SAAMI Announces Acceptance of Two New Cartridges

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc., (SAAMI) has announced the acceptance of a new shotshell and rimfire cartridge for standardization. Founded in 1926 at the behest of the Federal Government, and tasked since its inception with coordinating technical data and industry standards, SAAMI is the organization that creates standards that ensure safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components.

28-Gauge 3-inch

The 28-Gauge 3-inch was introduced by Olin Winchester with three loadings: 1 ounce lead shot traveling at a velocity of 1,200 fps, ¾ ounce non-lead shot traveling at a velocity of 1,350 fps, and 1 ounce non-lead shot traveling at a velocity of 1,300 fps, all at a Maximum Average Pressure of 14,000 psi. While the 3-inch 28-gauge has already gained wide popularity with the advent of the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 being chambered for it, its nice to see its full standardization by SAAMI, which should further increase platforms for the load. With the recent surge in interest among hunters toward sub-gauge guns, the three-inch has proven to be a real boon for waterfowlers and duck hunters alike. Already deadly in the right hands at usual distances, a 3-inch 28-gauge tungsten load has the potential to down ducks out to impressive ranges. Even geese need take note of the hard-hitting cartridges.

21 Sharp

The 21 Sharp rimfire cartridge was introduced by Olin Winchester with a 25-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 1,725 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) of 24,000 psi. The bullet features a .2105-inch diameter, and should prove exceedingly effective on varmint of all sorts, including rabbits and groundhogs. Even with its relatively light grain-weight, its incredibly quick velocity promises to land a real smackdown on any target.

For further information on these new cartridges, or any other newly accepted designs, visit saami.org/technical-information/cartridge-chamber-drawings/.