Weatherby Ammo
Weatherby Ammo: In Depth
Weatherby is a renowned brand known for producing quality ammunition and firearms. Founded in 1945 by Roy Weatherby, this company has been a prominent name in the industry for nearly 80 years. Weatherby is headquartered in Sheridan, Wyoming , having moved from its original location in California in 2019.
Weatherby specializes in manufacturing powerful and accurate rifle cartridges . Their product lineup includes the famous Weatherby Magnum series, designed for superior performance in hunting and long-range shooting. Some of their most popular cartridges include the .300 Weatherby Magnum, .257 Weatherby Magnum, and .30-378 Weatherby Magnum. These cartridges are known for their high velocity, flat trajectory, and exceptional stopping power, making them a favorite among big game hunters and precision shooters.
One notable aspect of Weatherby ammunition is its meticulous engineering and innovative design. Weatherby was a pioneer in creating high-velocity cartridges by using freebore – a design feature that allows for more powder and higher speeds. This innovation set a new standard in the ammunition industry and contributed to Weatherby's reputation for excellence.
Weatherby also emphasizes quality control and precision manufacturing, ensuring that each round meets stringent performance standards. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond ammunition to their rifles, which are crafted with the same attention to detail and reliability.
Weatherby Ammo History
Weatherby, Inc. was founded in 1945 by Roy Weatherby in Southern California . Known for his innovative approach to ammunition and rifle design, Roy Weatherby aimed to create high-velocity cartridges that would provide superior accuracy and stopping power. This led to the development of the .300 Weatherby Magnum, the first in a series of high-velocity cartridges that became the hallmark of the Weatherby brand.
From its early days, Weatherby established a reputation for excellence in the firearms industry. The company's high-velocity magnum cartridges were designed to deliver flatter trajectories and greater energy on impact, making them ideal for long-range shooting and big game hunting. Weatherby's innovative designs quickly gained a following among hunters and shooters who valued performance and reliability.
In the 1950s, Weatherby’s products gained fame as they were used by notable figures, including celebrities, royalty, and professional hunters. This increased the brand's prestige and solidified its status as a leader in the firearms industry. Roy Weatherby's commitment to quality and performance helped the company grow steadily.
A significant change occurred in 1972 when Weatherby moved its operations from South Gate, California, to Paso Robles, California. This move allowed the company to expand its production capabilities and introduce new products. In 2019, seeking a more favorable business environment and closer proximity to outdoor enthusiasts, Weatherby relocated its headquarters to Sheridan, Wyoming . This move has enabled the company to continue its tradition of innovation and excellence while benefiting from Wyoming's rich hunting culture.
Weatherby has remained a family-owned business since its founding. Following Roy Weatherby's death in 1988, his son, Ed Weatherby, took over the company. Under Ed’s leadership, Weatherby has continued to uphold the legacy of quality and innovation. The company has introduced new technologies and products, including the popular Vanguard series of rifles and the advanced LXX trigger system.
Weatherby ammunition is known for its reliability and high performance. The company produces a wide range of calibers and cartridges, such as the powerful .460 Weatherby Magnum and the versatile .257 Weatherby Magnum. These cartridges are renowned for their accuracy and stopping power, making them a favorite among hunters and shooters around the world.
Weatherby’s commitment to excellence has also led to collaborations with military and law enforcement agencies, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. The company's dedication to quality and innovation continues to drive its success and maintain its reputation as a leader in the firearms and ammunition industry.
Weatherby Products
Weatherby Ammunition
Weatherby Magnum Cartridges
.257 Weatherby Magnum
- Use Case: Ideal for medium-sized game such as deer and antelope.
- Unique Features: Known for its incredible speed and flat trajectory, it offers minimal recoil and high accuracy, making it perfect for precise shot placement and an excellent choice for medium game hunting.
.300 Weatherby Magnum
- Use Case: Suitable for a wide range of big game, including deer and elk.
- Unique Features: This versatile cartridge provides exceptional performance with high velocity and energy. It is a reliable choice for hunters, delivering powerful impact and deep penetration for ethical hunting at longer ranges.
.340 Weatherby Magnum
- Use Case: Perfect for larger game such as moose and bear.
- Unique Features: Designed for powerful impact and deep penetration, it ensures an effective and humane harvest of big game animals. It maintains high performance over long distances, making it suitable for challenging hunting environments.
