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The decision by any military to adopt a particular ammunition technology is never made in a vacuum. It is the result of a complex interplay between historical experience, technological capability, strategic doctrine, and fundamental chemistry. The Soviet Union’s long-standing reliance on corrosive-primed ammunition is a quintessential example of this process. To comprehend this choice, one must first understand the chemical problem that Soviet ordnance experts, and their counterparts worldwide, were trying to solve. The story of corrosive ammunition does not begin with a choice for corrosion, but a choice against the critical failures of the preceding technology: mercuric primers.
1.1 A Brief History of Primer Evolution: From Mercury to Chlorate
The evolution of the firearm primer is a direct line from the unreliable external ignition of flintlocks to the self-contained, instantaneous reliability of the modern cartridge.1 The first major leap towards modern primers was the percussion cap, developed in the early 19th century. These small copper cups contained a shock-sensitive compound, almost universally mercury fulminate (Hg(CNO)2), which provided a far more reliable ignition source than flint and steel.1 Inventors like Hiram Berdan and Edward Boxer further refined this concept by integrating the primer into a metallic cartridge case, creating the centerfire systems still in use today.1
However, as military technology transitioned from black powder to more powerful and less-fouling smokeless propellants in the late 19th century, two catastrophic flaws with mercury fulminate became apparent. The first was chemical instability. Fulminate of mercury was discovered to degrade over time, especially when stored in warm climates. While it could reliably ignite forgiving black powder even when partially degraded, it often failed to provide a powerful enough flash to consistently ignite the more stable smokeless powders. This led to an unacceptable rate of misfires and dangerous hang-fires (a delay between the firing pin strike and the cartridge firing).5 For a military, ammunition that cannot be trusted to fire after long-term storage is a logistical nightmare.
The second flaw was metallurgical. Upon detonation, the mercury in the primer would vaporize and, under immense pressure and heat, amalgamate with the zinc component of the brass cartridge case. This mercury-brass amalgam rendered the case extremely brittle and prone to cracking, making it unsafe and unsuitable for reloading.2 At a time when many armies, including the U.S. Army, reloaded spent cartridges for training and to conserve resources, this was a significant economic and logistical drawback.6
Faced with these mission-critical failures, ordnance departments worldwide sought a replacement. The solution was found in chlorate-based compounds. In 1898, the U.S. Army’s Frankford Arsenal, after experiencing the unreliability of mercuric primers, adopted a new non-mercuric formula based on potassium chlorate (KClO3) as the primary oxidizer.5 This new primer composition, exemplified by the famous FA-70 primer, was exceptionally stable in long-term storage and provided a powerful, reliable ignition flash for smokeless powders.6 It solved the problems of the mercuric era, but in doing so, it introduced a new, well-understood, and—in the eyes of military planners—manageable problem: corrosive residue.
1.2 The Reaction and its Residue: The Science of Salt-Induced Rust
The term “corrosive ammunition” is technically a misnomer. The unfired cartridge is inert and harmless to a firearm.8 The corrosive potential is created only after ignition, as a direct byproduct of the primer’s chemical reaction. A typical chlorate-based primer consists of three main components: a shock-sensitive explosive initiator (like lead styphnate), a fuel (like antimony sulfide), and a powerful oxidizer to provide the oxygen for the intense, rapid burn.4 In corrosive primers, this oxidizer is potassium chlorate (KClO3) or, in some formulations, sodium perchlorate (NaClO4).9
When the firing pin strikes the primer, it crushes the compound and initiates detonation. The potassium chlorate decomposes in a violent exothermic reaction, releasing its abundant oxygen atoms to fuel the flash that ignites the main powder charge. The chemical equation for this decomposition is:
2KClO3(s)→2KCl(s)+3O2(g)
The critical byproduct of this reaction is potassium chloride (KCl), a stable salt left behind as a fine, crystalline residue.9 This salt is chemically very similar to sodium chloride (NaCl), or common table salt, and it is the sole agent of corrosion.5
The mechanism of corrosion is often misunderstood. The potassium chloride salt is not, in itself, an acid that “eats” the steel of the firearm.11 Instead, its destructive power comes from its hygroscopic nature. Like table salt, KCl is extremely effective at attracting and holding water molecules from the surrounding atmosphere.5 This property means that even in environments not perceived as overtly damp, the salt residue will pull moisture from the air and create a thin, invisible film of highly concentrated salt water on the steel surfaces of the barrel, chamber, bolt face, and gas system—anywhere the propellant gases have touched.
This salt water film acts as a powerful electrolyte, dramatically accelerating the electrochemical process of oxidation (rusting). Steel is primarily iron (Fe), and in the presence of an electrolyte and oxygen, the iron atoms readily give up electrons, forming iron oxides. The salt solution does not participate in the final rust product, but its ions make the water far more electrically conductive, speeding up the electron transfer and thus the rate of corrosion by orders of magnitude. The result is rapid and severe pitting and rusting, which can begin to form in a matter of hours in humid conditions and can permanently damage a firearm’s bore and critical components if left unattended.12 This was the trade-off: in exchange for long-term stability and reliable ignition, militaries accepted the burden of dealing with this aggressive, salt-based residue.
Section 2: The Strategic Imperative: Why the Soviets Chose and Retained Corrosive Primers
The Soviet Union’s adherence to corrosive-primed ammunition, long after Western powers had transitioned away from it, is often cited by casual observers as evidence of a lagging technological base. This interpretation is fundamentally flawed. The Soviet choice was not a sign of backwardness but a deliberate and deeply logical decision rooted in the unique pillars of their military doctrine, geography, industrial philosophy, and the hard-won lessons of 20th-century warfare. It was a calculated risk, deemed not only acceptable but optimal for the specific challenges the Soviet military expected to face.
2.1 The Doctrine of Mass and Longevity: “Store and Forget”
At the heart of Soviet military planning was the concept of a massive, continent-spanning war against NATO. This doctrine required the prepositioning of colossal quantities of war materiel, especially ammunition, sufficient to sustain high-intensity combat for a prolonged period.17 The Soviet logistical model was not based on a “just-in-time” supply chain but on a “store and forget” principle. Ammunition was produced in vast numbers, hermetically sealed in iconic tin “spam cans,” and stored in depots stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific. These stockpiles were expected to remain viable for decades, ready for immediate issue in a crisis.17
For this grand strategy to work, the absolute, unquestionable reliability of the ammunition after decades in storage was paramount. Here, the chemical properties of the primers were the deciding factor. Corrosive primers, based on the chemically stable salt potassium chlorate, offered unparalleled long-term stability.12 In contrast, the early non-corrosive primer formulations developed in the West were known to be less stable. They were prone to chemical degradation over long storage periods, which could lead to a loss of sensitivity and result in the very misfires and hang-fires that chlorate primers were designed to prevent.5 The U.S. military itself experienced these failures with early non-corrosive lots, which failed to meet stringent storage requirements, validating the Soviet concern and delaying their own full transition.5 For the Soviets, the theoretical risk of a conscript failing to clean his rifle was far more acceptable than the strategic risk of entire ammunition dumps becoming unreliable over time.
2.2 Reliability in Extremis: The “General Winter” Factor
Soviet military doctrine was forged in the crucible of the Eastern Front of World War II, where “General Winter” was as formidable an adversary as any army. The vast expanses of the Soviet Union and its potential European battlefields are subject to extreme cold, with temperatures regularly dropping to levels where the performance of mechanical and chemical systems can be severely degraded.
A critical and often overlooked advantage of chlorate-based corrosive primers was their superior performance in these frigid conditions.12 The ignition of smokeless powder charges becomes significantly more difficult as temperatures plummet. Corrosive primer compositions were known to produce a hotter, more energetic, and more voluminous ignition flash compared to their early non-corrosive counterparts.4 This ensured positive and consistent ignition of the main propellant charge, even in the depths of a Russian winter. This was not a minor benefit; it was a mission-critical operational requirement for an army that expected to fight and win in any weather. The potential for sluggish or failed ignition from non-corrosive primers in sub-zero temperatures was a risk the Red Army was unwilling to take.19 The reliability of the soldier’s rifle in the most extreme cold was a non-negotiable priority that directly favored the proven performance of corrosive primers.
2.3 The Economics of Scale and Simplicity
The Soviet military was an enterprise of unprecedented scale, comprising a massive standing army and the forces of the entire Warsaw Pact. Arming this colossal force required the production of ammunition on a scale of billions of rounds per year. This reality placed a premium on cost-effectiveness and manufacturing simplicity.17
Corrosive primer compounds based on potassium chlorate were chemically simpler and therefore cheaper and easier to manufacture in bulk than the more complex non-corrosive formulas available at the time.21 The Soviets utilized the Berdan priming system, where the anvil is part of the cartridge case itself, which is highly efficient for mass production but difficult for individuals to reload.1 This choice was perfectly aligned with a military doctrine that did not envision reloading by individual soldiers.
