GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ammo Industry Statistics

The global ammunition industry is thriving due to strong civilian and military demand.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. ammo industry directly employs 45,000 workers as of 2023.

Statistic 2

Ammunition manufacturing supports 250,000 total jobs including indirect in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 3

Average wage in U.S. ammo manufacturing: $65,000 annually 2023.

Statistic 4

12% employment growth in U.S. ammo sector 2020-2023 due to demand surge.

Statistic 5

Lake City plant employs 2,500 workers producing ammo.

Statistic 6

Vista Outdoor ammo division: 8,000 employees globally 2023.

Statistic 7

Olin Winchester: 3,200 U.S. manufacturing jobs 2023.

Statistic 8

Top 10 U.S. ammo firms employ 70% of sector workforce.

Statistic 9

Supplier industries (brass, primers) add 50,000 jobs U.S.

Statistic 10

Retail ammo sales support 100,000 jobs in gun stores 2023.

Statistic 11

Export-related jobs in ammo: 15,000 U.S. positions 2023.

Statistic 12

R&D staff in ammo industry: 5,000 engineers U.S. 2023.

Statistic 13

Women comprise 22% of U.S. ammo manufacturing workforce 2023.

Statistic 14

Veterans employment rate: 18% in ammo sector vs 7% national.

Statistic 15

Unionized workforce: 15% of U.S. ammo plants 2023.

Statistic 16

Turnover rate in ammo manufacturing: 8.2% annually 2023.

Statistic 17

Training hours per employee: 40 hours/year industry average.

Statistic 18

Global ammo industry employment: 500,000 direct jobs 2023.

Statistic 19

Indian ammo sector: 20,000 jobs in public sector factories.

Statistic 20

Brazilian CBC (Magtech) employs 4,000 workers.

Statistic 21

Czech CBC Group: 2,500 employees across ammo plants.

Statistic 22

Economic multiplier effect: $2.50 per $1 ammo revenue U.S.

Statistic 23

Tax revenue from U.S. ammo industry: $2.1 billion federal 2023.

Statistic 24

State/local taxes from ammo: $1.8 billion annually.

Statistic 25

In 2022, the U.S. small arms ammunition market was valued at $8.6 billion, reflecting a 5.2% CAGR from 2017-2022 driven by rising civilian demand.

Statistic 26

Global ammunition market size reached $24.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $32.15 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.8%.

Statistic 27

The North American ammo market accounted for 38% of global revenue in 2022, totaling approximately $9.24 billion.

Statistic 28

U.S. ammunition manufacturing industry revenue hit $10.4 billion in 2023, up 7.1% from the previous year due to post-pandemic surge.

Statistic 29

Commercial ammunition segment generated $15.2 billion globally in 2022, comprising 62% of total market share.

Statistic 30

European ammunition market valued at $6.8 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 3.9% through 2028 amid defense spending increases.

Statistic 31

Handgun ammo sub-market in the U.S. reached $2.1 billion in sales in 2022, growing 12% YoY.

Statistic 32

Asia-Pacific ammunition market expanded to $4.5 billion in 2023, fueled by military modernization in India and China.

Statistic 33

Rimfire ammunition market size was $1.8 billion in the U.S. in 2022, with 22 million units produced monthly.

Statistic 34

Shotgun shell market globally valued at $3.2 billion in 2023, expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2030.

Statistic 35

Centerfire rifle ammo U.S. revenue: $3.4 billion in 2023, up 9.5% from 2022.

Statistic 36

Military ammunition segment worldwide: $9.1 billion in 2022, 37% of total ammo market.

Statistic 37

U.S. ammo industry revenue per employee averaged $450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 38

Global precision-guided ammunition market: $12.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 6.2% to 2030.

Statistic 39

Hunting ammunition U.S. market: $2.7 billion in 2022.

Statistic 40

Target shooting ammo global sales: $4.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 41

Law enforcement ammo U.S.: $650 million in 2022.

