Viable "gaps" in the market that a new caliber could meaningfully fill in today's factory ammo selection

[VertigoBE]

How about a bolt action .510 caliber, standard rim (not recessed), full length, like a .510Gibbs?

 

[Cheesehead]

So, after thinking about it a bit, I think I found a "gap" in the market where a new cartridge or two might actually have a chance. For the AR -15 market, I think there would be some demand for a decent performing 7mm and maybe even a .308.

I'm thinking a 6.5 Grendel necked up to 7mm and .308, so at 7x39mm and 7.62x39mm improved. Currently, I don't think there is 7mm for the AR-15, but there are lots of 7mm projectiles to work with. This new 7.62 Grendel based cartridge would be superior to the old 7.62x39 because it would use much less case taper so it's a better fit for the AR platform and would use more commonly available .308 projectiles. It would also be loaded to higher pressure and have better ballistics than the little Russian or the 300 Blackout.

 

[WI-2021]

I doubt we will see any innovation in the area of dangerous game cartridges, but what do I know. I still think the 375 and 416 Ruger are both really smartly designed cartridges and we have seen how well those were received. None of the major ammo manufacturers besides Hornady make ammunition or components, and Hornady barely does. There is no better time than now for these two to take off, with the Ruger M77 being one of the only two affordable DG rifles remaining in production, but they're just not.

I'd like to see a 458 Ruger based on the same case as the 375 and 416. Theoretically, it'd outperform the 458 WM in a standard length action, but at least it would be a more modern case design. Not sure there is a need for it but I'd like it. Or, maybe Ruger should just chamber the M77 in 458 win mag...

I've thought that every niche has been filled for quite a while now, yet new cartridges keep coming along. In many cases, the driving force has been faster twist barrels for heavier bullets, but much the same could be accomplished with existing cartridges if twist rates were increased.

Regarding the .375 and .416 Ruger specifically, I'm not sure that they've been flops. The .375 has a following, myself included. That said, the market for .375's is small in the grand scheme of things, and the market for .416's is comparatively miniscule. I'm in the midst of a custom build in .375 Ruger right now, mainly due to the fact that I have a fair amount of ammo for it already. If I didn't, I'd have chosen .375 H&H in a heartbeat, and my action is long enough to accommodate it, should it ever become necessary. I'd just need a new barrel and magazine.

I'd love to see a .458 Ruger, but I can't see that succeeding. Chambering a lefty M77 in .458WM would do just fine for me.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I've thought that every niche has been filled for quite a while now, yet new cartridges keep coming along. In many cases, the driving force has been faster twist barrels for heavier bullets, but much the same could be accomplished with existing cartridges if twist rates were increased.

Regarding the .375 and .416 Ruger specifically, I'm not sure that they've been flops. The .375 has a following, myself included. That said, the market for .375's is small in the grand scheme of things, and the market for .416's is comparatively miniscule. I'm in the midst of a custom build in .375 Ruger right now, mainly due to the fact that I have a fair amount of ammo for it already. If I didn't, I'd have chosen .375 H&H in a heartbeat, and my action is long enough to accommodate it, should it ever become necessary. I'd just need a new barrel and magazine.

I'd love to see a .458 Ruger, but I can't see that succeeding. Chambering a lefty M77 in .458WM would do just fine for me.

Might be on to something with a 458 Ruger, an American made, modern take on the 458 WM. Large enough to differentiate itself from the 375 Ruger.

I feel like many may view the 375 and 416 Ruger has having a lot of overlap.

 

[skydiver386]

Unless you think there is a desperate need for that last little increase in velocity, I can't think of any gaps in our current cartridge lineup.

The introduction of new calibers has been excessive for quite a number of years. Many that were introduced in the last 20 years and touted as the best thing since sliced bread have now gone by the wayside. There are probably 100 factory cartridges that have been introduced since 1950, that are now obsolete and no longer in production, or very rapidly headed in that direction.

The .307 Winchester, 7x30 Waters, and .30 Remington were all fairly short lived because the public didn't see any advantage to them. The only reason many were brought out was to fit into a different action type or bolt face size, etc. The 307 and 7x30 were meant to increase the power and range of lever action rifles like the 30-30 Winchester, while the .30 Remington was bought to duplicate 30-30 ballistics in a semi-auto rifle. I'm 62, and I've owned rifles in all 3 of these calibers, and finding ammo for any of them is near impossible.

Rather than see new introductions, I'd prefer a revival of some classic, but very useful calibers, with the .257 Roberts at the top of the list.