.277 Fury

The .277 Fury is a relatively new cartridge that has quickly made a name for itself within the firearms and reloading community. Developed by SIG Sauer and introduced in 2019, the .277 Fury was originally designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. military’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. The NGSW aimed to provide soldiers with greater range, better accuracy, and improved armor-penetrating effects compared to legacy cartridges such as the 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO. SIG's response was a hybrid case design, combining a stainless steel base with a brass body, allowing the .277 Fury to handle extremely high chamber pressures—up to 80,000 psi—far beyond the typical pressures seen in traditional brass cartridges. This innovative engineering created a cartridge capable of delivering 6.8 mm projectiles at impressive velocities while maintaining manageable recoil and barrel life, appealing not only to the military but also to civilian shooters and reloaders interested in cutting-edge performance.

In terms of applications, the .277 Fury has rapidly attracted attention among precision rifle enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters. Its high pressures and efficient case geometry allow it to achieve velocities and ballistic coefficients that rival or even surpass established calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. For long-range target shooting, the cartridge’s flat trajectory and retained energy make it highly suitable for precision disciplines, while its manageable recoil ensures shooter comfort during extended sessions at the range. The .277 Fury’s rapid adoption by the shooting sports community is bolstered by its compatibility with popular platforms, such as the SIG Cross bolt-action rifle, making it a versatile option for those interested in both practical and competition shooting scenarios.

The .277 Fury is also making waves as a hunting cartridge, especially for North American big game applications. Its powerful ballistics and ability to launch projectiles at high velocities translate to excellent terminal performance on deer, antelope, hogs, and even elk. The caliber's high sectional density and advanced bullet designs allow for deep penetration and reliable expansion, making it a solid choice for ethical one-shot kills at extended ranges. Beyond North American game, the .277 Fury’s energy and accuracy also make it suitable for non-dangerous game species on other continents, provided proper bullet selection and shot placement.

When it comes to bullet weights and caliber characteristics, the .277 Fury typically uses projectiles in the 135 to 150 grain range, though lighter and heavier options are becoming available as more bullet manufacturers incorporate .277-specific offerings. With its 6.8 mm (.277 inch) diameter, the cartridge strikes a balance between high velocity and ballistic efficiency, offering excellent resistance to wind drift and drop at long distances. Its hybrid case construction is an important consideration for reloaders; the steel-and-brass case is unique, and may require specialized dies and techniques for successful reloading. For those sourcing components, it's critical to monitor pressure data closely—due to the cartridge's high operating pressures—and to use powders, primers, and bullets compatible with the specific design of the Fury. As component availability increases, and with more firearms chambered for this round, the .277 Fury is set to become an exciting option for reloaders who demand top-tier performance and versatility.