Federal Premium Adds to Hi-Bird Upland Shotshells

ANOKA, Minnesota –– Federal Premium has added new shot sizes to its popular Hi-Bird line of upland shotshells. The loads combine speed, hard-hitting pellets and a specialized wad to fold the highest doves, crows and pigeons, as well as pheasants and the most challenging upland birds. This includes various new 12-gauge loadings of shot sizes No. 4, 5 and 8. Shipments of this ammunition are being delivered to dealers now.

The powerful Hi-Bird loads’ two-piece wad features SoftCell technology to decrease perceived recoil and produce more consistent long-range patterns. Plus, its lead shot is engineered for the optimum blend of hardness and density. The result is dense long-range patterns with more downrange energy.

Features & Benefits

  • New shot sizes available
  • High-power 12-gauge loads maximize long-range lethality on pigeons, doves and upland game
  • Two-piece wad features SoftCell technology to decrease perceived recoil and produce better, more consistent long-range patterns
  • Lead shot is engineered for the optimum blend of hardness and density for even patterns and more downrange energy
  • Perfect for the field or competition

Part No. / Description / MSRP
HVF12H 4 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 4 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95
HVF12H 5 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 5 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95
HVF12H 8 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 8 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95 Read more

Ammunition

A No-Nonsense Look at Climate Change

Editor’s Note: Today’s feature is part one of a three part series authored by Fishing Wire editor, Frank Sargeant.

By Frank Sargeant, Fishing Wire Editor

(This is the first of a three-part series on climate change, a controversial issue that puts anglers, hunters  and other outdoors advocates on the front lines in what has become a political hot-button not only across America but around the world. It’s also rapidly becoming a business issue for those of us in the fishing, hunting and boating industries. Today, we look at what it is, if it is, and why it has become a political issue rather than a practical problem that requires solving.)

Earth has no thermostat.

Good thing, too, or my wife would constantly be turning it up.

Ta-da-Boom

But global warming, AKA climate change, is no joke. In fact, the terms have become such memes they get initial capital letters and exclamation points:

Global Warming!

Climate Change!

When it comes to truths that have to be held self-evident, there’s no question there are getting to be more hot times in the old towns most nights. In the new ones, too. Amazingly, 17 of the 18 warmest years since modern record-keeping began have occurred since 2001. Read more

Wildlife

Boone and Crockett Club Approves Second Year of Funding for CWD Research

MISSOULA, Mont.– The Boone and Crockett Club Board of Directors recently approved a second year of research funding targeted at finding answers to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The Club and other organizations have been concerned about CWD for quite some time. Together with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation, the Club founded the CWD Alliance more than 15 years ago.

“When our current Club president took office in January of 2017, he made CWD one of the primary focuses of his administration,” explained Dr. Josh Millspaugh, Boone and Crockett Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Montana and subcommittee chair of the grants program. “With the help of our professionals on the ground, we expanded the Club’s role in addressing CWD by providing support, leadership, organization, and bringing experts together to set a path, which will have a meaningful impact on policy, research and education, and help coordinate stakeholders’ activities.”

“Denying we have a problem and just kicking at the dirt isn’t going to cut it,” added Ben B. Hollingsworth Jr., president of the Boone and Crockett Club. “I’ve committed my time as Club president to getting answers we can use. More research will pay huge dividends in our ability to manage this disease.”

The Club’s focus on CWD was reinforced by a recent unanimous decision by its Board to provide additional funding for research. This focus includes working with U.S. Congress on the Research Title of the pending Farm Bill to make CWD a high-priority research focus for our nation’s land-grant universities. Read more

Wildlife

2A Armament XLR Rifle Overview

Boise, Idaho – 2A Armament has set a new bar for lightweight, high powered rifles with the finely machined XLR rifle series. Available in the extremely accurate 6.5mm Creedmoor and a .308, these AR10’s are built for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts.

When it comes to weight, you won’t find many models that compare. The XLR20 is a 6.5mm Creedmoor weighing 6.85-pounds and the XLR18 is a .308 weighing 6.75-pounds. Both models are available in black and the XLR20 has the option for a KUIU Camo finish.

