Designed specifically for use in semi-automatic firearms, SSA Ammunition by Nosler is perfect for hunters and shooters who use modern sporting rifles.
As semi-automatic rifles in general (and modern sporting rifles in particular) have become more popular among sportsmen in the United States, the major ammunition companies have recognized the need for a special line of ammo optimized for performance in those guns.
Well, that's what Nosler offers with their SSA Ammunition line.
Unfortunately, it's more difficult to produce good ammunition that functions reliably in modern sporting rifles than in typical bolt-action hunting rifles. For instance, a particular type of rifle ammunition may shoot great in a rifle with a certain barrel length, but may not work nearly as well in a different rifle.
Nosler's goal was to offer a line of ammo that will reliably function in a wide variety of platforms at a range, in the field, for law enforcement, or for personal defense (similar in concept to the Hornady Black line of ammo).
In order to accomplish that mission, the Bend, Oregon-based company acquired Silver State Armory (SSA) in June of 2013.
While SSA manufactured a wide variety of ammunition at the time, Nosler has since trimmed down their offerings and focused on producing ammunition for cartridges most commonly used in semi-automatic rifles. At this time, SSA ammo by Nosler is only available as centerfire rifle ammo, not as handgun or rimfire ammunition.
Specifically, SSA ammo is currently manufactured in 5.56x45mm NATO, 6.8 Remington SPC (6.8 SPC), .300 Blackout, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and 7.62x39.
Nosler advertises that this ammunition utilizes "powders and charge weights selected for reliable performance in semi-automatic firearms" and is "loaded to pressures that reliably cycle semi-autos for maximum dependability."
Depending on the exact cartridge, SSA ammo is loaded with one of several different Nosler bullets, such as the Ballistic Tip Varmint, Spitzer, Custom Competition, E-Tip, Bonded Performance, AccuBond, Ballistic Tip, Hollow Point, or Varmageddon.
For example, there are five SSA ammunition options in 6.8 SPC loaded with an 85 grain E-Tip, a 90 grain Bonded Performance, a 110 grain Spitzer, a 110 grain AccuBond, or a 115 grain Custom Competition bullet.
The wide variety of bullet types and bullet weights helps make this line one of the best choices for hunters and shooters who like the 6.8mm SPC cartridge.
It's important to keep in mind that not every SSA ammunition offering is built for hunting.
For instance, the 6.8 SPC AccuBond and .300 AAC Blackout loads are advertised for use on deer-sized game, while the the 7.62x39 and two of the 5.56x45mm NATO loads are advertised for use on varmints. However, the rest of the loads are primarily intended for target shooting or for personal defense.
If you're looking for some great ammo well suited for a variety of use to use in your AR-15 (and made in the USA to boot), then consider adding some SSA Ammunition by Nosler to your wish list.
Like what you see? You can read more great articles by John McAdams on the Big Game Hunting Blog. Follow him on Facebook & YouTube and subscribe to his show: the Big Game Hunting Podcast.
NEXT: THE FULL SCOOP ON NOSLER BALLISTIC TIP AMMO
WATCH
