#Arx

Over at the BDT booth, I got to check out the new SAKO TRG22 A1.  This iteration updates the venerable TRG22 with the same innovations and features found on the TRG M10, minus the caliber-swapping ability.    The stock folds and adjusts the same as the M10, and the TRG22 A1 now comes with an m-lok fore-end, full aluminum middle chassis, and a bolt with dual ejectors.  The model I got to handle was in 6.5 creedmoor, and the TRG22 A1 also comes in .260rem and .308.  The TRG42 A1 has all the same updated feature sets, but comes in .300win mag and .338 lapua mag.  Another cool feature that I noticed was a notch cut on the front of the barrel for attachment of the same iron sight that comes on the Tikka T3X Arctic.  BDT’s Finnish rep explained that this was included at the request of numerous militaries that have an iron back-up sight requirement for their sniper rifles.  Be ready to pay dearly if you want one, however:  commercial models run around $6000.00.

Inceptor Ammunition has introduced new cartridge offerings loaded with their ARX and SRR projectiles. Particularly, they now offer the defensive/frangible ARX bullets loaded into 10mm Auto and .450 Bushmaster rounds. The SRR bullets are now available for the .223 Remington and 7.62x39mm.

Inceptor has some new ammunition offerings for 2018, including a 10mm and a monster big bore .450 Bushmaster ARX load. We discuss shooting steel up close with Inceptor’s frangible ammunition.

Umarex announced new ammunition for airguns and muzzleloading. Utilizing PolyCase ARX technology the Umarex  ARX SpeedBand and SpeedBelt bullets are to bring a new era of terminal performance to the air rifle and black powder hunter according to Umarex.

I’ve personally been skeptical of Ruger’s new ARX bullet from its inception ( when it was released under its OEM, Polycase), but have been working to keep an open mind, after the ammunition was shown to be generally effective by one of my favorite ammunition testers, ShootingTheBull410, at least in its .380 ACP variant.

Debris testing has been done to death. Here at TFB, we’ve covered mud and sand tests conducted by  InRange TV, Guns & Ammo TV, and the Military Arms Channel on everything from the AK,  AR-15 to the Vz. 58. So what about ice, instead?

Dust, mud, dirt, sand: Ideally, a firearm should be kept clean and free of debris so that it functions optimally at all times. After all, the user’s life may depend on the firearm working properly!

The PolyCase Ammunition ARX first came out in 2014, and saying they’re unique is a bit of an understatement. The ARX bullet is made from a combination of copper and a special polymer, injection-molded, and designed both to create substantial wound cavities in soft tissue and also to break apart on impact with solid targets in order to reduce risk of over-penetration. Despite its having been designed to shatter upon contact with solid objects, the ARX is able to penetrate heavy clothing, still functioning as an effective defense round. In ballistic gel tests the ARX bullet penetrates an average of 12″ to 14″.

India’s rifle competition may be on the verge of cancellation. From Jane’s:

When I first posted on the Polycase ARX ammunition, I was obviously skeptical to its capabilities and claims. When a product is released with that much marketing sizzle and vibrant cliams, I am naturally inclined to view it as gimmicky.

Its not everyday that someone introduces a new line of ammunition, much less one that is injection-molded, lead-free, and claims that the ideal self-defense round does not expand. But, today (er, yesterday), was the day and PolyCase, a company out of Savannah, Georgia, introduced its Inceptor line of ammunition.

Beretta has developed a larger battle rifle version of the Beretta ARX 160. The new Beretta ARX 200 will be chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and a 7.62x39mm conversion will be offered.

While touring the Beretta factory in northern Italy, I was able to handle a Beretta ARX-160, their newest 5.56mm carbine, and a weapon that could be considered comparable to the FNH SCAR-L. I was impressed with a number of its features, including a toolless quick-change barrel and the ability to switch both the charging handle and the ejection pattern from side to side in seconds, again, without tools – or even breaking the weapon down at all.

The Beretta ARX 160 is the new assault rifle being adopted the the Italians. I first mentioned it on in blog post last October and now thanks to REMOV I have the specs and some detailed photos (copyright Armi e Tiro/Beretta). According to REMOV the R&D cost 4 million euros, 70,000 man hours and 500,000 rounds of ammunition for testing!

The new ARX-160 Carbine is Beretta’s entry into the M4 replacement competition. Photos by SMG-Lee