The reason 2A can shave extra weight off the rifles without sacrificing an ounce of accuracy or performance lies in their extraordinary machining abilities. The CNC machined 7075-T6 billet on the upper and lower receivers combined with the QPQ process on the bolt and carrier makes this a rock solid yet lightweight rifle. Every piece of metal is machined with precision guided processes. Perfection is the game and 2A goes the extra mile to make each element of the XLR rifles. Read more

Firearms

Wilson Combat: Introducing the 300 HAM’R

[ Berryville, Arkansas ] Wilson Combat is pleased to announce the availability of the all new 300 HAM’R® cartridge, rifles, loaded ammunition, barrels, components and accessories.

The 300 HAM’R® cartridge was developed by Bill Wilson for optimal terminal performance and offers near .308 Winchester effectiveness, amazing accuracy and low recoil in the lightweight and compact AR-15 platform with no reduction in magazine capacity. Terminal performance testing on over 200 Texas feral hogs has proven it to kill much more effectively than the 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 7.62×39 or 300 Blackout.

Due to the optimization of bullet weight to barrel twist, accuracy has proven to be outstanding. Sub one-inch groups are the norm with multiple bullet choices for varying applications such as hunting, target shooting and tactical use. Undoubtedly the 300 HAM’R will be compared to the popular 300 BLACKOUT or 7.62×39 and ballistics of the 300 HAM’R far exceeds the 300 BLACKOUT and 7.62×39 in both velocity and energy when utilizing 110-150gr bullets.

300 HAM’R® ballistics even meet or exceed the ballistics of the famed 30-30 rifle cartridge with bullets in the 110-130 grain range.

A FEW OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE 300 HAM’R

      • The 300 HAM’R has 18% more retained velocity, 40% more energy and a 56% flatter trajectory than the 300 BLACKOUT at 200 yards.
      • Enhanced reliability due to the longer gas systems, 16.25” is mid-gas and the 18”/20” are intermediate gas system.
      • Any AR15 platform rifle can be converted to 300 HAM’R with a simple barrel change and the use of 300 Blackout magazines.
      • The 300 HAM’R with its 1-15 twist match grade barrel is optimized for accuracy with 110gr to 135gr bullets.
      • Factory Starline produced 300 HAM’R cases are available, but cases can be made from common and available 5.56/.223 cases.
      • The 300 HAM’R has a 300 FPS velocity and 400 FP energy advantage over the 300 BLACKOUT at the muzzle.
      • 300 HAM’R rifles and barrels are available in 16.25”, 18” and 20” lengths with different profiles.

    Read more

Firearms

Michigan: Enjoy a tour of Black River sturgeon hatchery

Curious to learn more about one of Michigan’s most interesting fish species? Drop by the Black River sturgeon hatchery Saturday, Aug. 25, for a tour and the opportunity to hear from fish research experts.

The tours, coordinated by the DNR, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon For Tomorrow, are free of charge. They’ll run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hatchery facility, northwest of Onaway in Cheboygan County on the Upper Black River adjacent to the Kleber Dam. (From M-68 2 miles west of Onaway, take Black River Road (F-05) north to Twin School Road, then west a little over 3 miles to the hatchery, which is on the north side of the road just before the dam.)

Researchers from the DNR and MSU will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon biology, reproductive ecology and the current year’s research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss work being done to restore sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming. Read more

Fishing

Win Big: Become a “Huntervationist” with Sportsmen’s Alliance

To promote the role hunters, anglers and trappers play in conservation, and the need to protect those passions, the Sportsmen’s Alliance has launched their “Huntervationist” campaign with the support of industry-leading companies that have backed the movement.

“Hunters and conservation are inextricably linked. We are North America’s greatest conservationists. We believe that should be promoted, and that it’s up to hunters to educate people on the role we play,” said Sean Curran, vice president of membership and development for Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Our ‘Huntervationist’ messaging and apparel sparks dialogue with non-hunters, and even some hunters, who might not understand that relationship, and anytime you can do that, it’s a step forward.”

From Aug. 20 through Oct. 11, all new members and current members who renew or upgrade their membership will receive entries into the Huntervationist promotion, which includes great prizes from Mathews, ALPS OutdoorZ, onX Hunt, Vortex Optics, Benelli and Girls with Guns. Special member benefits apply, including Huntervationist-specific gear.

For every $10 spent on a new, renewed or upgraded membership, the member will earn one entry into the promotion (up to 25 entries).

