Washington D.C. – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to reject a Center for Biological Diversity’s petition to undertake a national rulemaking concerning lead ammunition and tackle on the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System).

Considering state fish and wildlife agencies exercise primary statutory authority for management of species within their borders across all types of land, including those within the Refuge System, we greatly appreciate Director Williams’ commitment to coordinate closely with AFWA and the States on a workable path forward that considers all available science, relies on broadly tested and utilized state approaches and programs, and supports participation in hunting and angling.

We acknowledge this is an important issue, and we firmly believe that continued expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on America’s lands and waters is essential to our nation’s system of conservation and the wellbeing of people, fish, and wildlife. With more people relying on our natural resources for mental and physical health, subsistence harvest, and recreation, increasing the ability of state agencies and their partners to ensure the sustainable management of fish and wildlife and their habitats is more important than ever.

Kearneysville, WV — Kent Cartridge, a trusted manufacturer of superior shotgun ammunition for over 25 years, is pleased to introduce Fasteel®+, an innovative, hard-hitting shotshell line for waterfowlers. Building on the legacy of the wildly popular Fasteel 2.0 line, Fasteel + uses two sizes of steel pellets in one shell to deliver unsurpassed patterns with devastating on-target lethality.

The layered-shot payload in Fasteel + consists of a layer of larger Precision-Plated Steel™ Shot pellets loaded on top of a layer of smaller pellets. Aerodynamic testing shows the smaller shot drafts in the wake of the larger shot, tightening patterns and delivering more energy into the target. Zinc-plated pellets team with nickel-plated heads to resist corrosion and make Fasteel+ a true all-weather performer. Custom-blended powders ensure reliable ignition and outstanding velocities, no matter what conditions you hunt in.

Kent Cartridge’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jeff Barry, is excited about the performance of Fasteel +. “Now hunters can have the best of both worlds, energy from the larger pellets and pattern density from the smaller pellets,” Mr. Barry remarked. “Hunters will see a difference in lethality right away, all while maintaining the premium performance and affordable prices Kent Cartridge has long been known for.” Read more

Hodgdon is pleased to announce the release of Hodgdon High Gun, a shotshell powder designed for loading 12-gauge shells.

“We know consumers are looking for shotshell powders and fast-tracked the release of two new powders for 2023.” says Justin Schrader, Hodgdon senior ballistician. “We identified this need for 12-gauge powder and moved this powder to the head of the line, along with Hodgdon Perfect Pattern.”

Hodgdon High Gun is a flattened-spherical shotshell powder designed for light-target, handicap and super handicap loads in a 12-gauge shotgun. This powder also closely duplicates Remington Nitro 27 factory loads. High Gun’s geometry results in a powder that meters consistently, has excellent ignition and burns clean enough to throw uniform patterns clay after clay.

This new Hodgdon shotshell powder is available immediately at retailers selling reloading products. The powder is available in 1-pound and 8-pound canisters. Read more

Hodgdon is pleased to announce the release of Hodgdon Perfect Pattern, a shotshell powder designed for loading 12-gauge shells.

“We know consumers are looking for shotshell powders and fast-tracked the release of two new powders for 2023.” says Justin Schrader, Hodgdon ballistician. “We identified this need for 12-gauge powder and moved Hodgdon High Gun to the head of the line, along with Hodgdon High Gun.”

Hodgdon Perfect Pattern is a fast-burning, flattened-spherical shotshell powder designed for light and extra-light field and target loads for the 12-gauge shotgun. Its geometry and density results in excellent ignition, clean burning, superb metering and low charge weights that deliver consistent patterns with mild report and low recoil.

This new Hodgdon shotshell powder is available immediately at retailers selling reloading products. The powder is available in 1-pound and 8-pound canisters. Read more

Grand Island, NE – Hornady engineered the Lock-N-Load® Iron Press® to be the heaviest, most rigid press in its class. This single-stage unit, powered with a spring-assisted 1-1/8-inch solid steel ram, is perfect for anyone demanding precision and repeatability from their reloading press.

This 28-pound workhorse press is manufactured with exceptionally tight tolerances and a smooth operating system designed to deliver consistent precision year after year. The Iron Press features Hornady patented Lock-N-Load® Bushing System, which ensures dies and bushings are securely locked in place with a simple twist that engages six locking lugs.

Swapping out is straightforward when reloaders need to change to another cartridge size. Simply twist the die counterclockwise, remove it and insert your next preset Lock-N-Load® die and bushing. Dies locked in their Lock-N-Load® bushings remain as they are set, in perfect alignment and ready for their turn in the press. Read more

ANOKA, Minnesota –– Federal Ammunition is proud to introduce a new product line of match-grade centerfire rifle ammunition: Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike. These new match-grade loads feature a proprietary open tip match design, sleek profile and extremely tight specifications for the ultimate long-range accuracy and consistency. 168-grain and 175-grain 308 Win. loads are currently shipping to dealers. 6.5 Creedmoor is anticipated to ship in the summer.

“CenterStrike features a new Open Tip Match bullet that will allow us to expand our Gold Medal product lineup with more options and is ideal for any target shooter looking for long-range accuracy and consistent performance,” said Federal Centerfire Rifle Ammunition Product Line Manager, Eric Miller. “The new CenterStike product line continues the tradition of Gold Medal standards delivering industry-leading accuracy in factory-loaded ammunition.”

Summary of features include: Precision-built OTM bullet design; High ballistic coefficient design; Held to Federal’s tightest specs for accuracy, pressure, and velocity; Gold Medal primers and brass; Specially formulated propellant; Available in 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 223 Rem; 20-round boxes; MSRP: $37.99-$48.99. Read more