This philosophy of prioritizing proven, economical, large-scale production was evident in other aspects of their ammunition design. The decision to standardize on steel-cased cartridges for rounds like the 7.62x39mm was driven by the lower cost of steel compared to brass and the ability to repurpose some of the industrial machinery already producing the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge.22 This industrial inertia and focus on cost-effective mass production naturally extended to the primer, the heart of the cartridge. Changing the primer formulation would have required significant retooling and investment for a perceived benefit (reduced maintenance) that was seen as secondary to the primary requirements of cost, storage life, and all-weather reliability.
2.4 A Divergent Path: A Comparative Timeline of Primer Transition
The Soviet decision-making process is thrown into sharp relief when compared to the timelines of other major military powers. Each nation’s path was dictated by its own unique set of priorities, experiences, and industrial capabilities, demonstrating that the Soviet choice was not an anomaly but one of several rational, albeit different, solutions to the same technological challenge.
Country
Key Transition Period
Representative Corrosive Ammo
Representative Early Non-Corrosive Ammo
Strategic Rationale & Notes
Soviet Union / Russia
~1990s – Present
7.62x54R, 7.62x39mm (M43), 5.45x39mm (7N6)
5.45x39mm (7N10, 7N22, 7N24), Modern Commercial Exports
Priority: Extreme long-term storage stability and cold-weather performance. Transition driven by post-Cold War modernization, not replacement of existing stockpiles.17
United States
1950 – 1956
WWII-era.30-06 Springfield,.45 ACP
.30 Carbine (from inception, WWII), Post-1952/54.30-06 &.45 ACP, 7.62mm NATO
Priority: Reduce field maintenance burden. Transition was delayed until non-corrosive primer stability could meet military storage requirements.5
Germany
Mixed use, WWI–WWII
Some WWI/WWII era 7.92x57mm Mauser
Many WWI/WWII era 7.92x57mm Mauser
Priority: Early technological innovation. Patented a non-corrosive formula in 1928. Early versions suffered from short shelf life, leading to mixed use during wartime.6
United Kingdom
~Early 1960s
.303 British (Cordite loads)
.303 British MkVIIZ (NC loads), 7.62mm NATO
Priority: Gradual transition aligned with shift from Cordite to Nitrocellulose propellants. Evidence suggests a later transition than the US.26
This comparative analysis reveals that there was no single “correct” time to transition. The United States, with its global logistics chain and less extreme climate concerns, prioritized reducing the maintenance burden on its soldiers once the technology was mature enough.5 Germany was a clear technological pioneer but faced early reliability challenges that forced a pragmatic, mixed approach.6 The Soviet Union, facing the unique demands of its geography and grand strategy, made a perfectly rational decision to prioritize absolute reliability and shelf-life over maintenance convenience, retaining a proven technology that perfectly suited its needs.
Section 3: A System of Mitigation: People, Processes, and Technology
The Soviet leadership and ordnance corps were not naive about the risks posed by their ammunition. They understood the chemistry of chlorate primers and the destructive potential of the resulting salt residue. Their decision to retain this ammunition was viable only because they simultaneously engineered and implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered system of mitigation. This system treated the firearm, the soldier, the cleaning tools, and the chemical solvents as a single, integrated whole, designed to systematically manage and neutralize the risk of corrosion. The corrosive primer was never intended to be used in a vacuum; it was one component of a complete and robust risk-management strategy.
3.1 The Soldier and the Manual (The Human Factor & Processes)
The first line of defense in the Soviet system was the soldier himself, forged by rigid discipline and unwavering doctrine. The official Soviet military manuals, known as the Наставление по стрелковому делу (Manual on Small Arms), were unequivocal. Weapon cleaning was not a suggestion to be followed when convenient; it was a mandatory, immediate-action drill.27
According to doctrine, a soldier’s rifle was to be cleaned immediately after any firing session. In a combat environment, this meant cleaning during any lull in the fighting.20 Even if a weapon was not fired, it was to be cleaned at least once a week.27 This relentless discipline was instilled in every conscript as a fundamental tenet of military life, on par with marksmanship itself. A clean, functional weapon was a prerequisite for survival, and the manuals provided a clear, step-by-step process: disassemble the weapon, thoroughly clean all parts exposed to propellant gases (barrel, chamber, gas piston, gas tube, bolt), lubricate, and reassemble.27
The Soviet manuals also contained instructions that demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the corrosion process, details often overlooked in Western analyses. One such instruction concerned bringing a weapon from a cold environment into a warm one. The manual specified that the weapon should be allowed to “sweat”—that is, to have condensation form on its cold metal surfaces—and then be cleaned before this condensation could evaporate.29 This procedure cleverly used the ambient moisture to begin the process of dissolving the hygroscopic salts, making them easier to remove.
Furthermore, some procedures described leaving the barrel “under alkali” for a period of two to four hours.29 This was intended to allow time for the occluded gases and salt residues trapped within the microscopic pores of the steel to leach out and be neutralized by the cleaning solution. This goes far beyond a simple surface wipe, indicating a deep appreciation for the pervasive nature of the corrosive salts and the need for a thorough chemical neutralization process.
3.2 The Solution in the Bottle (Chemical Technology)
The second layer of the mitigation system was chemical. Soviet soldiers were not merely issued “soap and water.” They were provided with a specifically formulated alkaline cleaning solution known as РЧС (RCHS), an acronym for Раствор для чистки стволов (Solution for Cleaning Barrels).27 This was a purpose-built chemical countermeasure.
The official composition of RCHS, to be mixed fresh for use within a 24-hour period, was 30:
Water (Вода): 1 liter. The universal solvent, essential for dissolving the primary corrosive agent, potassium chloride (KCl).
Ammonium Carbonate (Углекислый аммоний): 200 grams. This compound forms a weak alkaline solution that effectively neutralizes any acidic residues left by the combustion of the smokeless powder.
Potassium Dichromate (Двухромовокислый калий / хромпик): 3-5 grams. This is the most sophisticated component. Potassium dichromate is a powerful oxidizing agent that acts as a corrosion inhibitor. It works by passivating the surface of the steel, forming a microscopic, non-reactive oxide layer that provides temporary protection against rust after the salts have been washed away and before the final layer of oil is applied.
The RCHS solution was a far more advanced formulation than the simple water-based cleaners often assumed. It addressed the problem from multiple angles: dissolving the salt, neutralizing acidic powder fouling, and chemically protecting the bare steel. This debunks the common Western shooter’s myth that Windex with ammonia is an ideal cleaner for corrosive residue.11 While the water in Windex does the primary work of dissolving the salts, the small amount of ammonia does little to neutralize the stable KCl salt and primarily serves to speed evaporation.8 The Soviet RCHS was a true, multi-component chemical weapon cleaning solvent.
In the field, when RCHS was unavailable, soldiers were trained to use effective expedients. The most common and effective was hot water, which dissolves salts more quickly than cold water and evaporates faster, minimizing the time the metal is wet.8 In its absence, soapy water, solutions of wood ash (which is alkaline), or even saliva were understood to provide a weak alkaline wash that could help neutralize acidic residue and begin dissolving salts.35
3.3 The Tool for the Job (Mechanical Technology)
The third layer of the system was the provision of standardized, purpose-built tools. Every Soviet infantryman was issued a compact cleaning kit, known colloquially as the Пенал (“Pencil Case”), which was ingeniously stored in a compartment within the rifle’s buttstock.36 This ensured that the means to perform the mandatory cleaning ritual were always with the soldier and the weapon.
The standard kit for rifles like the AKM and AK-74 was a model of utilitarian design, containing all the essential tools 37:
Container/Handle: The cylindrical metal case itself featured holes and slots, allowing it to be used as a T-handle for the cleaning rod, providing better leverage.
Sectional Cleaning Rod: A multi-piece steel rod that was typically clipped onto the rifle’s barrel, ready for assembly and use.
Jag/Wiper (Протирка): A slotted tip that screwed onto the end of the rod, designed to securely hold a patch of cleaning cloth (ветошь) or a wad of tow (пакля).
Bore Brush (Ершик): A nylon bristle brush to scrub fouling from the bore and chamber.
Combination Tool: A brilliant piece of multi-purpose engineering, this flat tool served as a screwdriver, a wrench for the gas system, and a key for adjusting the elevation of the front sight post.
Punch (Выколотка): A simple pin punch used to drift out the various pins required for detailed disassembly of the rifle.
Complementing the Пенал was the iconic two-chambered metal oiler, the Масленка.38 This bottle was not a design quirk; it was a physical manifestation of the two-step cleaning doctrine. One compartment was filled with the alkaline RCHS solution for cleaning and neutralization, while the other held a neutral gun oil or grease for lubrication and final preservation.39 The soldier had everything required: the tools to disassemble, the chemicals to clean and neutralize, and the lubricant to protect.
