The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)—the organization dedicated to promoting firearm safety through the creation of detailed standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components—has accepted three new rifle cartridges for standardization. Technical specifications for each are now available on the organization’s website, but here’s a quick look at the trio.
SIG Sauer developed and introduced the .277 SIG Fury to the industry at the SHOT Show last January. The innovative cartridge uses a metal base to hold the primer, with a locking washer between it and the powder-holding case. Two loads were initially slated for availability—one with a 137-grain match bullet and the other wearing a 140-grain Sierra Tipped GameKing. SAAMI specifications list a maximum average pressure of 80,000 psi, with a 135-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,000 fps.
Developed by Weatherby, the 6.5 Weatherby Rebated Precision was unveiled in September 2019. Based on a lengthened .284 Win. cartridge, its rebated rim makes it compatible with .30-06 Springfield bolt faces and reloading equipment. SAAMI specs give it a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, with a 140-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,075 fps. Weatherby’s website indicates shooters using the cartridge can expect bullets to still be carrying 1,500 ft.-lbs. of energy at 500 yards.
Olin Winchester introduced the 6.8 Western. Its maximum average pressure rating is 65,000 psi, with a 175-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,840 fps.
SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components. It maintains an exhaustive library of cartridge and chamber drawings and specifications, detailed listings of unsafe firearm and ammunition combinations and more.
