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Over the last century we have seen a lot of firearms-related advancements in terms of guns and optics. But overall, throughout the last 100 years, the most notable advancements have been with ammunition. This is especially true during the last decade, where we’ve seen manufacturers and shooters come to appreciate high-ballistic coefficient bullets that require fast twist rates, new bullet designs that deliver never-seen levels of terminal performance, lots of different types of rimfire and centerfire subsonic munitions, and, of course, new cartridges. For 2026 nothing’s changed, and, in fact, everything just keeps getting better.
New Rifle and Handgun Ammo for 2026
Barnes
New from Barnes is the Suppressor Series, which is a line of purpose-built ammunition engineered for optimum performance through suppressors. Initially, these subsonic loads will utilize clean-burning propellants to reduce gas blowback, improve cycling in semi-auto platforms, and be noticeably quieter. The optimized load development and purpose-built projectiles ensure exceptional performance and precision even at subsonic velocities. New loads include a 205-grain Sierra GameKing for the 300 Blackout, a 220-grain Sierra MatchKing for the 300 Blackout, a 205-grain Sierra GameKing for the 308 Winchester, and a 147-grain Sierra JHP for the 9mm Luger. Prices range from $20.99 to $48.99 for 20-round boxes.
CCI
CCI continues to be the industry leader when it comes to rimfire ammunition, and for 2026 they are introducing two new lines. The first is the Hunter Series which comes in blaze-orange plastic boxes and features lead flat-nose, 40-grain bullets at 1235 fps and 1050 fps (subsonic). In collaboration with Henry, CCI is also introducing a special Golden Boy Collector’s Edition load. This comes in a 275-round bulk pack and features a 36-grain, copper-plated, hollow-point bullet.
Doubletap
Pistol and revolver shot loads have always been popular for snakes and other vermin at close range. The downside to a standard shot-shell handgun load is that it has very limited application. Doubletap ammunition changed that a few years ago with their SnakeShot series. In addition to the shot, the Doubletap loads feature a hardcast slug, which gives the loads much more application. For 2026, they have added SnakeShot loads for the 327 Federal Magnum, 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, and 500 S&W. Cost per 20 rounds runs from $31.90 to $49.95.
Federal
As one of the largest ammunition producers in the world, Federal has a lot of new ammunition offerings. For starters, they have a line to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary that includes a 12-gauge 2/3/4-in 1 1/8th ounce load, a 36-grain copper-plated hollow point 22 Long Rifle load, a 230-grain 45 Auto FMJ load, a 150-grain 30-06 Springfield FMJ load, and even a 300-grain HP load for the 45-70 Government.
Federal has also introduced a new subsonic line that includes loads for four cartridges that are designed for peak noise reduction and effective low-velocity expansion through suppressors. The loads include a 170-grain Fusion 30-30 Winchester load, a 300-grain Fusion 45-70 Government load, a 300-grain Tipped Fusion 308 Winchester load, and a 190-grain Tipped Fusion 300 Blackout load.
Another new ammo line from Federal is the Barnes LRX line that includes loads for seven cartridges that feature Barnes all-copper high-ballistic coefficient bullets with a unique nose cavity that helps initiate bullet upset at lower velocities—longer ranges. The new ammunition line includes the following: a 127-grain 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC load, a 145-grain 280 Ackley Improved and 7mm Remington Magnum load, a 168-grain 7mm PRC load, a 175-grain 308 Winchester load, and a 200-grain 300 Winchester Magnum load.
Federal has also expanded their Custom Shop Rifle Ammunition line to include several expertly crafted handloaded offerings built to order using the highest quality components. These new loads include a 120-grain Barnes Tipped TSX in 6.5mm PRC, a 121-grain Hammer bullet in 6.5 and 6.5mm PRC, 140-grain Fusion and Trophy Bonded Tipped bullets in 284 Winchester, a 131-grain Hammer bullet and a 140-grain Barnes Tipped TSX in 7mm PRC, and a 200-grain Barnes Tipped TSX in 300 WSM.
Fiocchi
The new Backwoods Hunter line of ammunition from Fiocchi features eight loads using all-copper hollow point bullets designed to deliver deep, pass-through penetration and controlled expansion. The line up contains a 243 Winchester load with an 80-grain bullet, 270 Winchester load with a 130-grain bullet, a 120-grain load for the 6.5 Creedmoor, a 140-grain load for the 7mm-08 Remington, and 7mm Remington Magnum load with a 160-grain bullet. For the 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield, there is a 150-grain bullet. And, finally, in 300 Winchester Magnum, there is a 265-grain load.
Fiocchi has also added two new loads to their Field Dynamics ammo line. These are big-game hunting loads featuring high-quality brass cases, lead-free primers, predictable powders, and precision-made bullets. The new rifle loads include a 200-grain soft point for the 360 Buckhammer and a 180-grain flat soft point for the 350 Legend.