3.4 The Armor Within (Firearms Technology)
The final, and arguably most critical, layer of the Soviet mitigation strategy was technological and built directly into the firearms themselves: hard chrome plating. From the World War II-era PPSh-41 submachine gun and well into the modern era, the vast majority of Soviet-designed military small arms—including the SKS carbine, the entire Kalashnikov family of rifles (AK-47, AKM, AK-74), the RPD and PK machine guns, and the SVD designated marksman rifle—featured barrels and gas system components that were hard chrome lined.41
This was not a cosmetic feature or a mere convenience. It was an essential engineering decision that made the long-term use of corrosive ammunition feasible. The process involves electrolytic deposition, where the barrel is placed in a galvanic bath and a thin, uniform layer of hard chromium is plated onto the interior surfaces of the bore, chamber, and often the gas piston.45
This layer of hard chrome acts as a suit of armor for the vulnerable steel underneath. Chromium is significantly harder, slicker, and more corrosion-resistant than the carbon steel of the barrel.44 It is also far less porous.45 This provides two crucial protective functions. First, it creates a robust physical barrier, preventing the hygroscopic salt particles and acidic propellant gases from making direct contact with the steel and initiating the electrochemical process of rust.45 Second, the extremely smooth, non-porous surface of the chrome makes cleaning far more effective and efficient. Fouling and salt residue have less to adhere to and are more easily swabbed out, ensuring that the mandatory cleaning process is successful.44
While it is true that the process of applying a plated layer can, in theory, slightly degrade the maximum potential accuracy of a high-precision match-grade barrel, this is an irrelevant concern for a standard-issue military service rifle.46 The immense gains in barrel life, resistance to erosion, and, most importantly, protection from corrosive ammunition far outweighed any marginal loss in theoretical precision. The chrome lining was the ultimate technological safeguard, the passive defense that underpinned the entire system and allowed the Soviet Union to confidently field a reliable weapons system based on corrosive-primed ammunition.
Section 4: The Legacy and the Modern Transition
The Soviet doctrine of producing and stockpiling vast quantities of corrosive-primed ammunition had profound and lasting consequences that extended far beyond the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union created a legacy in the form of a global surplus market, while the evolution of the Russian military in the post-Soviet era has driven a fundamental shift away from the very doctrine that made corrosive ammunition the logical choice for so long.
4.1 The Enduring Stockpile: A Flood of Surplus
The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the subsequent downsizing of former Soviet bloc armies in the 1990s unleashed a torrent of military surplus onto the international civilian firearms market. Central to this flood were the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of rounds of corrosive ammunition that had been sealed in their airtight “spam cans” and stored for decades in preparation for a war that never came.5
This surplus ammunition became immensely popular with civilian shooters in the West, particularly in the United States, for one primary reason: it was incredibly inexpensive.13 Shooters could purchase cases of 1,000 or more rounds for a fraction of the cost of newly manufactured commercial ammunition. This surplus is most commonly found in classic Soviet-era calibers, including 7.62x54R for the Mosin-Nagant rifle, 7.62x39mm (from sources like Yugoslavia, China, and Russia), and 5.45x39mm (primarily the Russian 7N6 variant).5
The availability of this cheap ammunition fueled the popularity of the corresponding surplus rifles, like the SKS and AK variants. However, it also created a new imperative for civilian owners: they had to learn and diligently apply the same cleaning regimen that was drilled into every Soviet conscript. Failure to do so would result in the rapid and destructive rusting of their firearms.10 This has led to the creation of a vast body of community knowledge—and misinformation—about proper cleaning techniques. While methods using hot water, water-based solvents, or oil-water emulsions like Ballistol are effective at dissolving the salts, myths such as using Windex to “neutralize” the corrosive residue persist, a testament to the enduring legacy of this ammunition in the civilian world.8
4.2 The Shift to Non-Corrosive in Modern Russia
The modern Russian Federation’s military is a different entity from its Soviet predecessor. The strategic emphasis has shifted from maintaining a massive, conscript-based force for a continental war to fielding a more professional, modern, and rapidly deployable army. This doctrinal shift has been accompanied by a corresponding evolution in ammunition technology.17
While Russia undoubtedly still possesses vast stockpiles of older corrosive ammunition, evidence strongly indicates that newly developed and manufactured military cartridges are non-corrosive. This transition appears to have begun in the early 1990s with the development of enhanced 5.45x39mm rounds. The 7N10 “Improved Penetration” variant, developed around 1991-1992, and subsequent armor-piercing versions like the 7N22 (“BP”) and 7N24 (“BS”) are widely understood to use modern, non-corrosive Berdan primers.17
The drivers for this change are multifaceted. First, primer chemistry has advanced significantly. Modern non-corrosive primer compounds can now meet or exceed the stringent military requirements for long-term storage stability and all-weather performance that previously gave corrosive primers the edge.17 Second, for a more professional military force, reducing the maintenance burden and the risk of equipment damage from neglect becomes a higher priority. Finally, the reduced need to supply the entire Warsaw Pact alliance has lessened the extreme cost pressures that favored the older, cheaper technology.17
This capability is further proven by the Russian commercial ammunition industry. Major manufacturers like the Tula Cartridge Works, Barnaul Cartridge Plant (brand names like Bear and Monarch), and Vympel (brand name Red Army Standard) have for years produced steel-cased, Berdan-primed ammunition for the lucrative Western export market that is explicitly and reliably non-corrosive.17 This confirms that the technology and manufacturing capability have long been in place; its application to military production was simply awaiting a shift in doctrinal priorities. The transition away from corrosive primers in new-production Russian military ammunition is not merely a technological update; it is a direct reflection of a fundamental evolution in Russia’s military strategy and posture in the post-Cold War world.
Section 5: Conclusion: A System, Not a Flaw
The enduring image of Soviet-era ammunition in the West has often been one of “cheap, dirty, and corrosive,” a stereotype that implies a technological and qualitative inferiority. This analysis, drawing upon technical specifications, historical context, and an understanding of Soviet military doctrine, demonstrates that this perception is a fundamental misinterpretation. The Soviet Union’s decades-long reliance on corrosive-primed ammunition was not a technological deficiency, an economic necessity born of desperation, or a careless oversight. It was a deliberate, pragmatic, and highly successful engineering choice that was part of a holistic and intelligently designed system.
The core thesis of this report is that the corrosive primer was merely one component in a fully integrated, multi-layered risk mitigation strategy. Its selection was viable only because of the simultaneous and mandatory implementation of the other elements of the system.
Passive Defense (Technology): The near-universal application of hard chrome lining in the bores, chambers, and gas systems of their small arms provided a robust, permanent barrier against corrosive attack.
Active Defense (Chemistry): The standard-issue RCHS alkaline cleaning solution was a chemically sophisticated countermeasure, specifically formulated to dissolve the harmful salt residue, neutralize acidic fouling, and passivate the steel surface.
Human Factor (Discipline): The rigid, uncompromising training of the Soviet soldier ensured that the correct cleaning procedures were applied immediately and thoroughly, providing the final, crucial layer of defense.
To analyze the primer in isolation from the chrome-lined barrel, the specialized cleaning solution, and the soldier’s doctrinal manual is to miss the point entirely. The Soviets did not simply accept corrosion; they actively managed it through a defense-in-depth approach. They made a calculated trade-off, prioritizing the absolute certainty of ammunition performance after decades of storage and in the most extreme climates over the convenience of reduced field maintenance. For their specific strategic context—preparing for a massive, prolonged, all-weather war across the Eurasian landmass—this was not just a logical choice, but arguably the optimal one.
The legacy of this decision is still felt today in the millions of rounds of surplus ammunition enjoyed by civilian shooters, who must replicate a portion of the Soviet cleaning doctrine to protect their firearms. The modern Russian military’s transition to non-corrosive ammunition for its newer cartridges does not invalidate the old system; rather, it reflects a shift in that same strategic context. By leveraging both English and Russian-language technical and historical sources, this report has aimed to replace the myth of “commie ammo” with an evidence-based appreciation for a pragmatic and effective engineering and logistical solution. The Soviet system worked as intended for over half a century, arming one of the largest military forces in history and proving that, within its intended context, it was a system, not a flaw.
If you find this post useful, please share the link on Facebook, with your friends, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email me at in**@*********ps.com. Please note that for links to other websites, we are only paid if there is an affiliate program such as Avantlink, Impact, Amazon and eBay and only if you purchase something. If you’d like to directly donate to help fund our continued report, please visit our donations page.
Раствор чистки стволов (РЧС, ТРЧС). Наша компания выпускает ряд средств для чистки оружия. Это средства для.. 2025 | ВКонтакте, accessed July 29, 2025, https://vk.com/wall-72413978_696
The United States small arms ammunition market is in a state of profound transition, characterized by a paradox of robust growth and critical vulnerability. On one hand, the industry is experiencing a significant upswing, fueled by a confluence of heightened geopolitical tensions, substantial increases in global defense spending, and a resilient, high-volume domestic civilian market. Projections indicate sustained growth, with the U.S. market, currently valued at over $7.7 billion, expected to expand significantly through 2030.1 This demand is driving technological innovation, particularly in advanced military munitions, and supporting a complex, multi-tiered industrial base.