Statistic 42

Reloading components market: $1.2 billion U.S. 2023.

Statistic 43

.22 LR ammo U.S. production value: $900 million annually in 2022.

Statistic 44

9mm ammo global market share: 28% of handgun ammo in 2023.

Statistic 45

U.S. ammo exports reached $1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 46

Specialty ammo (less-lethal): $450 million global 2023.

Statistic 47

Black powder ammo niche market: $150 million U.S. 2022.

Statistic 48

Ammo market in Canada: $1.2 billion CAD in 2023.

Statistic 49

Brazilian ammo market: $2.4 billion BRL 2023.

Statistic 50

Australian ammunition industry revenue: AUD 850 million 2023.

Statistic 51

South Korean ammo exports: $300 million USD 2022.

Statistic 52

Israeli small arms ammo production value: $1.5 billion 2023.

Statistic 53

Russian ammo market domestic sales: 500 billion RUB 2023.

Statistic 54

Chinese ammunition manufacturing output value: CNY 45 billion 2022.

Statistic 55

U.S. ammo manufacturers produced 11.8 billion rounds of small arms ammo in 2022.

Statistic 56

Global annual small-caliber ammo production exceeds 20 billion rounds, with U.S. contributing 60%.

Statistic 57

Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka, MN produced over 2 billion rounds in 2022.

Statistic 58

Winchester Ammunition output: 1.5 billion rounds annually from Lake City plant partnership.

Statistic 59

Olin Corporation (Winchester) manufactured 4.1 billion small arms cartridges in 2023.

Statistic 60

Vista Outdoor (Federal) produced 3.2 billion rounds of ammo in FY2023.

Statistic 61

Remington Ammunition Lonoke, AR facility output: 1.8 billion rounds per year capacity.

Statistic 62

Global lead-free ammo production grew 15% YoY to 1.2 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 63

U.S. rimfire production: 8.5 billion rounds in 2022, down 10% from 2021 peak.

Statistic 64

9mm pistol ammo U.S. production: 4.2 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 65

.223/5.56 rifle ammo output U.S.: 2.9 billion rounds 2022.

Statistic 66

Shotgun shells U.S. production: 1.1 billion units in 2023.

Statistic 67

Lake City Army Ammunition Plant produced 1.4 billion small arms rounds for civilian market in 2022.

Statistic 68

Average U.S. ammo factory capacity utilization: 85% in 2023.

Statistic 69

Brass casing production for reloaders: 500 million units U.S. 2023.

Statistic 70

Polymer-cased ammo production reached 50 million rounds globally in 2023.

Statistic 71

Russian Kalashnikov Concern ammo output: 300 million rounds annually.

Statistic 72

Indian Ordnance Factory Board small arms ammo: 250 million rounds/year.

Statistic 73

Czech Sellier & Bellot production: 1 billion cartridges in 2023.

Statistic 74

Fiocchi of America output: 400 million rounds/year from Ozark, MO plant.

Statistic 75

Hornady Manufacturing produced 800 million rounds in 2022.

Statistic 76

PMC Ammunition (Korea) exports 200 million rounds to U.S. annually.

Statistic 77

Magtech Brazil production: 1.2 billion rounds/year.

Statistic 78

Norma Precision (Sweden) output: 150 million rounds 2023.

Statistic 79

RUAG Ammotec (Switzerland) 300 million rounds annually.

Statistic 80

BAE Systems U.S. ammo production: 500 million rounds for military.

Statistic 81

General Dynamics Ordnance produced 1 billion small caliber rounds 2023.

Statistic 82

U.S. retailers sold 12.5 billion rounds of ammo in 2022.

Statistic 83

Online ammo sales U.S. surged to $2.8 billion in 2023, 25% of total.

Statistic 84

Gun shows accounted for 15% of U.S. ammo sales volume in 2022, approx 1.9 billion rounds.

Statistic 85

Walmart sold $150 million in ammo before halting sales in 2019; now zero.

