 1,250 fps, it’s got the speed and stopping power to handle anything from big game to unexpected wilderness threats. Whether you’re out tracking a trophy or just making sure you’re prepared in the backcountry, this ammo delivers the confidence you want in every shot. (fiocchiusa.com)
Federal Upland Paper Photo courtesy of Federal Premium Federal’s new Upland Paper shotshells are a perfect blend of old-school charm and cutting-edge performance. With a nostalgic waxed-paper hull that feels like a throwback to classic upland hunts, these shells are more than just good looks—they pack a punch. Loaded with extra-hard copper-plated shot, they deliver tight, uniform patterns and impressive penetration for pheasants, grouse, quail and small game. The thoughtfully designed wad ensures consistent performance, while premium propellants and primers always guarantee efficient ignition. If you’re looking to capture the romance of upland hunting without sacrificing modern reliability, Upland Paper has you covered. (federalpremium.com)
Remington Core-Lokt Tipped Lever-Gun Photo courtesy of Remington Remington's Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun ammunition is a game-changer for lever-action enthusiasts. Designed specifically for lever-action rifles, this ammo features a big green polymer tip that enhances long-range ballistics and in-flight accuracy, while ensuring rapid expansion upon impact. The proven Core-Lokt jacket is tuned for optimal performance on big game, delivering match-grade accuracy by adjusting the center of gravity rearward. Available in .360 Buckhammer with a 180-grain bullet, it achieves a muzzle velocity of 2,400 fps, making it a versatile choice for various hunting scenarios. (remington.com)
Advertisement
Hevi-Shot Hevi Hitter HEVI-Shot’s new HEVI-Hitter shotshells are here to shake up your waterfowl game, delivering the perfect mix of power, precision and practicality. With 20 percent of the payload made from 12 g/cc tungsten layered over 80 percent precision steel, this blend hits that sweet spot between dense, hard-hitting pellets and wide, forgiving patterns. Whether you're lining up on ducks at close range or stretching out for geese at a distance, HEVI-Hitter delivers the lethal power and pellet count you need to seal the deal. Plus, with a nontoxic design and the trusted HEVI-Shot wad, this shell proves you don’t have to compromise to get the best of both worlds. (hevishot.com)
Remington Premier Royal Flush Photo courtesy of Remington When it comes to taking upland hunting to the next level, Remington’s new Premier Royal Flush shotshells don’t mess around. These magnum-grade loads are built to deliver maximum knockdown power, making sure that no bird—whether it’s flushing from the timber or soaring over an open field—stands a chance. Available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge, with shot sizes 4, 5 or 6, there’s a Royal Flush for every upland game scenario. If you want to sweep the table on your next hunt, load up with Royal Flush and let your shotgun do the talking. This shell is no bluff—it’s the real deal. (remington.com)
Winchester Last Call TSS Photo courtesy of Winchester Winchester's new Last Call TSS shotshells are a game-changer for waterfowl hunters who demand top-tier performance. Loaded with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), these shells deliver incredibly dense patterns and higher pellet counts, making them lethal at longer ranges. Available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410 bore, Last Call offers a variety of shot sizes to suit different hunting needs. With a sealed wad and primer, these shells are designed to keep components dry in the harshest conditions, ensuring reliability when it matters most. (winchester.com)
Remington Duck Club Steel Photo courtesy of Remington Remington’s new Duck Club Steel shotshell line is like a backstage pass to waterfowl success—affordable, versatile and packing the punch you need to drop ducks at a distance. Modeled after their classic Sportsman Steel, these shells are built for every waterfowl scenario, from early-morning mallards to late-season geese. With high-velocity steel flying at 1,400-plus fps and options in 12 and 20 gauge across different lengths, payloads and shot sizes, Duck Club Steel gives you the freedom to choose exactly what your hunt calls for. Whether you're working a marsh or hitting open water, these shells bring the performance without breaking the bank. (remington.com)
Winchester Deer Season XP Photo courtesy of Winchester Winchester's Deer Season XP sets the bar for deer hunting ammo by delivering massive knockdown power with precision and accuracy. The Extreme Point bullet features an oversized impact diameter, resulting in more impact trauma, better energy transfer and larger wound cavities for faster knockdown. Its streamlined profile and large polymer tip combine for ideal ballistic characteristics, while the contoured jacket with a tapered profile and alloyed lead core ensure terminal penetration. Designed specifically for deer hunting, Deer Season XP is suitable for use on whitetail, mule and blacktail deer. (winchester.com)
Browning 28 Nosler Silver Series Photo courtesy of Browning Browning's new 28 Nosler Silver Series is turning heads in the hunting world, and for good reason. This cartridge features a 175-grain classic soft-point bullet, designed to deliver deep penetration and hard-hitting energy—perfect for taking down North America's toughest game. With a muzzle velocity of 3,100 fps and energy of 3,734 foot-pounds, it's both powerful and precise. The nickel-plated bullet jacket not only enhances corrosion resistance but also ensures smooth feeding in your rifle. If you're gearing up for your next big hunt, the 28 Nosler Silver Series is definitely worth a look. (nosler.com)
Federal Hammerdown 22 LR Photo courtesy of Federal Premium Federal's new Hammerdown 22 LR is tailor-made for lever-action rimfire enthusiasts. This 40-grain copper-plated hollow point zips along at 1,200 fps, delivering the terminal performance needed for small game hunting . Designed in collaboration with Henry Repeating Arms, its nickel-plated brass ensures smooth feeding through tubular magazines, making it a reliable companion for your next adventure. (federalpremium.com)
Winchester Long Beard TSS Photo courtesy of Winchester Winchester has just unleashed its Long Beard TSS shotshells, and turkey hunters everywhere should be rejoicing. By incorporating 18g/cc Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), these shells deliver unparalleled pattern density, boasting six to eight times more pellets in a 10-inch circle at 60 yards compared to traditional lead loads. The buffered payload ensures that the shot flows smoothly through any choke, eliminating flyers and providing consistent, long-range patterns. Available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410 bore, there's a perfect option for every turkey hunter looking to up their game this season. (winchester.com)
HEVI-Shot HEVI 13 Photo courtesy of HEVI-Shot HEVI-Shot's HEVI-13 Turkey loads are back and better than ever, ready to make your next turkey hunt a smashing success. Packed with 12 g/cc tungsten pellets, these shells deliver 20% more energy and effective range than traditional lead loads. This means tighter patterns and more hits on target, giving you the edge when that gobbler steps into view. Plus, with reliable ignition and non-toxic shot, HEVI-13 ensures you're not only effective but also environmentally responsible. (hevishot.com)