On the other hand, this period of prosperity is overshadowed by deep-seated structural challenges and strategic risks. The most significant of these is the industry’s fragile supply chain, which exhibits a dangerous dependency on foreign sources for critical raw materials, most notably nitrocellulose, a key propellant ingredient predominantly produced by China.3 This reliance has been exposed as a critical national security vulnerability, prompting a strategic, government-backed push to onshore key manufacturing capabilities.
The competitive landscape has also been fundamentally altered by the recent acquisition of The Kinetic Group—comprising iconic American brands Federal, Remington, CCI, and Speer—by the Czechoslovak Group (CSG).4 This landmark $2 billion transaction places a substantial portion of the U.S. commercial ammunition supply under foreign control, introducing new geopolitical variables into the domestic market.
The industry is structured in distinct tiers. Tier 1 is dominated by defense and commercial giants like Olin Winchester, the new CSG-owned Kinetic Group, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. These entities manage critical national infrastructure, including the government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP), which serves as the backbone of U.S. military small-caliber ammunition production.6 Tier 2 is composed of innovative and agile producers such as Hornady and SIG Sauer, who are increasingly winning high-value military contracts for specialized, high-performance systems. Tier 3 includes a vital ecosystem of component specialists like Nosler and Sierra, who supply the critical reloading market, and niche contractors like Capstone Precision Group, which provides best-in-class solutions for the nation’s most elite military units.
Looking forward, the U.S. ammunition industry will be defined by three key battlegrounds: the strategic race to secure and onshore the supply chain, the new competitive dynamic between domestic producers and the foreign-owned Kinetic Group, and the technological push to develop and field integrated, next-generation weapon systems for the modern warfighter.
U.S. Small Arms Ammunition Market Landscape
Market Size, Growth, and Economic Impact
The United States represents the single largest and most influential ammunition market in the world. As the anchor of the North American region, which commands over 40% of the global market share, the U.S. sets the pace for both commercial and defense trends.8 In 2023, the U.S. ammunition market was valued at approximately $7.7 billion, with projections indicating growth to over $9 billion by 2030.1 Globally, the market is on a steady upward trajectory, with various analyses forecasting it to reach between $32 billion and $51 billion by the early 2030s, reflecting compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) ranging from 3% to over 7%.1
This expansion is propelled by a powerful dual-engine model unique to the United States. The primary driver on the defense side is the substantial U.S. military budget, which surpassed $820 billion in 2023 and includes significant allocations for ammunition procurement to support global operations and modernization efforts.8 Geopolitical instability, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, has dramatically increased demand for military-grade ammunition, drained existing NATO stockpiles, and spurred a massive push to ramp up production capacity for key munitions like 155mm artillery shells.13
Simultaneously, the civilian market provides a high-volume, stabilizing commercial base. High rates of firearm ownership and a robust culture of sport shooting and hunting ensure consistent demand. In 2023, over 16 million firearms were sold in the U.S., sustaining a steady need for popular small-caliber cartridges and providing manufacturers with the economies of scale necessary to maintain a large industrial base.8 This commercial foundation allows the industry to weather fluctuations in defense spending and maintain a “warm” production capacity that can be scaled up during national emergencies.
Key Industry Trends: Technology, Strategy, and Regulation
The contemporary ammunition market is being reshaped by several powerful trends that are influencing product development, corporate strategy, and the regulatory environment.
Technological Advancement: The industry is in the midst of a significant technological evolution, moving beyond traditional brass and lead to more sophisticated designs. A primary focus is the development of “smart” ammunition for military applications. This includes precision guidance kits (PGKs) that convert conventional artillery shells into GPS-guided weapons, as well as programmable air-burst rounds and proximity-fuzed munitions designed for greater effectiveness against a range of targets, including small unmanned aerial systems.13 This innovation is also present in the commercial space, with companies like Hornady developing advanced projectiles like the ELD (Extremely Low Drag) Match bullets for superior long-range performance.17 Furthermore, environmental regulations and growing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scrutiny are driving a shift toward “green” ammunition. This involves the use of lead-free primers and projectiles (often made of copper or polymer composites) to reduce heavy-metal contamination at training ranges and in hunting environments.8
Strategic Realignment: The lessons learned from recent supply chain disruptions have triggered a fundamental strategic realignment across the industry. The most significant shift is the urgent push to onshore manufacturing and secure domestic supply chains. The Pentagon is actively investing in decentralizing production processes that were previously concentrated in single facilities, such as the manufacturing of 155mm shell casings and the production of TNT, which had not been done domestically since the 1980s.14 This trend is mirrored in the private sector, with major players making strategic acquisitions to enhance vertical integration. Olin Winchester’s acquisition of AMMO, Inc.’s manufacturing assets in Wisconsin is a clear example of a Tier 1 producer securing its supply chain and expanding its capabilities in specialty calibers.19
Regulatory and Political Pressures: The ammunition industry operates within a complex and often volatile regulatory landscape. Internationally, varying import-export controls, technology transfer laws, and anti-corruption statutes create significant compliance challenges for global companies.10 Domestically, the U.S. political climate has a direct and immediate impact on the commercial market. The prospect of increased gun control legislation frequently triggers cycles of “panic buying,” leading to massive, short-term demand spikes that strain supply and drive up prices.21 Additionally, trade policies, such as the imposition of tariffs on imported ammunition or raw materials like steel and aluminum, can significantly alter the competitive dynamics and cost structure of the market.18
Critical Challenges: The Fragile Supply Chain
Despite its size and sophistication, the U.S. ammunition industry is underpinned by a supply chain with critical and alarming vulnerabilities. The most pressing challenge is the nation’s dependence on foreign sources for essential raw materials, a reality that poses a direct threat to national security.
The most acute vulnerability lies in the supply of nitrocellulose, colloquially known as “guncotton.” This is the primary energetic material used in modern smokeless gunpowder and propellants, and its production is dominated by China.3 This dependency creates a strategic choke point of immense significance. An interruption of this supply, whether through geopolitical maneuvering or an export ban, could severely cripple U.S. ammunition production for both military and civilian needs. This risk is not theoretical; reports indicate that China has significantly increased its nitrocellulose exports to Russia, directly fueling its war effort in Ukraine while simultaneously depleting Western stockpiles and exposing the fragility of the supply chain.3 This issue has risen to the level of congressional concern, prompting legislation like the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, which aims to bolster domestic production capabilities.3
Beyond nitrocellulose, the industry relies on a global supply of other key materials. Rare earth elements are indispensable for the powerful magnets and temperature-stable components used in precision-guided munitions, and the U.S. has allowed its strategic reserve of these materials to dwindle over decades.23 The prices of fundamental metals like copper (for bullet jackets and brass casings), lead (for bullet cores), and steel are subject to global market volatility, which directly impacts production costs and, ultimately, consumer prices.24
The Pentagon has recognized these risks and is taking steps to mitigate them. It is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build new domestic facilities for TNT, propellants, and shell casings to create redundancy and reduce reliance on single points of failure.14 However, the complexity of the supply chain means that bottlenecks can still occur. A shortage of a single component, such as primers or propellant charges, can render entire stockpiles of shell casings useless, highlighting that a truly resilient industrial base requires sovereignty over every step of the production process.14 This strategic imperative to onshore and secure the full ammunition supply chain will be the defining challenge and primary driver of industrial policy and investment for the foreseeable future.
Tier 1 Producers: The Defense & Commercial Giants
The apex of the U.S. ammunition industry is occupied by a small number of large, powerful corporations that define the market through their immense scale, significant market share, and operation of critical national defense infrastructure. These Tier 1 producers are not a monolithic group; they operate under two distinct business models. The first is a hybrid commercial-military model, where a strong consumer brand presence supports and is supported by government contract work. The second is the pure-play defense contractor model, where business is almost exclusively oriented around fulfilling large-scale government and military contracts. Understanding this division is essential to analyzing the strategic landscape of the industry.
