SAAMI Announces Acceptance of New Cartridges

by
posted on February 3, 2025
** 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. **
SAAMI Logo LEDE

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc., (SAAMI) has announced the acceptance of three new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization. SAAMI is the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components.

The three new cartridges are listed below. For more information on each cartridge, click on the cartridge name.

Cartridges

7mm Backcountry—The 7mm Backcountry (7mm BC) was introduced by Federal Premium Ammunition (The Kinetic Group), with a 170-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,000 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 80,000 psi.

25 Creedmoor—The 25 Creedmoor (25 CM) was introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company with a 134-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,810 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 62,000 psi.

338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge—The 338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (338 ARC) was introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company with a 175-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,050 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 52,000 psi.

For further information on these new cartridges, visit saami.org/technical-information/cartridge-chamber-drawings/.

Latest

H2hlead Photo 7X57 V 308 Win
H2hlead Photo 7X57 V 308 Win

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .308 Winchester

The 7x57mm Mauser and the .308 Winchester are two of the most versatile and popular cartridges to make the jump from military to field use. Which makes the more sensible choice for the big game hunter? Follow along as Phil Massaro takes a dive into this pair of classics.

New for 2026: Winchester Long Beard Tungsten

Winchester Ammunition has announced Long Beard Tungsten to its turkey hunting lineup of shotshells in 2026.

RMEF Grants $400,000 to Support WAFWA Wildlife Movement Projects

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) recently awarded a $400,000 grant to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to fund three state-led projects aimed at conserving, restoring and enhancing big game seasonal habitat and migration corridors in Nevada, Washington and Wyoming.

Suppressor Etiquette: Is It Rude Not to Use One When You Can?

If you legally can use a suppressor, is it becoming rude not to? A recent hunt in New Zealand, where suppressors are almost required equipment, got Brad Fenson thinking about the question. Follow along for the pros and cons of cans, as well as a discussion of the changing cultural norms surrounding their use.

First Look: Winchester American Lever Range Ammunition

The Winchester legacy continues with American Lever Range ammunition, designed and optimized for its namesake platform.

Savings Worth Strutting Over

Several major ammo companies are running big savings for turkey hunters this season. Read on to find out how you can take advantage.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.