To enter, just visit the Huntervationist campaign page and select the level of desired membership. For every $10, an automatic entry will be created and entered into all subsequent drawings until Oct. 11. For complete rules, click here. Read more

Hunting

Federal Premium Expands Load Options for Black Cloud

ANOKA, Minnesota –  – Federal Premium has added new shot size offerings to its improved Black Cloud line. This includes various new loadings of shot size No. 1 and No. 3 in both 12- and 20-gauge. Shipments of this ammunition have been delivered to dealers.

Equipped with the new FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, the new loads deliver improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. The wad’s redesigned rear-deploying petals and side-mounted vents stimulate the payload for separation from the wad at the ideal moment for dense, deadly patterns. Plus, the efficient Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant significantly decrease residue in the barrel.

Features & Benefits

  • New shot sizes in the most popular loads
  • Rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad provides the tightest patterns possible through both ported and standard chokes
  • Payload of 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets and 60 percent Premium® steel for dense patterns and larger wound channels
  • 100 percent FLITESTOPPER payload in Close Range offerings
  • Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant drastically reduce residue
  • Black nickel head inhibits corrosion
  • Sealed crimp defeats moisture in extreme conditions

Part No. / Description / MSRP
PWBX134 1 / 12 gauge, 3 1/2”, 1 1/2 oz., 1 shot 1,500 fps / $36.95
PWBX134 3 / 12 gauge, 3 1/2”, 1 1/2 oz., 3 shot 1,500 fps / $33.95
PWBX142 1 / 12 gauge, 3-inch, 1 1/4 oz., 1 shot, 1,450 fps / $27.95
PWBX209 1 / 20 gauge, 3-inch, 1 oz., 1 shot, 1,350 fps / $24.95
PWBX209 3 / 20 gauge, 3-inch, 1 oz., 3 shot, 1,350 fps / $24.95
PWBXH143 1 / 12 gauge, 3-inch, 1 1/8 oz., 1 shot, 1,635 fps, High Velocity / $27.95 Read more

Ammunition

Grizzly .45 Colt +P Ammunition

The Heavy .45 Long Colt +P Premium Ammunition from Grizzly Brings a Higher Level of Performance to Shooters
Rainier, Ore. – Shooters of large-frame revolvers looking for heavy, .45 Colt +P ammo will find the various loads from Grizzly® Cartridge Co. live up to the exacting standards one would expect from match-quality hand loads, let alone a factory-loaded round. Whether being fired from a heavy-duty, large-frame revolver, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk, or a lever-action rifle like a Marlin 1892, there is a Grizzly .45 Colt +P round perfect for your shooting needs.

The Grizzly .45 Colt is one of the more fabled calibers in history and has remained popular with revolver and lever-gun shooters for decades. The .45 Colt +P are heavy rounds and are not intended for the newer Vaquero, smaller-frame style revolvers. The heavier round is favored among shooters looking for downrange energy, such as knocking over heavier steel targets, or getting a little extra muscle for game animals in hunting situations.

Loaded with a special, custom blend of powders for extreme accuracy and muzzle velocity, you can get Grizzly’s .45 Colt +P factory loaded ammunition with precision-cast bullets in a 300-grain LFNGC round with a 1,250-fps velocity. Also available is a 335-grain WLNGC cast lead bullet with a velocity of 1,175 fps. Twenty-round boxes are available for $25.99. Like all Grizzly Cartridge Co. products, each round is loaded in the USA, and under careful guidelines set by the company founder for precision and quality. Read more

Ammunition

USFWS: Duck Numbers Down in 2018

USFWS survey says most populations are still above long-term averages

MEMPHIS, TN – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today released its report on 2018 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Overall duck numbers in the survey area remain high. Total populations were estimated at 41.2 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, 13 percent lower than last year’s estimate of 47.3 million and percent and 17 percent above the long-term average. The projected mallard fall flight index is 11.4 million birds, down from the 2017 estimate of 12.9 million.

The main determining factor for duck breeding success is wetland and upland habitat conditions in the key breeding landscapes of the Prairies and the Boreal Forest. Conditions observed across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the 2018 breeding population survey were similar to or, in a few areas, declined compared to the 2017 survey.
The total pond estimate for the United States and Canada combined was 5.2 million, which is 14 percent below the 2017 estimate of 6.1 million and identical to the long-term average of 5.2 million. Read more

Wildlife
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