Table 1: Tier 1 & 2 U.S. Ammunition Producer Snapshot
Company/Group
Key Brands
Primary U.S. Facilities
Key Product Categories
Military Contract Focus
FY2024 Revenue (Corporate/Segment)
Olin Winchester
Winchester
East Alton, IL; Oxford, MS; Independence, MO (LCAAP)
Full-line commercial (rifle, pistol, shotgun, rimfire), military small arms (5.56mm, 7.62mm)
Operator of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP), various small arms contracts
$6.54B (Olin Corp.); ~$1.64B (Winchester Segment)
The Kinetic Group (CSG)
Federal, Remington, CCI, Speer
Anoka, MN; Lonoke, AR; Lewiston, ID
Full-line commercial, law enforcement duty ammo
Federal, state, and local law enforcement contracts; smaller federal/military orders
$2.75B (as Vista Outdoor FY24)
General Dynamics (GD-OTS)
N/A (Defense Brand)
St. Petersburg, FL; Scranton, PA; Mesquite, TX; Camden, AR
Small, medium, and large-caliber military munitions, artillery, mortars
Large-scale DoD contracts for all ammunition types
$47.7B (GD Corp.); $9.0B (Combat Systems Segment)
Northrop Grumman
N/A (Defense Brand)
Minneapolis, MN; Rocket Center, WV
Medium and large-caliber tactical and training ammo, advanced guided munitions
$41.0B (NOC Corp.); $8.56B (Defense Systems Segment)
Hornady
Hornady
Grand Island, NE
High-performance commercial rifle/pistol ammo, reloading components
Specialized long-range sniper ammunition (6.5 CM, 300 PRC)
Private
SIG Sauer
SIG Sauer
Jacksonville, AR
Full-line commercial rifle/pistol ammo, integrated weapon systems
Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), Modular Handgun System (MHS)
Private
Black Hills Ammunition
Black Hills
Rapid City, SD
Premium/match-grade commercial and remanufactured ammo
Specialized match and special operations ammunition (MK 262)
Private
A. Olin Winchester, LLC
Overview: A cornerstone of the American firearms industry, Winchester is a subsidiary of Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN) and one of the most recognized ammunition brands globally.27 The company operates a unique dual-mission model, maintaining a robust presence in the commercial market while simultaneously serving as the operational steward of the U.S. Army’s most vital small arms ammunition production facility.6
Facilities: Winchester’s manufacturing footprint is strategically divided between its commercial and military obligations. Its primary commercial plants are located in East Alton, Illinois, and Oxford, Mississippi, producing the full range of Winchester-branded products for the civilian market.30 The centerpiece of its military operation is the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Missouri. Since October 2020, Olin Winchester has been the prime contractor for this government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) installation. Spanning nearly 4,000 acres, LCAAP is the single largest producer of small arms ammunition for the U.S. Armed Forces and is considered the “backbone of America’s small caliber ammunition supply”.6
Product Portfolio: For the commercial market, Winchester offers a comprehensive portfolio covering every major category: pistol, rifle, shotgun, and rimfire ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.29 At LCAAP, its production is focused on military-standard small-caliber ammunition, primarily 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and.50 BMG cartridges, as well as essential components like percussion and electric primers.6
Production Volume: The production capacity at LCAAP is immense. The facility is mandated to maintain the capability to produce up to 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition annually.6 Between 2000 and 2018, the plant produced over 17 billion rounds for the U.S. military.6 A key component of the operating contract allows Winchester to sell excess production to the commercial market. This practice is crucial for maintaining operational readiness, keeping production lines running efficiently, and retaining a skilled workforce. Commercial sales from LCAAP often outstrip military production, sometimes by a two-to-one margin, making Winchester a dominant force in the high-volume 5.56mm and 7.62mm civilian markets.6
Military Contracts: By virtue of its role at LCAAP, Olin Winchester holds one of the most significant and enduring contracts with the Department of Defense. This includes a multi-year award, potentially valued at over $249 million, for facility upgrades and ongoing production.32 In addition to the LCAAP contract, Winchester secures other government awards, such as a $145 million contract in 2022 for.38 caliber,.45 caliber, and 9mm ammunition.33 More recently, Olin Winchester was one of several companies awarded a multiple-award contract by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for the supply of various ammunition types.34
Financials & Health: Olin Corporation, the parent company, is a diversified manufacturer with strong financial standing. For fiscal year 2024, Olin reported total revenues of $6.54 billion.28 The Winchester segment is a key contributor, accounting for 25% of total sales in 2024, which translates to approximately
$1.635 billion.36 The segment’s performance can be influenced by both military and commercial demand cycles. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2024, Winchester’s sales grew by 10.1% year-over-year to $435.4 million, a rise attributed primarily to increased military sales that successfully offset a temporary softening in commercial demand as retailers worked through existing inventories.20 The company maintains a healthy balance sheet and actively engages in share repurchase programs, signaling financial stability.20
Reputation & Sentiment: Winchester enjoys a storied reputation as a legacy American brand. It is generally well-regarded by consumers, particularly for its hunting and target shooting ammunition lines like the venerable Super-X.38 On social media and enthusiast forums, users often praise its reliability for general use.39 However, like many manufacturers producing billions of rounds, it is not immune to criticism. Some consumers report occasional inconsistencies in its lower-priced, bulk-packaged ammunition compared to more premium offerings.40
B. The Kinetic Group (Formerly Vista Outdoor’s Sporting Products)
Overview: This entity represents a seismic shift in the U.S. ammunition landscape. Formerly the Sporting Products division of Vista Outdoor, The Kinetic Group is a powerhouse portfolio of some of America’s most iconic ammunition brands: Federal Premium, Remington Ammunition, CCI, and Speer. In a landmark transaction that concluded in late 2024, this entire division was sold to the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a Prague-based defense and industrial conglomerate, for over $2 billion.4 This acquisition places a significant share of the U.S. commercial ammunition market and its manufacturing capacity under foreign ownership, a development that prompted considerable debate and scrutiny regarding national security implications before ultimately receiving regulatory approval.4
Facilities: The Kinetic Group’s U.S. manufacturing operations are spread across four major facilities, which CSG has committed to maintaining and operating domestically.5 These plants are centers of excellence for their respective brands:
Federal Premium: Anoka, Minnesota.30
Remington Ammunition: Lonoke, Arkansas.30
CCI Ammunition & Speer Ammunition: Lewiston, Idaho.30
Product Portfolio: The combined portfolio of The Kinetic Group is arguably the most comprehensive and dominant in the global commercial market.
Federal Premium: Widely recognized as a leader in innovation and quality. Its product lines are benchmarks in their categories, from the technologically advanced Terminal Ascent and Trophy Bonded Tip hunting bullets to the legendary Gold Medal series for match shooting. Its Personal Defense HST line is one of the most respected self-defense loads, while the American Eagle brand is a staple for high-volume range training.30
Remington Ammunition: A historic brand with deep roots in American shooting culture. It is best known for its iconic green-and-yellow-boxed Core-Lokt hunting ammunition, which has been a mainstay for generations of hunters, and its UMC (Union Metallic Cartridge) line of affordable range ammunition.30
CCI (Cascade Cartridge, Inc.): The undisputed market leader in rimfire ammunition. CCI’s.22 LR offerings, such as the Mini-Mag and Stinger, are renowned for their reliability in a category often plagued by inconsistency. The company also produces the extremely popular Blazer Brass and aluminum-cased centerfire ammunition, which are go-to choices for affordable training.30
Speer Ammunition: Considered the gold standard for law enforcement ammunition. Its Gold Dot line of bonded jacketed hollow points is the duty load of choice for countless federal, state, and local agencies across the country. The Speer Lawman line offers a total metal jacket (TMJ) training equivalent with similar ballistics.30
Military Contracts: While the group’s primary focus is the commercial and law enforcement markets, its brands are frequent suppliers to government agencies. Speer’s dominance in the law enforcement sector translates to numerous contracts at all levels of government.55 The brands also secure smaller, direct contracts with federal agencies, such as a $41,126 ammunition order for the IRS Criminal Investigations unit and a $16,915 order of 5.56mm ammunition for the U.S. Marshals Service.58
Financials & Health: As a division of Vista Outdoor, the Sporting Products segment was a significant revenue generator. For fiscal year 2023, the segment reported sales of $1.8 billion.60 For FY2024, Vista Outdoor’s total revenue was $2.75 billion, with ammunition sales representing a substantial portion of that figure.61 The final sale price of over $2 billion to CSG underscores the high valuation and consistent profitability of these brands.5 Under the ownership of CSG, a major international defense player, The Kinetic Group is expected to be financially robust and well-capitalized for future growth.
Reputation & Sentiment: Consumer perception varies by brand but is generally strong.
Federal and Speer: These brands command elite reputations. On social media and forums, users consistently praise Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot as top-tier choices for self-defense, citing extensive testing data and proven real-world performance.46
CCI: Universally praised as the most reliable rimfire ammunition available. Shooters frequently recommend CCI as the solution for semi-automatic.22 firearms that are prone to malfunctioning with other brands.52
Remington: Holds a powerful nostalgic appeal, but its reputation for quality control has been mixed, particularly in the years surrounding its bankruptcy and restructuring. Consumers are closely watching the output of the retooled Lonoke plant, with many longtime users hoping for a return to its former glory.49
C. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS)
Overview: A critical division of the defense conglomerate General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), GD-OTS is a premier designer, developer, and producer of high-performance munitions for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations. Unlike the hybrid producers, its business is almost entirely focused on the military market.10
Facilities: GD-OTS operates a network of more than 26 manufacturing and sales locations across the United States and Canada.67 Key U.S. facilities involved in ammunition production include its headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida; a long-standing artillery shell manufacturing plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania; new 155mm production lines in Mesquite, Texas; and a facility in Camden, Arkansas.65
Product Portfolio: GD-OTS is a global leader in military munitions across all calibers. Its portfolio includes:
Small Caliber: 5.56mm and.50 Caliber ammunition for military rifles and machine guns.65
Medium Caliber: A comprehensive range from 20mm to 40mm for land, sea, and air platforms.65
Large Caliber: 105mm and 120mm tactical and training ammunition for main battle tanks, such as the M1 Abrams.71
Artillery and Mortars: A primary producer of 105mm to 155mm artillery shells and 60mm to 120mm mortar munitions and components.65
Military Contracts: As a top-tier defense contractor, GD-OTS consistently secures large, multi-year contracts. Recent awards highlight its central role in supplying the U.S. Army. These include a firm-fixed-price contract for 120mm ammunition valued at $706.4 million with a completion date of 2029 72, and another potential
$464.6 million contract for 120mm M865A1 tank training ammunition.73 While a dominant supplier, the company has also faced public scrutiny from the Army regarding potential delays in bringing three new 155mm artillery production lines online in Texas, a critical effort for replenishing stocks depleted by aid to Ukraine.69
Financials & Health: General Dynamics is a financial titan in the defense industry, with total corporate revenues reaching $47.7 billion in fiscal year 2024.74 The Combat Systems segment, which houses GD-OTS, is a major contributor, generating
$9.0 billion in revenue in FY2024, an increase of 8.8% over the prior year.76 The company’s overall financial health is exceptionally strong, backed by a total backlog of $90.6 billion at the end of 2024, ensuring a stable revenue stream for years to come.78
Reputation: Within the defense and government procurement communities, GD-OTS has a long-standing reputation as a reliable, high-volume producer of essential military munitions. As it does not operate in the consumer market, there is no public sentiment profile to analyze. Its reputation is built on its performance as a prime defense contractor.