Statistic 86

Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's ammo revenue: $900 million annually pre-2023 shortages.

Statistic 87

Academy Sports ammo sales: $450 million in FY2023.

Statistic 88

9mm ammo consumed 5.1 billion rounds in U.S. civilian market 2023.

Statistic 89

.22 LR sales peaked at 3.2 billion rounds U.S. 2021, fell to 2.1B 2023.

Statistic 90

Hunting season ammo sales U.S.: 1.8 billion rounds annually.

Statistic 91

Average American gun owner buys 200 rounds/year, totaling 4B for 20M owners.

Statistic 92

Black Friday 2023 ammo sales: $500 million U.S. online.

Statistic 93

Bulk ammo (500+ rounds) purchases: 40% of online sales volume 2023.

Statistic 94

Premium defensive ammo sales growth: 18% YoY to $1.2B U.S. 2023.

Statistic 95

Steel-cased ammo market share: 25% of rifle sales U.S. 2023.

Statistic 96

Reloaders purchase 30% of primers sold, 800 million units U.S. 2022.

Statistic 97

Export sales from U.S. ammo: 1.5 billion rounds to Canada 2023.

Statistic 98

Military surplus ammo sales to civilians: 200 million rounds U.S. 2023.

Statistic 99

Private sales (non-dealer) ammo: Estimated 10% of total U.S. volume.

Statistic 100

Ammo subscription services sales: $100 million U.S. 2023.

Statistic 101

Festival/competition shooting events consume 150 million rounds/year U.S.

Statistic 102

Law enforcement agencies purchased 250 million rounds U.S. 2023.

Statistic 103

Home defense ammo sales: $800 million U.S. 2023.

Statistic 104

Youth shooting programs use 50 million rounds annually U.S.

Statistic 105

International tourist ammo purchases: 10 million rounds at U.S. ranges 2023.

Statistic 106

Powder sales for handloading: 12 million lbs U.S. 2023.

Statistic 107

U.S. civilian ammo demand projected to grow 4.5% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 108

Global ammo market CAGR 5.1% 2024-2032, reaching $40B.

Statistic 109

Smart ammunition tech market to hit $5.2B by 2028, CAGR 12%.

Statistic 110

Eco-friendly ammo (biodegradable) sales to triple by 2030.

Statistic 111

3D-printed ammo components market: $200M by 2027.

Statistic 112

U.S. 9mm demand forecast: 6B rounds/year by 2028.

Statistic 113

Rimfire shortage recovery: production to 10B rounds U.S. by 2025.

Statistic 114

Non-toxic shot mandates to boost lead-free to 50% market by 2035.

Statistic 115

E-commerce ammo sales to reach 40% of total by 2030.

Statistic 116

Reloadable ammo brass demand up 20% by 2027.

Statistic 117

Polymer case adoption: 10% rifle market by 2030.

Statistic 118

AI-optimized ballistics ammo R&D spend: $500M globally 2024-2030.

Statistic 119

Youth participation driving junior ammo sales +15% CAGR.

Statistic 120

Home defense premium ammo to $2B U.S. by 2028.

Statistic 121

Global military small arms ammo budget +3% annually to 2030.

Statistic 122

U.S. export growth 6% CAGR for ammo 2024-2029.

Statistic 123

Supply chain resilience investments: $1B by 2027.

Statistic 124

Caliber shift: 10mm gaining 5% market share by 2030.

Statistic 125

Subscription models to 15% of sales by 2028.

Statistic 126

Regulatory pressure on lead: 30% shift to alternatives by 2030.

Statistic 127

VR training reducing range ammo use 20% by 2030.