Select Plus Line
The Select Plus line of Weatherby ammunition stands out as a premier choice for hunters and shooters who demand the best. This line is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring top-tier performance across various calibers. Key features of the Select Plus line include:
- Barnes Bullets: Known for their all-copper construction, Barnes bullets provide deep penetration, high weight retention, and consistent expansion, making them ideal for tough game.
- Hornady Bullets: Hornady’s bullets are engineered for optimal accuracy and performance, featuring advanced designs that ensure consistent expansion and energy transfer.
- Nosler Bullets: Nosler bullets are famous for their precision and effectiveness, offering controlled expansion and deep penetration, perfect for big game hunting.
Weatherby Rifles
Mark V® Series
- Use Case: Ideal for hunters needing high precision and durability in various hunting environments.
- Unique Features: Includes Accumark, which features a Monte Carlo fiberglass stock and Cerakote finish for long-range accuracy; Backcountry 2.0, known for its lightweight design and availability in steel and titanium versions for rugged terrain; Camilla, specially designed for women with a Monte Carlo walnut stock for comfort; Hunter, offering an advanced polymer stock for field durability; and Live Wild, created with adventurer Remi Warren, focusing on versatility and adventure.
Model 307™ Series
- Use Case: Perfect for outdoor adventures and challenging terrains, offering reliable performance.
- Unique Features: Includes Adventure SD with a walnut stock and Cerakote finish for rugged environments; Alpine MDT Carbon, featuring a lightweight chassis system for hunting in tough conditions; and MeatEater Edition, which has a durable polymer stock tailored for dedicated hunters seeking reliability and performance.
Vanguard® Series
- Use Case: Great for diverse hunting conditions and precision shooting.
- Unique Features: Includes Camilla, female-focused with a walnut stock for better ergonomics; Talon, featuring a carbon fiber stock suitable for various hunting conditions; and Spike Camp, designed with a laminate wood stock ideal for precision shooting.
Weatherby Shotguns
Orion® Series
- Use Case: Suitable for traditional shooting and sport shooting.
- Unique Features: Includes Orion I, a classic double-barrel shotgun with a high gloss walnut stock for traditional use; and Orion Sporting, designed for sport shooting with an adjustable comb for enhanced accuracy.
Sorix™ Series
- Use Case: Versatile for various shooting activities, catering to a wide range of shooters.
- Unique Features: Features an inertia semi-auto shotgun design, available in multiple gauges to suit different preferences and needs.
18i Series
- Use Case: Premium general use and specialized waterfowl hunting.
- Unique Features: Includes 18i Deluxe, available in 12 and 20-gauge with a high-end finish for premium use; and 18i Waterfowler, designed for waterfowl hunting with camo patterns and an elastomer stock for better grip and control.
Element® Line
- Use Case: Reliable for upland game hunting and clay shooting.
- Unique Features: Combines Weatherby's inertia-operated action with a durable synthetic stock. Available in various gauges, the Element line offers a balance of lightweight handling and robust performance, ideal for both seasoned hunters and sport shooters.
Where is Weatherby Ammo Made?
Weatherby, Inc. is a renowned firearms and ammunition manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1945. Weatherby ammunition is primarily manufactured in two locations: the United States and Sweden. In 2019, Weatherby relocated its headquarters and primary manufacturing operations from Paso Robles, California , to Sheridan, Wyoming . This move was strategic, aimed at benefiting from Wyoming's favorable business environment and strong support for the firearms industry. The new headquarters in Sheridan houses both the corporate offices and the primary ammunition manufacturing plant. This state-of-the-art facility spans over 100,000 square feet and employs approximately 70 people. The Sheridan facility is responsible for producing a significant portion of Weatherby's ammunition, including the popular Weatherby Magnum cartridges. These cartridges are known for their high velocity and superior performance, catering to hunters and shooters who demand precision and power.
Weatherby's decision to utilize both its own manufacturing capabilities in Wyoming and the expertise of Norma Precision in Sweden allows the company to maintain a high standard of quality and reliability across its ammunition products. Each facility brings its own strengths, ensuring that Weatherby ammunition remains a top choice for shooters worldwide. By combining American innovation with Swedish precision, Weatherby continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in the ammunition industry.