D. Northrop Grumman
Overview: A global leader in aerospace and defense technology (NYSE: NOC), Northrop Grumman is a key player in the advanced ammunition sector. Its Armament Systems division specializes in innovative medium- and large-caliber ammunition and gun systems.15 The company has a deep history in ammunition production, having previously held the contract to operate the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant from 2001 until 2020.6
Facilities: Northrop Grumman’s ammunition-related production is centered at several key sites. The company manufactures 120mm tank training ammunition at a facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota.68 Its sprawling Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia, produces rocket motors and is being expanded with a new “factory of the future” for missile integration.81 The company operates numerous other facilities across the U.S. supporting its diverse defense portfolio.82
Product Portfolio: Northrop Grumman is a top producer of medium-caliber ammunition and gun systems, including its famed Bushmaster® Chain Gun® series.15 Its ammunition portfolio is heavily focused on military applications and technological superiority:
Medium Caliber: A leading producer of 20mm, 30x113mm, and 30x173mm ammunition for land, air, and sea platforms.84
Large Caliber: A complete family of 105mm and 120mm tactical and training tank ammunition, including the advanced M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) “smart” round for the Abrams tank.84
Advanced Munitions: The company is at the forefront of developing next-generation capabilities, including programmable airbursting munitions (PABM), proximity-fuzed rounds for counter-drone applications, and guided medium-caliber projectiles.16
Production Volume: The company’s production scale is substantial. It delivers up to 3 million rounds of 20mm ammunition annually and has produced over 5 million rounds of large-caliber tank ammunition to date for the U.S. military and its allies.79
Military Contracts: Northrop Grumman is a perennial recipient of major defense contracts. A recent award includes a firm-fixed-price contract valued at up to $354.9 million to manufacture 120mm M1002 tank training ammunition.68 Another ongoing contract for medium-caliber ammunition has a total potential value of over $131 million.85
Financials & Health: As one of the world’s largest defense contractors, Northrop Grumman’s financial position is exceptionally strong. The company reported total revenues of $41.0 billion for fiscal year 2024.86 Its Defense Systems segment, which includes the ammunition business, generated
$8.56 billion in sales in 2024.88 The company ended the year with a record backlog of $91.5 billion, indicating robust and sustained demand for its products and services.88
Reputation: Similar to General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman’s reputation is forged in the defense sector. It is known for its high-technology solutions and innovation in advanced weapons systems. It is not a consumer-facing brand in the ammunition market.
Tier 2 Producers: The Precision & Niche Leaders
While smaller in overall scale than the Tier 1 giants, Tier 2 producers exert a powerful influence on the U.S. ammunition market through specialization, innovation, and a fierce commitment to quality. These companies have cultivated intensely loyal customer bases in the commercial market and are increasingly leveraging their reputations for performance to win high-value, specialized military contracts, often out-competing their larger rivals in niche applications.
A. Hornady Manufacturing Company
Overview: Hornady is a family-owned and operated company that has become synonymous with precision and innovation in the ammunition industry. Founded in 1949 and based in Grand Island, Nebraska, the company has built an impeccable reputation by adhering to its motto: “Accurate, Deadly, Dependable”.17 Hornady is particularly noted for its pioneering work in bullet design and for developing some of the most successful new cartridges of the 21st century.89
Facilities: The company’s operations, from R&D to manufacturing, are centered in Grand Island, Nebraska.30
Product Portfolio: Hornady offers a comprehensive line of ammunition for rifles, handguns, and shotguns, as well as a full suite of reloading components and tools.90 The company’s reputation is built on its innovative product lines. The
LEVERevolution ammunition, with its patented Flex Tip® technology, safely allows the use of aerodynamically superior spitzer bullets in tubular magazines, revolutionizing the performance of lever-action rifles.89 Its
Critical Defense and Critical Duty lines are among the most respected self-defense handgun loads on the market.91 Hornady was also the primary developer of highly successful commercial cartridges like the.17 HMR, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 PRC, many of which have since been adopted by military and law enforcement users.89
Military Contracts: Hornady’s focus on long-range precision has made it an increasingly important supplier for specialized military requirements. The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded the company significant contracts for its 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 PRC ammunition, selecting them for advanced sniper rifle programs after rigorous testing demonstrated their superior performance over other cartridges.92 This success in the military sphere is a direct result of the company’s long-term investment in ballistic R&D for the commercial market.
Financials & Health: As a privately held company, Hornady does not publicly disclose its financial results. However, its strong brand loyalty, premium market positioning, consistent product innovation, and expanding portfolio of high-profile military contracts all point to a financially healthy and thriving enterprise.
Reputation & Sentiment: Hornady’s reputation among consumers is exceptionally strong. Across social media, forums, and product reviews, the brand is consistently praised for its quality, accuracy, and shot-to-shot consistency.91 It is often considered a benchmark for performance in hunting, long-range shooting, and self-defense applications. While its products command a premium price compared to bulk range ammunition, users overwhelmingly feel the performance justifies the cost.91
B. SIG Sauer
Overview: While globally recognized as a premier firearms manufacturer, SIG Sauer has executed a highly successful strategy of vertical integration, establishing a formidable ammunition division to complement its weapons systems. This “total system” approach—offering the firearm, optic, suppressor, and ammunition as an integrated package—has enabled the company to secure two of the most significant U.S. military small arms contracts in modern history.30
Facilities: SIG Sauer’s state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility is located in Jacksonville, Arkansas.30 The company has invested over $225 million into its Arkansas operations, which now span six facilities on a 100-acre campus, to support its massive military contracts and growing commercial demand. A new 210,000-square-foot facility was recently built specifically to scale up production of the new 6.8mm military cartridge.98
Product Portfolio: The company produces a full range of ammunition for pistols and rifles. Its commercial offerings include the V-Crown line of jacketed hollow point defensive rounds, the Elite Ball line for training, and various specialized loads for hunting and match shooting.99 The most strategically important product in its portfolio is the new
6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition, developed for the U.S. Army’s next-generation platforms.96
Production Volume: The investment in the Jacksonville facility has yielded significant results. As of mid-2024, the plant achieved an annual production milestone of 100 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition, with the capacity to scale up further to meet the Army’s fielding schedule.98 During the 27-month prototyping and evaluation phase of the NGSW program alone, over 1.5 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition were fired in testing.102
Military Contracts: SIG Sauer has become a dominant prime contractor for U.S. military small arms.
Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW): In April 2022, the Army awarded SIG Sauer a 10-year contract with a potential value of up to $4.5 billion to produce the XM7 Rifle, the XM250 Automatic Rifle, and the 6.8mm family of ammunition.96 This program represents the most comprehensive modernization of the close combat force’s small arms in over 60 years. The Army plans to take over primary production of the ammunition at Lake City in the future, with SIG Sauer becoming a second-source provider.103
Modular Handgun System (MHS): In 2017, SIG Sauer won the contract to replace the long-serving Beretta M9 pistol. The contract for the M17 and M18 pistols and associated ammunition is valued at up to $580 million.97
Financials & Health: SIG Sauer is a private company and does not release detailed financial reports. However, winning two multi-hundred-million and multi-billion-dollar military contracts provides an incredibly stable and substantial revenue base for the next decade, indicating exceptional financial health and a powerful position in the defense market.
Reputation & Sentiment: Consumer sentiment for SIG Sauer ammunition is largely positive, benefiting from the strong reputation of its firearms. The V-Crown defensive ammunition is well-regarded by users for its reliability and terminal performance, and it is priced competitively with other premium offerings.104 Its training ammunition is also considered clean-burning and reliable.
