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New For 2016: Browning Ammo

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It’s no secret that Browning is one of the most recognizable brands in firearms and hunting around the globe. The Buckmark logo triggers instant respect from hunters and shooters everywhere, and Browning firearms have been the favorite of firearm enthusiasts ever since the Browning Auto-5 shotgun revolutionized hunting in the early 1900s. But throughout all the rich Browning history, there is one thing that they’ve never really offered in a significant regard: ammunition. Well that’s all changing in 2016, and Browning recently announced that ammunition will soon be available from the company for hunting, target shooting and self-defense needs. Let’s dig a little deeper into what they’ll be offering and what firearms owners can look forward to in little over 100 days (at the time of this post).

Brief History Of Browning Ammo

Before we go any further, this technically isn’t Browning’s first foray into ammunition. In the 1970s, Winchester made ammunition for Browning in their East Alton, Illinois plant, and the boxes were printed with the Browning name.  In 1972, Winchester / Browning released a series of .22 ammunition lines in long rifle high-velocity and standard velocity as well as high-velocity short .22s. This ammo line was named “Nail Drivers,” and the ammo was said to be so accurate that shooting them was like driving a nail. A year later in 1973, Browning released “Power Rated” shotgun shells in sizes 35 through 55 power. The 55 power shells were rated for larger game like goose, but the  35-40 would provide adequate power for smaller game. There were also Browning slugs made for 12 and 16 gauge shotguns and centerfire rifle ammunition in several select calibers like 30-06 and 25-06 Remington. These ammunition lines were short lived, but you can still find a few boxes in the hands of collectors. FN Herstal also produced ammunition with the Browning name on the box for a time.

2016 Ammo Lines

The new 2016 Browning Ammo line will still be a partnership between Winchester and Browning like in the past. But unlike the short-lived Browning ammunition lines mentioned above, the new Browning ammo coming in 2016 is far more ambitious. Browning will offer a full line of ammo for pistols, shotguns, and rimfire and centerfire rifles. The ammo will also come with a stylish new look which includes the Buckmark logo stamped on the rim of each cartridge. Let’s dig a little deeper into what we can expect from each line of ammo.

Browning-9mm

Shotgun

Almost all the bases will be covered as far a Browning shotgun ammo goes. There will be a full selection of 12 gauge shells in everything from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 inch loads, and there will be 2 3/4 and 3 inch loads for the 20 gauge. The loads will be designed for one of three purposes: upland, waterfowl or clays. As of now, there has been no mention of shotgun slugs as part of the Browning ammo line, but that may change. The waterfowl and upland rounds will be called Browning BXD rounds with the “XD” denoting extra distance. The target loads will be called BTP or Browning Target Point.

Browning-waterfowl

Pistol

As of now Browning pistol ammunition will be available in four calibers: .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. There will be two distinct versions of pistol ammo available: BXP and BTP. The first, BXP, is a personal defense round called the Browning X-Point. The second variety is the Browning Target Point or BTP, and it is a full metal jacket training round.

browning-380

Rimfire

The Browning rimfire line will be BPR or Browning Performance Rimfire. It will be one of Browning ammunition lines available on the market in January 2016.

Centerfire

The Browning centerfire line is by far the most rich offering in the new release. It is rumored that the centerfire line will be available in .243 Win, .270 Win., 7mm Rem., .308 Win., .30-06, .300 Win Mag and .300 WSM. At this point it is unclear which calibers will be part of the initial release.

Rapid Expansion Or Controlled Expansion

One other cool feature that has been leaked is the difference in centerfire ammo. There will be two lines of centerfire ammo: BXR and BXC. The first version, BXR, will be a rapid expansion bullet designed to expand on deer sized game. The BXC on the otherhand is a controlled expansion Terminial Tip round designed specifically for game larger than whitetail. These will be heavy bullets with a boat-tail design to provide the maximum velocity needed to take down large game.

Browning-30-06

You’ll be able to get the new Browning ammunition right here at Gritr Sports when it’s released, so stay tuned!

Images courtesy of Browning Ammunition.

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