So what will we see next?

[Big Boomer]

There has been quite a few new calibers and firearms in the past few years. We already have the biggest, the fastest, the uber lightweights, the tacticals, the practicals, the knockoffs, and more.

So in the upcoming few years what do you think we will see?

I think we will see more light weight tactical small caliber handguns tailored to those who conceal carry and for that "cool" factor.

I don't think we will see many more if any "new" calibers. No more uber magnums, nor any of the biggest and baddest types of firearms.

Because of the cost of ownership (being able to actually fire one) the costs are so prohibitive lately its almost unreal. Lighter small caliber stuff will own the near future I believe.

I just bought myself a 45/70 Cowboy and most likely will not ever buy any factory ammo for it at all. I did some quick math on 200 rounds it and came out to almost $700 for the cheap stuff!

I reload so that's not a problem, but most, do not. Sort of like wanting to drive that really big fast powerful sports car. Performs like a champ but too costly to feed the thing. Same thing with boaters.

As we are starting to see a change to lighter, smaller, cheaper things I feel that the firearms industry will also take the same twist.

I secretly want some new uber magnums though

 

[boilingleadbath]

The small stuff isn't much cheaper.
The COMMON stuff is cheaper.

So you won't see the introduction and mass acceptance of interesting intermittent calipers.
Nevermind that just about every possibility is covered already.

 

[Smokey Joe]

What's new, pussycat?

Latest American Rifleman had an ad for a new cartridge inside front cover. Looks like Ruger wants to sell a .30 Compact Ruger. Isn't that aisle of the store crowded enough already with the .300 WSM and the .300 RSAUM vying for space?

BTW, I predict that the .300 RSAUM will die off and become a rare bird, and that this new .30 Compact Ruger will disappear even more quickly. Seems that the .300 WSM has its teeth pretty well set in that market.

OK, in 5 years you can call me a liar when it hasn't happened, but just how many .30 caliber short magnums can the market support? I suggest that the answer is, One. And Winchester happened to get the advertising better, or sooner, or some such. The first sign of the Win's dominance was when Rem began chambering rifles in .300 WSM. I don't think that Win ever chambered any in .300 RSAUM, but Win quit making rifles at about that time so that issue is clouded.

Boiling Lead Bath (the mind boggles at the thought!) is probably right--just about every spot in the cartridge spectrum is already covered. That will probably not prevent the marketing types in firearms companies from trying new cartridges on us. Nor will it stop wildcatters from experimenting.

Currently I'm intrigued by this new 6.5 Creedmoor that Hornady has developed. See, I'm hooked on the new stuff too!

 

[Aaryq]

I'm hoping to see next a cartridge that will commercially meet and exceed the VENERABLE 7.62x25.

 

[Sans Authoritas]

7x28 would be interesting.

-Sans Authoritas

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I'm hoping to see next a cartridge that will commercially meet and exceed the VENERABLE 7.62x25.

Meet or exceed in what regard?

 

[gbran]

How about an 8 round, 11 ounce 5.7x28 J Frame?

 

[Wheeler44]

I feel confident that we will see polymer bullets in the very near future.

 

[Furncliff]

Laser guided bullets.....http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/fish-in-a-barrel/darpa-unclassifies-plans-for-laser+guided-bullet-274544.php

 

[Aaryq]

Quote:
I'm hoping to see next a cartridge that will commercially meet and exceed the VENERABLE 7.62x25.

Meet or exceed in what regard?

Get the velocity in something bigger and faster...like necking down a .50 AE to 9mm...or something to that effect. High Penetration, Big bullet, high velocity, decent "Stopping Power" (I Know "stopping power is a bad word on THR)...*grunts* big fast, grunt!

Yeah!

 

[lee n. field]

polymer bullets in the very near future.

Unless that's polymer clad lead, what would that do for us?

 

[Wheeler44]

Unless that's polymer clad lead, what would that do for us?

The plastics industry can now make a "plastic" bullet that has the same specific gravity of lead. It is less susceptible to deformation in loading and chambering so it will have "superior" in flight ballistics.

 

[kjeff50cal]

Wheeler44, we need links.... esp. our deprived members in PRK.

 

[Wheeler44]

Sorry, no links to private conversations with people in the industry.
I can say that it is an offshoot of "ballistic tip" ammo. The plastic ballistic tip has shown less deformation in loading and chambering thus providing the "superior" in flight ballistics. As I understand it it is a matrix of tungsten and polymers and they can mix to achieve a wide range of density and weight. This is not my area of expertise.

 

[rocinante]

Wheeler44 just sounds like something much more expensive for marginal if any real world improvement. Maybe make the bunny huggers happy although I doubt that.

 

[Wheeler44]

just sounds like something much more expensive

probably, however since there is a movement to ban lead in ammo it may make sense for some users. I think the real advantage would be at the higher end where absolute uniformity could help us shoot tighter groups.