The Best New Ammunition for 2014

January 21, 2014 By Shooting Times Online Editors

Advancements in technology continue to shape every corner of the world, and ammunition is no different. Although empty spaces remain on retail shelves where an abundance of cartridges once appeared, the advancement of ammo technology has all but vanished.

The 2014 SHOT Show introduced us to a whole collection of new ammunition that's more advanced than ever.

Most ammo research and development is trending toward specialized loads for specific applications. For example, Winchester's new Win3Gun line of ammo was tailored for the growing number of 3-gun competitors, while a new 10mm round marks the first time Federal has offered a handgun load with a Trophy Bonded hunting bullet.

We also witnessed as Nosler introduced the fastest- and flattest-shooting commercially-available .264/6.5mm cartridge in the world — the 26 Nosler.

We're looking forward to reporting in-depth on the individual performance of all the newest ammo on the market.

For now, check out the best new ammunition for 2014, and tell us which ammo you want us to test in upcoming reviews.

26 Nosler

The brand new 26 Nosler cartridge is now the fastest- and flattest-shooting commercially available .264 caliber/6.5mm cartridge in the world.

The 26 Nosler launches a 129-grain Accubond long-range bullet at 3,400 feet-per-second, or a 140-grain bullet at 3,300 feet-per-second.

Winchester Win3Gun Rifle

With the growing popularity of 3-gun shooting, Winchester has developed a new line of Win3Gun ammo, optimized for each leg of the competition.

New Win3Gun centerfire rifle ammo includes 5.56x45mm FMJ rounds, developed as an all-around cartridge for anything you'll encounter in a 3-gun course.

Winchester Win3Gun Shotgun

With the growing popularity of 3-gun shooting, Winchester has developed a new line of Win3Gun ammo, optimized for each leg of the competition.

New Win3Gun 12-gauge shotgun ammo comes in two variations that give shooters the ability to engage targets of varying size and distance. Their 7-1/2 shot load is a great multi-purpose round, while a 00 buckshot load will take care of the heavy gunning.

Winchester Win3Gun Pistol

With the growing popularity of 3-gun shooting, Winchester has developed a new line of Win3Gun ammo, optimized for each leg of the competition.

New Win3Gun pistol ammo is available in 147-grain 9mm, 180-grain .40 S&W and 230-grain .45 ACP. The box for each caliber has an advertised power factor, so there's no guessing when its time to clock in at the chronograph.

CCI Suppressor 22LR

Brand new CCI Suppressor 22LR ammo is loaded to cycle reliably while maintaining subsonic ballistics and 70- to 75-percent noise reduction, compared to standard velocity ammo.

CCI Suppressor rimfire ammo is very similar to CCI Quiet ammo, except the Suppressor ammo is loaded with a hunting bullet, while CCI Quiet is intended for target shooting.

CCI's new Suppressor 22LR ammo is on the market now for about $3 per 50-round box.

Federal Trophy Bonded 10mm

Handgun hunters rejoice: Federal Premium's new Trophy Bonded 10mm handgun ammunition was designed with hog and deer hunters in mind. This new 10mm round marks the first time Federal has offered a handgun round loaded with a Trophy Bonded bullet. Federal loads the cartridge to push a 180-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullet at 1,275 feet-per-second. Available now, this 10mm hunting ammo will retail for about $39.95.

Remington Golden Saber Black Belt

- Mechanically bonded with a brass band, not chemically bonded - Launching to LE/Gov channels in Q1/14 - Commercial launch will follow in Q3/14 - 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 Auto initial offering

Remington Ultimate Defense Compact Handgun

- Spiral nose cuts for expansion through clogging barriers - Driving band for precise alignment in the bore - Hexagonally-punched, hollow point cavity and soft lead core - Flash suppressed propellant and primers for low light shooting - Mouth and primer waterproofing - Nickel-plated shell cases for corrosion resistance and reliable feeding - Available in the following calibers: 9mm Luger, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .45ACP, .38 Special+P

Winchester Train & Defend

Winchester Train & Defend ammunition is actually new system that uses two different types of ammunition for practice and personal defense applications. Train ammo is identified on the box with a "T," and is optimized for practice and target shooting. Defend ammo is identified by a "D" on the box, and is specialized for personal defense. Both Train & Defend will be available for the following chamberings: .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .38 Sp.

Winchester Match .223

Winchester's new .223 Match ammunition was designed for precision shooters who need a heavier, boat-tail hollow point bullet. Match ammo is loaded with a Sierra Match King bullet, with an advertised muzzle velocity of 3,060 feet-per-second.

Winchester Win1911

Winchester Win1911 ammo was developed for use in John M. Browning's famous .45ACP pistol.

Win1911 ammo will be initially available in two different .230-grain offerings — full metal jacket and jacketed hollow point. Both loads run 880 feet-per-second through standard 1911 platforms.

Hornady Critical Duty .357 SIG

The newest member of Hornady's Critical Duty line includes 135-grain .357 Sig. The round features a FlexLock bullet with FlexTip technology, as well as low-flash propellants and nickel-plated cartridge cases with sealed primers and case mouths.

Hornady American Whitetail Shotgun Slugs

Also new for 2014 are American Whitetail Slugs. The 12 gauge, 325-grain slugs feature a hollow-point bullet with a serrated lead core and jacket for optimal expansion upon impact.

Hornady Custom Lite Rifle Ammo

Custom Lite rifle ammunition provides softer recoil and less muzzle blast from standard cartridges. The rounds are loaded with Hornady's SST or Interlock RN bullets, and continue to deliver the performance folks have come to expect from premium factory ammunition.

Hornady Custom Lite Shotgun Slugs

For a 25- to 40-percent reduction in felt recoil compared to standard slugs, try Hornady's new Custom Lite Slugs. Available in 12 and 20 gauge loads, Custom Lite Slugs feature FTX bullets, which remain effective out to 150 yards.

Hornady 20 Gauge Heavy Magnum Turkey

Hornady's Heavy Magnum Turkey load is being expanded to fuel 20 gauge shotguns. 13/8-ounce, #5 nickel-plated lead shot is delivered in a tight pattern, with Hornady's Versatite wad. This new 20 gauge turkey load has a lethal range of 50 yards with 1200 feet-per-second muzzle velocity.