C. Black Hills Ammunition
Overview: Black Hills Ammunition has carved out an elite reputation as a boutique manufacturer that produces some of the most precise and consistent ammunition available on the market. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company is a favorite among discerning precision shooters, law enforcement, and military special operations units who demand uncompromising quality.30
Facilities: All manufacturing is conducted at the company’s 21,000-square-foot facility in Rapid City, South Dakota.30
Product Portfolio: Black Hills produces both factory-new and remanufactured ammunition for a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers.106 The company is particularly known for its match-grade loads, which often feature premium projectiles sourced from other top manufacturers like Hornady and Sierra.30 Its product lines include specialized offerings like the “Authentic Cowboy Action” loads for vintage firearms and the innovative, solid-copper
HoneyBadger defensive rounds, which are designed for superior barrier penetration.30
Military Contracts: Despite its relatively small size, Black Hills is a key supplier of specialized ammunition to the U.S. military. Its reputation for precision has made it the go-to source for several critical applications:
It holds all current U.S. military contracts for 5.56mm match ammunition, used by the elite Service Rifle Teams in competition.108
It produces the highly regarded MK 262 MOD 1 77-grain 5.56mm ammunition, a long-range, open-tip match round favored by special operations forces for its superior accuracy and terminal performance. A recent five-year contract for this ammunition is valued at $42.4 million.111
In 2024, the company was awarded a $30.8 million contract to supply the Navy and Marine Corps with a 9mm “barrier blind” cartridge for combat use in their M9 and M18 service pistols.110
Financials & Health: Black Hills is a private company and does not disclose its financial information. Its business model, focused on a premium segment of the commercial market and supplemented by consistent, high-value military contracts for specialized ammunition, suggests a stable and profitable operation.
Reputation & Sentiment: The company’s reputation is stellar. Among serious shooters, Black Hills is often considered the gold standard for factory-loaded match ammunition.112 Customer reviews and forum discussions are replete with praise for its exceptional consistency, reliability, and accuracy.112 While it is one of the more expensive brands on the market, its dedicated customer base is willing to pay the premium for the performance it delivers.112
This tier comprises a vital ecosystem of smaller, highly specialized companies that play a crucial role in the ammunition industry. They are leaders in specific niches, particularly in the manufacturing of high-quality reloading components that serve the most expert segment of the shooting community. This tier also includes specialized contractors who leverage unique capabilities to fulfill specific, high-performance government and military requirements.
A. Component Specialists: The Reloaders’ Choice
The health of the handloading or reloading market is a key indicator of the engagement level of the most dedicated firearms enthusiasts. These companies provide the high-quality bullets, brass, primers, and powder that allow shooters to craft custom ammunition tailored to their specific firearms and performance goals.
Nosler, Inc.:
Overview: Founded in 1948 by John Nosler, this family-owned company based in Bend, Oregon, revolutionized big-game hunting with the invention of the Nosler Partition bullet.114 This design, which combined reliable expansion with deep penetration, set a new standard for hunting projectiles. Today, Nosler is a premier manufacturer of premium bullets, cartridge cases, and loaded ammunition for hunting and precision shooting.114
Reputation: Nosler enjoys an elite reputation for quality and performance. Its products, such as the AccuBond and Ballistic Tip lines, are highly regarded by hunters and precision shooters.116 However, this premium quality comes at a high price point, and as a smaller company, its production output is limited, which can sometimes lead to availability challenges for certain popular products.116
Sierra Bullets:
Overview: Since 1947, Sierra has been a dominant force in the world of precision bullets. Based in Sedalia, Missouri, the company’s reputation was built on the unparalleled accuracy of its MatchKing line of competition bullets, which have been used to set countless records.119 In addition to its match bullets, Sierra produces a full range of hunting (GameKing, Pro-Hunter) and defensive projectiles, and also sells factory-loaded ammunition.30
Reputation: Sierra is revered for the accuracy of its projectiles. However, in recent years, a growing sentiment of frustration has emerged within its core customer base of reloaders. Forum discussions reveal a perception that the company has prioritized its own factory-loaded ammunition production, leading to persistent shortages and higher prices for the component bullets that built its brand.122 This has led some loyal customers to switch to more readily available competitors like Hornady, signaling a potential long-term risk to its brand equity among its most influential users.122
B. High-End & Contract Specialists
This sub-tier includes companies that integrate best-in-class components to create ultra-premium ammunition, often for the most demanding military clients.
Capstone Precision Group:
Overview: Based in Mesa, Arizona, Capstone Precision Group is a key player in the high-end precision shooting market. It serves a dual role: it manufactures the highly respected Berger Bullets and also acts as the exclusive U.S. distributor for elite European component brands, including Lapua (cartridge cases and ammunition from Finland), Vihtavuori (propellants from Finland), and SK (rimfire ammunition from Germany). Capstone is part of the Nammo Group, a major international aerospace and defense company based in Norway.124
Military Contracts: Capstone has leveraged its unique position as an integrator of world-class components to secure highly strategic military contracts. The company was awarded a sub-contract to load the ammunition for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program.124 This contract specifies the loading of 800,000 rounds of.300 Norma Magnum ammunition using Berger 215-grain Hybrid bullets and Lapua cartridge cases, as well as 200,000 rounds of.338 Norma Magnum using Lapua projectiles and cases.127 Additionally, Capstone holds a position on a $750 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with SOCOM for “SOCOM Unique Munitions Requirements,” further cementing its role as a supplier to elite military units.34
Significance: Capstone’s success demonstrates a critical trend in military procurement. For its most demanding applications, SOCOM is willing to source a “best of breed” solution from a multi-national entity rather than relying on a single, traditional U.S. defense contractor. This prioritizes ultimate performance over domestic-only sourcing, creating a significant opportunity for specialized firms that can integrate the best components available on the global market.
C. Emerging & Other Producers
The U.S. market also includes a variety of other manufacturers, from publicly traded upstarts to small shops specializing in high-performance niche loads.
AMMO, Inc. (NASDAQ: POWW): Founded in 2016 and based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, AMMO, Inc. grew rapidly, known for its innovative Streak visual-tracer ammunition and its ownership of the popular online firearm marketplace, GunBroker.com.19 In a sign of ongoing industry consolidation, the company’s ammunition manufacturing assets were acquired by Olin Winchester in a deal expected to close in 2025, a move designed to expand Winchester’s participation in high-margin specialty calibers.20
Other Niche Producers: The market is also served by a number of smaller, well-regarded companies that focus on high-performance ammunition. These include Cor-Bon/Glaser in Ohio and Underwood Ammunition in Illinois, both of which are known for producing defensive and hunting loads that are often loaded to higher velocities and pressures than their mainstream counterparts, catering to enthusiasts seeking maximum terminal performance.30
Strategic Analysis & Industry Outlook
Military Contracting Landscape: A Shift to Precision and System Integration
The analysis of recent Department of Defense contracts reveals a sophisticated and bifurcated procurement strategy for small arms ammunition. This strategy is designed to address two distinct military needs: the mass production of standard-issue ammunition and the acquisition of technologically superior, specialized systems for specific warfighting applications.
The first prong of this strategy is centered on maintaining a robust industrial base for high-volume production. The partnership between the U.S. Army and Olin Winchester at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is the cornerstone of this effort. The GOCO model ensures the capability to produce over 1.6 billion rounds of standard 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition annually, providing the logistical backbone for the entire U.S. military.6 This ensures that the vast quantities of ammunition needed for training and conventional combat are produced reliably and at scale.
The second prong involves a more dynamic and merit-based approach to sourcing next-generation and precision munitions. Here, the DoD is increasingly turning to a diverse set of innovative companies from Tier 2 and Tier 3. The selection of SIG Sauer for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program is the most prominent example of this trend.96 This was not merely an ammunition contract; it was the selection of a fully integrated system—rifle, automatic rifle, optic, and a novel 6.8mm hybrid-case cartridge—designed in tandem to achieve a leap in performance. This “total system” approach favors vertically integrated companies that can innovate across both the weapon and the ammunition, a model that puts traditional, non-integrated manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage for future large-scale programs.
Simultaneously, for its most elite units, the military is sourcing ammunition based on pure performance, regardless of the producer’s size. The contracts awarded to Hornady for its 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 PRC sniper rounds, and to Capstone Precision Group for the.300 Norma Magnum ASR ammunition, were won because these companies’ products demonstrated superior ballistic capabilities in rigorous government testing.93 This shows that the procurement landscape is not solely dominated by the largest defense contractors; there is a clear and lucrative path for smaller, more agile innovators who can deliver best-in-class performance for specialized needs.
Financial Health & Corporate Strategy
The financial stability and strategic priorities of U.S. ammunition producers vary significantly across the industry’s tiers and business models.
Tier 1 Defense Giants (General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman): These corporations exhibit immense financial strength, with annual revenues in the tens of billions of dollars and massive, multi-year backlogs that provide long-term stability.74 Their financial health is directly correlated with the overall U.S. defense budget and global security environment. Their corporate strategy is focused on winning large, technologically complex, long-term government programs, with ammunition being one component of a much broader defense portfolio.