Hornady
Hornady has a brand new American Whitetail Tipped ammunition line. This ammunition will be loaded using common deer hunting bullet weights with either Hornady’s SST or FTX bullets, depending on the chambering. With these tipped bullets these loads have improved ballistic coefficients over the standard American Whitetail ammo line, and Hornady is offering the ammo for a bunch of cartridges right off the bat that include the 243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm PRC, 7mm Remington Magnum, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 PRC, and the 350 Legend.
Lehigh Defense
The 300 Blackout remains a popular cartridge for hunting, and new-and-better big game bullets are helping it deliver the performance hunters demand. Lehigh Defense is offering a redesigned 125-grain Controlled Chaos bullet load for the 300 Blackout. This is an all-copper bullet that sheds petals upon entry to enhance wounding, while the bullet’s base delivers deep penetration. From a 16-inch barrel, it has a muzzle velocity of 2140 fps.
Nosler
Nosler has added four new loads to their Whitetail Country ammunition line. These loads utilize Nosler’s Solid Base bullet and, for straightwall cartridges, Nosler’s new Straight Wall bullet. Both are optimally engineered to deliver ideal bullet upset and penetration in deer for each of the cartridges they’re offered in. New loads include a 100-grain 243 Winchester, a 150-grain 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield, and a 215-grain 400 Legend. Nosler is also offering these bullets as reloading components.
The ASP handgun line of ammunition has some additions as well. Now Nosler is loading revolver ammunition in the ASP line. These loads feature bullets with skived jackets to deliver good bullet upset over a wide range of velocities, and the bullets are configured for smooth feeding into the charge holes in a revolver’s cylinder, and for smooth feeding in lever action rifles. The new loads include a 125-grain 357 Magnum, a 125-grain 38 Special, and a 240-grain 44 Magnum.
Remington
Remington also produces a lot of ammunition, and for 2026 they have three notable introductions for centerfire rifles. As with most major ammunition companies, they’re offering a line of ammo to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The special-packaged Remington “We the People” ammo line includes a 12 gauge Gun Club 2 ¾-inch 1 1/8-ounce #8 shot load, a 33-grain Yellow Jacket 22 Long Rifle load, a 55-grain PSP load for the 22-250 Remington, and a 115-grain 9mm Luger and 55-grain 223 Remington FMJ loads in 250-round buckets.
Being a sister company of Federal, it’s not surprising that Remington has introduced a line of ammunition specifically for the new 7mm Backcountry rifle cartridge. This high-performance cartridge utilizes Peak Alloy case technology to produce high velocities from shorter barrels that are ideal for hunting with suppressors. With comparable loads the 7mm Backcountry will outrun the 7mm PRC by about 200 fps. The three new loads for this hot-rod cartridge will include a 175-grain Core-Lokt bullet, a 175-grain Core-Lokt Tipped bullet, and a 175-grain Premier Long Range Speer Impact bullet.
Another new product line from Remington is a selection of subsonic rifle loads. Initially this line will contain three new loads that have all been engineered to deliver subsonic muzzle velocities and consistent, dependable performance through suppressors. These loads include a new 250-grain Boat-tail Hollow Point (BHP) offering for the 360 Buckhammer, a 190-grain load for the 308 Winchester, and a 300-grain load for the 45-70 Government. Remington is also offering a new subsonic load for the 22 Long Rifle.
The most surprising of all the new products to come from an ammunition manufacturer is a bottle of whiskey. Clearly this is not an accessory you use with ammunition. Instead, it is a great and smooth tasting treat after you get home from the range, or for after the hunt. Remington’s Reserve bourbon whiskey is bottled by Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane, Kentucky, and it is an 86-proof blend of premium Kentucky and Tennessee bourbons. What better way to celebrate the best group you ever fired, a freezer full of venison, or a new set of horns on the wall, especially if you did it all with Remington ammunition.
Winchester
Long range has seemed to be the buzz word for everything rifle and ammo related for the last decade. Hunters want long-range products and manufacturers are delivering. Winchester has a new long-range line of Ammunition called Supreme Long Range, and it is built around heavy-for-caliber, boat-tail bullets with a heat-resistant tip and a high-ballistic coefficient. The extra-large tip helps with bullet upset and energy transfer at extreme distance. A match-grade primer helps with shot-to-shot consistency, and the boat-tail aids in BC and with core and jacket integrity. All Supreme Long Range ammunition is loaded in nickel plated cases and initial offerings will include the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 30-06 Springfield, 300 WSM, and 300 Winchester Magnum. Soon to come are additional loads for the 6.8 Western, 7mm PRC, 308 Winchester, and 300 PRC.
Weatherby
New rifle cartridges continue to fill ballistic niches, and Weatherby’s new 25 RPM is a perfect example. A necked-down version of their 6.5 RPM, this new cartridge will satisfy 25-06 and 257 Weatherby shooters who've been wanting to shoot high-BC bullets. And it will perk the interest of those intrigued by the 25 Creedmoor, but who also thought it needed more velocity. The cartridge also fits in Weatherby’s slim-and-trim, six-lug Mark V and 307 actions. We thoroughly tested this new cartridge late last year, and if you like the dual purpose application appeal of a fast 0.25-caliber, this cartridge is for you.
