First Look: CCI Big 4

by
posted on March 16, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
first_look_cci_big_4_f.jpg

So long as it's legal where you're at, it's typically good practice to carry a handgun when you're venturing into nature—whether it's a backup gun on a hunt, or for your personal protection as you hike or scout. What you're loading your firearm of choice with, of course, depends entirely on whatever region you're exploring. For folks in snake country, though, the choice can be simple—which is why CCI has had such success selling its shotshell handgun cartridges.

New for 2016 is CCI's latest addition to that line, in the way of the recently announced Big 4. Looking to carry No. 4 shot in your favorite 9mm and put an end to your pest problems? This is what you've been waiting for. Here are five things you need to know.

1. Big 4 isn't just a snazzy name.
As you might have figured out, the name "Big 4" was born straight from the new line's main selling point: Each cartridge is loaded with No. 4 lead shot. The upgrade is designed to let hunters and outdoorsmen eliminate larger pests at longer ranges.

2. It's been in development for some time.
CCI has long been king of the shotshell for handguns, but its engineers had been working on the next generation of products for some time. The idea was simple: deliver more power than the company's standard offerings. It's what customers wanted. Big 4 began its development as "Big Shot," because original concepts started with just three or four pellets of very large shot. When that didn't quite deliver the goods, No. 4 shot was incorporated into the design. Its performance impressed engineers, and "Big 4" was born.

3. It's effective out to 15 feet.
Like I said, CCI is marketing Big 4 as a load that will allow for longer ranges. Don't like getting too close to that snake before you send it to meet its maker? I don't think you're alone in that—and neither does CCI. The Big 4 cartridges have been found to be effective out to about 15 feet. That may not sound like a lot, but it'll sure sound better than five or 10 in the moment.

4. Four variants will be available at launch.
Big 4 will, quite appropriately, be available in four different chamberings when it hits the market. All four offerings will be available in boxes of 10 shotshells. 9mm Luger will ship with an MSRP of $17.95, .38 Spl./.357 Mag. will list at $14.95, while .44 Spl./.44 Mag. and .45 Colt will both be available at $19.95 per box.

5. .45 ACP is on the way.
Before you ask, yes, a .45 ACP offering is on the way. I have it from the folks at CCI personally. Don't panic.

For more information, go to CCI-Ammunition.com.

Latest

Honcho Lede
Honcho Lede

#SundayGunday: Charles Daly Honcho

On this week's #SundayGunday, we check out the Honcho, a handheld pump shotgun made by Charles Daly right here in the USA, and marketed by Chiappa USA. It’s a handful, and it’s supposed to be. With its short barrel this pump gun can come in handy in camp or at home for anything that may go bump in the night. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Recipe: Braised Coues Deer Hind

An adventurous January hunt into the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico provided Brad Fenson the opportunity to cook Coues deer in traditional ways.

Friends of American Hunter Chad and Marsha Schearer Headline GAOS Seminars

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show Runs Feb. 7-15 and includes 200 demonstrations and seminars.

Significant Donation Will Cover Entry Fees for Boone and Crockett Club Records Program

On Jan. 21 the Boone and Crockett Club announced a long-time Lifetime Associate and benefactor to conservation has provided the opportunity to waive entry processing fees into the organization’s records program. As a result, the usual $40 entry fee will not be charged this year for entries received after Jan. 1, 2026.

Avian-X Adds 3 New Species to Motion Decoys

Avian-X has expanded its motion duck decoy assortment with the addition of three new species to the Power Butt Kicker lineup: Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake and Black Duck.

World’s Largest Gathering of Outdoor Enthusiasts Begins Saturday

More than 200,000 hunters, shooters, anglers, RVers and virtually every other flavor of outdoor enthusiast will attend NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS). It opens Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa., and is the place to be if you want to see your favorite pursuit’s latest and greatest, book a trip and more.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.