1/127

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The ammunition industry isn't just about bullets—it's a multi-billion-dollar economic powerhouse firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by a U.S. market valued at $8.6 billion and a global surge past $24 billion.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the U.S. small arms ammunition market was valued at $8.6 billion, reflecting a 5.2% CAGR from 2017-2022 driven by rising civilian demand.
Global ammunition market size reached $24.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $32.15 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.8%.
The North American ammo market accounted for 38% of global revenue in 2022, totaling approximately $9.24 billion.
U.S. ammo manufacturers produced 11.8 billion rounds of small arms ammo in 2022.
Global annual small-caliber ammo production exceeds 20 billion rounds, with U.S. contributing 60%.
Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka, MN produced over 2 billion rounds in 2022.
U.S. retailers sold 12.5 billion rounds of ammo in 2022.
Online ammo sales U.S. surged to $2.8 billion in 2023, 25% of total.
Gun shows accounted for 15% of U.S. ammo sales volume in 2022, approx 1.9 billion rounds.
U.S. ammo industry directly employs 45,000 workers as of 2023.
Ammunition manufacturing supports 250,000 total jobs including indirect in U.S. 2023.
Average wage in U.S. ammo manufacturing: $65,000 annually 2023.
U.S. civilian ammo demand projected to grow 4.5% CAGR to 2030.
Global ammo market CAGR 5.1% 2024-2032, reaching $40B.
Smart ammunition tech market to hit $5.2B by 2028, CAGR 12%.

The global ammunition industry is thriving due to strong civilian and military demand.

Employment and Economic Impact

U.S. ammo industry directly employs 45,000 workers as of 2023.
Ammunition manufacturing supports 250,000 total jobs including indirect in U.S. 2023.
Average wage in U.S. ammo manufacturing: $65,000 annually 2023.
12% employment growth in U.S. ammo sector 2020-2023 due to demand surge.
Lake City plant employs 2,500 workers producing ammo.
Vista Outdoor ammo division: 8,000 employees globally 2023.
Olin Winchester: 3,200 U.S. manufacturing jobs 2023.
Top 10 U.S. ammo firms employ 70% of sector workforce.
Supplier industries (brass, primers) add 50,000 jobs U.S.
Retail ammo sales support 100,000 jobs in gun stores 2023.
Export-related jobs in ammo: 15,000 U.S. positions 2023.
R&D staff in ammo industry: 5,000 engineers U.S. 2023.
Women comprise 22% of U.S. ammo manufacturing workforce 2023.
Veterans employment rate: 18% in ammo sector vs 7% national.
Unionized workforce: 15% of U.S. ammo plants 2023.
Turnover rate in ammo manufacturing: 8.2% annually 2023.
Training hours per employee: 40 hours/year industry average.
Global ammo industry employment: 500,000 direct jobs 2023.
Indian ammo sector: 20,000 jobs in public sector factories.
Brazilian CBC (Magtech) employs 4,000 workers.
Czech CBC Group: 2,500 employees across ammo plants.
Economic multiplier effect: $2.50 per $1 ammo revenue U.S.
Tax revenue from U.S. ammo industry: $2.1 billion federal 2023.
State/local taxes from ammo: $1.8 billion annually.

Employment and Economic Impact Interpretation

With roughly a quarter-million American jobs and billions in tax revenue riding on its shell casings, the ammo industry is a uniquely loud and serious economic engine that proves, for better or worse, bang for the buck is no mere metaphor.