Tier 1 Hybrid Players (Olin Winchester, CSG/The Kinetic Group): These companies must balance the demands of two different markets. Olin Corporation’s financials show a resilient model where the Winchester segment, with its strong brand and mix of commercial and military sales, provides a stable and profitable counterweight to the company’s more cyclical chemical businesses.20 The over $2 billion valuation of Vista Outdoor’s ammunition brands in the sale to CSG highlights the immense value and profitability of the U.S. commercial market.5 The core strategic challenge for these players is managing production and pricing to serve the high-volume, lower-margin commercial market while also competing for lucrative, higher-margin military and law enforcement contracts.
Tier 2 Innovators (Hornady, SIG Sauer): Although their detailed financials are private, their market activities signal robust financial health. Their strategy is centered on R&D and performance leadership. By investing in the development of new technologies and cartridges, they have successfully captured the premium segment of the commercial market and translated that expertise into winning major military contracts. This innovation-led strategy has proven to be highly effective and profitable.
Consumer Sentiment & Brand Perception
Public perception, shaped by millions of individual user experiences shared on social media, retail sites, and enthusiast forums, is a critical factor in the commercial success of ammunition brands. A comprehensive analysis of this sentiment reveals distinct brand identities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Table 2: Consumer Brand Sentiment Matrix
Brand
Commonly Praised Attributes
Common Criticisms
Federal
Gold-standard reliability, top-tier self-defense (HST), excellent match ammo (Gold Medal)
Premium price for top-tier loads
Remington
Strong brand heritage (Core-Lokt), affordable range ammo (UMC)
Inconsistent quality control (historical/post-bankruptcy concerns)
Winchester
Good all-around reliability, iconic brand, widely available
Some inconsistency in budget-tier bulk packs
CCI
Unmatched rimfire reliability, excellent value for training (Blazer Brass)
Limited selection of high-performance defensive/hunting loads
Speer
The “gold standard” for law enforcement (Gold Dot), proven performance, clean training ammo (Lawman)
Premium price, primarily focused on handgun calibers
Hornady
Cutting-edge innovation, exceptional accuracy, development of new cartridges, excellent hunting/defense bullets
Premium price, can be harder to find during demand spikes
SIG Sauer
Excellent reliability, good performance (V-Crown), pairs well with SIG firearms
Can be more expensive than comparable training ammo
Black Hills
Unmatched accuracy and consistency, “boutique” quality
Very high price point, often difficult to find in stock
This analysis shows that brands like Federal, Speer, and Hornady occupy the premium performance space in the minds of consumers, who are willing to pay more for their perceived reliability and innovation, especially for self-defense and hunting applications.46
CCI has an unassailable reputation in the rimfire category, making it the default choice for millions of shooters.52 Legacy brands like
Winchester and Remington trade on their long histories and wide availability, but face ongoing pressure to maintain consistent quality control to meet the expectations of modern consumers.39
Black Hills exists in its own top tier of quality, with a reputation for precision that justifies its high cost and limited availability for a dedicated group of shooters.112
Future Outlook: Three Key Battlegrounds
The trajectory of the U.S. small arms ammunition industry over the next decade will be shaped by the outcomes of three critical, ongoing contests.
1. The Battle for the Supply Chain: The most significant long-term challenge is the strategic imperative to de-risk the ammunition supply chain. The industry-wide effort to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, particularly for critical components like nitrocellulose, will define capital investment and industrial policy. This will involve a multi-billion-dollar push, heavily supported by the Department of Defense, to build new domestic manufacturing capacity for propellants, primers, and other essential materials. Companies that align their strategies with this national security objective and invest in domestic vertical integration will be best positioned for government contracts and long-term, sustainable growth.
2. The Battle of the Conglomerates: The arrival of the CSG-owned Kinetic Group creates a new and formidable competitor in the commercial market. With its immense scale, global reach, and portfolio of iconic American brands, it has the potential to exert significant pricing pressure on the entire industry. This presents both a threat and an opportunity for its primary competitor, Olin Winchester, as well as for other U.S.-based manufacturers like Hornady. The key question will be whether The Kinetic Group can effectively manage its American brands and maintain their quality and identity under foreign ownership. This dynamic could allow competitors to successfully market themselves as the authentically American choice, appealing to a segment of the consumer base concerned with foreign control of a critical industry.
3. The Battle for the Next-Generation Warfighter: The NGSW program has set a new precedent for military small arms procurement. The future of major defense contracts lies not just in producing a better bullet, but in delivering a fully integrated, technologically advanced weapon system. The companies that can master the complex interplay of ballistics, materials science, advanced propellants, and digital fire control will have a decisive advantage. This will likely drive a new wave of strategic partnerships and acquisitions, as firearm manufacturers seek to integrate ammunition expertise and vice-versa. The race to equip the future soldier will be the primary engine of innovation, and the winners will define the technological edge of the U.S. military for decades to come.
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The Largest US Civilian Ammo Producer Just Sold ALL Of Their Factories! Here’s Why You Should Worry! – YouTube, accessed July 21, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxfZq0mAGHw
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I was asked this question just the other day and the short answer is no – it’s just fine. The reason it is discolored is that the brass is annealed in that area. This means the brass is heated and allowed to cool to remove stresses when it is being formed. If you’ve ever heated up a metal really hot with a blow torch, you may have seen it change color.
The brass is annealed right around where the neck is formed. The brass is discolored from the heat. This is 5.56 M855 ammo as I am sure some of you already know from the green tip.
Want to know the funny part? All ammo that is necked down is annealed in that area.
Commercial ammo is polished to be nice and shiny as buyers think that discoloration means it is defective or cheap. Military inspectors want the discoloration there so they know the cases were properly annealed during forming and aren’t going to crack.
Removing a process step should lower the cost and thus the price — but who knows how effective governments really are at negotiating pricing.
Summary
I shoot a lot of surplus 5.56 NATO ammo and find it just fine for my needs at the range. I don’t shoot it in my target rifles but it’s very cost effective otherwise.
If you’ve been on the fence because of that discoloration, don’t be. It’s just fine. The ammo is just fine — assuming it is a reputable brand and vendor of course.
I hope this helps you out.
Note, I have to buy all of my parts – nothing here was paid for by sponsors, etc. I do make a small amount if you click on an ad and buy something but that is it. You’re getting my real opinion on stuff.
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Olin Corporation, who owns Winchester, annoinced they are buying Ammo Inc for $75 million on 1/21/25. The assets will become part of Winchester.
Apparently it is the brass shell case capabilties and 185,000 square foot production facility in Manitowoc, WI constructued in 2022.
At any rate, the whole press, release is here. I shot a few cases of Ammo Inc’s 10mm TMC ammo some years back and found it decent. They own Gunbroker so maybe they are going to focus more on that now.
I did see one comment that Ammo Inc has to restate their financials due to some problems with the accounting. Click here.
S&B is one of the world’s largest ammunition companies and has changed hands a few times. In December 2023, Colt CZ announced it would acquire 100% of Sellier & Bellot from CBC of Brazil. for $703 million, excluding Sellier & Bellot’s net debt. The deal included cash and new Colt CZ common stock. It’s my understanding the deal closed in May 2024.
Okay, being an American, I saw “Colt” and immediately wondered if there was a relationship with the traditional Colt firearms brand in the US. As you often see in the firearms / defense industry, owners may come and go but established brand names rarely die and Samuel Colt’s name and brand continue to live on.
The brands continue to move around. Colt is owned by CZ who changed the holding company’s name to “Colt CZ”. They bought S&B in May 2024. So, Colt CZ has a formidable lineup and it’s always interesting to see “who owns whom” at a given time.
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I am a huge fan of S&B ammo, factory tour videos and Ian McCollum’s Forgotten Weapons series (If you don’t know about Ian, click here for his website and here for his Youtube channel.) So, when he posted this morning about his tour of the S&B facility in Vlašim, in the Czech Republic, I knew I had to watch it.
As usual, Ian does a great job. Larry Vickers created a video back in 2018 of his tour and it was interesting to compare what Larry saw six-plus years ago to what Ian just saw.
I learned three new things watching Ian’s video:
Literally every single round that ships from S&B is QC inspected at each step of manufacturing through various computerized methods – imaging, weight, etc. Literally, every single round – not samples – must pass their quality checks. No wonder their quality is so good.
It takes 2-3 days to change over from one to another caliber so they want long production runs to absorb all the setup costs. I can only imagine the fixed costs are enormous too. A facility like you see in the video costs millions and millions of dollars.
Civilian and military ammo both have their necks annealed. The only difference is that the military inspects want to be able to see that it happened whereas commercial/private shooters view seeing the discolored neck as defective so additional polishing is done to remove it. Other than the additional polishing – the process is the same.
The 100% QC capabilities are stunning. This machine will kick out any case that video inspection deems as being deffective. Literally every single case! All of my old school sampling and inspection methods from 30+ years ago sure seems dated now.
So, with no further to-do, here’s Ian’s S&B factory tour video:
Summary
This is S&B factory tour video is another great production by Ian. I have shot S&B for years – espectially 9mm, 10mm and .45ACP plus some .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua and they continue to impress me.
I hope you find this interesting also.
Note: All screen shots are from Ian’s video and remain his property.
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