Market Size and Revenue

In 2022, the U.S. small arms ammunition market was valued at $8.6 billion, reflecting a 5.2% CAGR from 2017-2022 driven by rising civilian demand.
Global ammunition market size reached $24.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $32.15 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.8%.
The North American ammo market accounted for 38% of global revenue in 2022, totaling approximately $9.24 billion.
U.S. ammunition manufacturing industry revenue hit $10.4 billion in 2023, up 7.1% from the previous year due to post-pandemic surge.
Commercial ammunition segment generated $15.2 billion globally in 2022, comprising 62% of total market share.
European ammunition market valued at $6.8 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 3.9% through 2028 amid defense spending increases.
Handgun ammo sub-market in the U.S. reached $2.1 billion in sales in 2022, growing 12% YoY.
Asia-Pacific ammunition market expanded to $4.5 billion in 2023, fueled by military modernization in India and China.
Rimfire ammunition market size was $1.8 billion in the U.S. in 2022, with 22 million units produced monthly.
Shotgun shell market globally valued at $3.2 billion in 2023, expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2030.
Centerfire rifle ammo U.S. revenue: $3.4 billion in 2023, up 9.5% from 2022.
Military ammunition segment worldwide: $9.1 billion in 2022, 37% of total ammo market.
U.S. ammo industry revenue per employee averaged $450,000 in 2023.
Global precision-guided ammunition market: $12.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 6.2% to 2030.
Hunting ammunition U.S. market: $2.7 billion in 2022.
Target shooting ammo global sales: $4.8 billion in 2023.
Law enforcement ammo U.S.: $650 million in 2022.
Reloading components market: $1.2 billion U.S. 2023.
.22 LR ammo U.S. production value: $900 million annually in 2022.
9mm ammo global market share: 28% of handgun ammo in 2023.
U.S. ammo exports reached $1.1 billion in 2023.
Specialty ammo (less-lethal): $450 million global 2023.
Black powder ammo niche market: $150 million U.S. 2022.
Ammo market in Canada: $1.2 billion CAD in 2023.
Brazilian ammo market: $2.4 billion BRL 2023.
Australian ammunition industry revenue: AUD 850 million 2023.
South Korean ammo exports: $300 million USD 2022.
Israeli small arms ammo production value: $1.5 billion 2023.
Russian ammo market domestic sales: 500 billion RUB 2023.
Chinese ammunition manufacturing output value: CNY 45 billion 2022.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

The world is spending tens of billions of dollars a year to ensure that arguments can be settled decisively, recreationally, or by government invoice.

Production Statistics

U.S. ammo manufacturers produced 11.8 billion rounds of small arms ammo in 2022.
Global annual small-caliber ammo production exceeds 20 billion rounds, with U.S. contributing 60%.
Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka, MN produced over 2 billion rounds in 2022.
Winchester Ammunition output: 1.5 billion rounds annually from Lake City plant partnership.
Olin Corporation (Winchester) manufactured 4.1 billion small arms cartridges in 2023.
Vista Outdoor (Federal) produced 3.2 billion rounds of ammo in FY2023.
Remington Ammunition Lonoke, AR facility output: 1.8 billion rounds per year capacity.
Global lead-free ammo production grew 15% YoY to 1.2 billion rounds in 2023.
U.S. rimfire production: 8.5 billion rounds in 2022, down 10% from 2021 peak.
9mm pistol ammo U.S. production: 4.2 billion rounds in 2023.
.223/5.56 rifle ammo output U.S.: 2.9 billion rounds 2022.
Shotgun shells U.S. production: 1.1 billion units in 2023.
Lake City Army Ammunition Plant produced 1.4 billion small arms rounds for civilian market in 2022.
Average U.S. ammo factory capacity utilization: 85% in 2023.
Brass casing production for reloaders: 500 million units U.S. 2023.
Polymer-cased ammo production reached 50 million rounds globally in 2023.
Russian Kalashnikov Concern ammo output: 300 million rounds annually.
Indian Ordnance Factory Board small arms ammo: 250 million rounds/year.
Czech Sellier & Bellot production: 1 billion cartridges in 2023.
Fiocchi of America output: 400 million rounds/year from Ozark, MO plant.
Hornady Manufacturing produced 800 million rounds in 2022.
PMC Ammunition (Korea) exports 200 million rounds to U.S. annually.
Magtech Brazil production: 1.2 billion rounds/year.
Norma Precision (Sweden) output: 150 million rounds 2023.
RUAG Ammotec (Switzerland) 300 million rounds annually.
BAE Systems U.S. ammo production: 500 million rounds for military.
General Dynamics Ordnance produced 1 billion small caliber rounds 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

America's ammo industry, while undoubtedly the well-stocked backbone of global small-arms supply, churns out numbers so staggering they suggest we're either preparing for a zombie apocalypse, supplying a world full of Olympic-level target shooters, or simply really, *really* bored at the range.

Sales and Consumption

U.S. retailers sold 12.5 billion rounds of ammo in 2022.
Online ammo sales U.S. surged to $2.8 billion in 2023, 25% of total.
Gun shows accounted for 15% of U.S. ammo sales volume in 2022, approx 1.9 billion rounds.
Walmart sold $150 million in ammo before halting sales in 2019; now zero.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's ammo revenue: $900 million annually pre-2023 shortages.
Academy Sports ammo sales: $450 million in FY2023.
9mm ammo consumed 5.1 billion rounds in U.S. civilian market 2023.
.22 LR sales peaked at 3.2 billion rounds U.S. 2021, fell to 2.1B 2023.
Hunting season ammo sales U.S.: 1.8 billion rounds annually.
Average American gun owner buys 200 rounds/year, totaling 4B for 20M owners.
Black Friday 2023 ammo sales: $500 million U.S. online.
Bulk ammo (500+ rounds) purchases: 40% of online sales volume 2023.
Premium defensive ammo sales growth: 18% YoY to $1.2B U.S. 2023.
Steel-cased ammo market share: 25% of rifle sales U.S. 2023.
Reloaders purchase 30% of primers sold, 800 million units U.S. 2022.
Export sales from U.S. ammo: 1.5 billion rounds to Canada 2023.
Military surplus ammo sales to civilians: 200 million rounds U.S. 2023.
Private sales (non-dealer) ammo: Estimated 10% of total U.S. volume.
Ammo subscription services sales: $100 million U.S. 2023.
Festival/competition shooting events consume 150 million rounds/year U.S.
Law enforcement agencies purchased 250 million rounds U.S. 2023.
Home defense ammo sales: $800 million U.S. 2023.
Youth shooting programs use 50 million rounds annually U.S.
International tourist ammo purchases: 10 million rounds at U.S. ranges 2023.
Powder sales for handloading: 12 million lbs U.S. 2023.

Sales and Consumption Interpretation

While Americans loudly debate the right to bear arms, they are quietly, and in staggering volumes, exercising their right to bear cartridges, stockpiling enough rounds in everything from bulk 9mm to premium defense ammo to suggest a collective belief that peace is best secured through a well-prepared paradox.

Trends and Forecasts

U.S. civilian ammo demand projected to grow 4.5% CAGR to 2030.
Global ammo market CAGR 5.1% 2024-2032, reaching $40B.
Smart ammunition tech market to hit $5.2B by 2028, CAGR 12%.
Eco-friendly ammo (biodegradable) sales to triple by 2030.
3D-printed ammo components market: $200M by 2027.
U.S. 9mm demand forecast: 6B rounds/year by 2028.
Rimfire shortage recovery: production to 10B rounds U.S. by 2025.
Non-toxic shot mandates to boost lead-free to 50% market by 2035.
E-commerce ammo sales to reach 40% of total by 2030.
Reloadable ammo brass demand up 20% by 2027.
Polymer case adoption: 10% rifle market by 2030.
AI-optimized ballistics ammo R&D spend: $500M globally 2024-2030.
Youth participation driving junior ammo sales +15% CAGR.
Home defense premium ammo to $2B U.S. by 2028.
Global military small arms ammo budget +3% annually to 2030.
U.S. export growth 6% CAGR for ammo 2024-2029.
Supply chain resilience investments: $1B by 2027.
Caliber shift: 10mm gaining 5% market share by 2030.
Subscription models to 15% of sales by 2028.
Regulatory pressure on lead: 30% shift to alternatives by 2030.
VR training reducing range ammo use 20% by 2030.

Trends and Forecasts Interpretation

While humanity seems hell-bent on designing smarter, cleaner, and more convenient ways to launch projectiles, the enduring truth is that the global appetite for sending lead (or its eco-friendly substitutes) downrange at high velocity is not only growing but also getting decidedly high-tech about it.

Sources & References

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