If you’re a gun owner, you probably have a favorite ammunition brand. Or, alternately, if you’re not well-versed in guns, you might believe that ammunition doesn’t matter. But that’s not true. The reality is that ammunition choice can make the difference between accurate, reliable performance and misfeeds or jams. Poor quality ammunition can even damage your gun over time, leading to wear and tear on critical components — and causing potentially dangerous situations. Beyond reliability, ammo actually impacts more than you think, such as recoil or overall gun performance. So it’s important to choose wisely. (If you’re a big game hunter, you should only use these cartridges.)
Gun owners are always looking for the most reliable and effective ammo brand. But which brands dominate the conversation? To figure out which ammunition brands earned consumer confidence, we used Google and Bing trends to determine which ammo brands were the most popular in search. Then, we organized the results countdown-style. When you look at the list, you might wonder: why do some brands perform well in search and others don’t? Based on the search data we gathered, brands with a long-established reputation are much more likely to be searched for because more people know they exist. However, there are also some very popular niche brands where people search specifically for those names.
Why We’re Covering This
As the firearm industry continues to grow, so does the ammo industry.
Ammunition is a sizable industry by itself. According to Grand View Research, the global ammunition industry was estimated at USD 68.57 billion in 2023. And it makes sense when you think about it — after all, everyone who purchases a gun buys ammo, and often multiple times. Over the lifetime of a firearm, it could easily shoot thousands of dollars worth of ammunition. For this reason, we keep a close eye on the ammo industry, especially considering that some ammunition companies are publicly traded. But, if you’re a gun owner, this list also provides insight into which companies provide high-quality and reliable ammo.
These ammunitions are most searched for online:
10. Browning
Browning may be best known for their guns, but they also produce quality ammunition.
Browning is most known for its firearms. However, searches for its ammo were surprisingly high over the last year. Their ammunition line appears to be growing in popularity. In particular, people were searching for their BXR and BXC hunting ammo, which caters to big-game hunters looking for very reliable performance.
9. PMC (Precision Made Cartridges)
This ammo is popular for target shooting, as it’s more budget-friendly than other options.
PMC is loved by consumers for its budget-friendly yet reliable ammo, especially for training and target shooting. The company makes a huge range of ammo, too, which helps with their popularity. The Bronze line is particularly popular for handgun and rifle shooters, for instance.
8. Sellier & Bellot
Bulk ammo is popular with those who do a lot of target shooting, as they tend to go through a lot of ammo.
This European brand, based in the Czech Republic, is slowly becoming more popular in America and has enjoyed some popularity in search over this past year. It’s a go-to option for shooters looking for bulk ammo that’s still high quality, and many users report this as being exceptional ammunition.
7. Fiocchi
Fiocchi is increasing in popularity within the U.S. market.
Fiocchi may be an international brand, but it’s made a big impact in the U.S. market. They offer a huge selection of ammo, including shotgun shells and pistol cartridges. With so many different options to choose from, it really isn’t surprising that they receive so many searches.
6. Speer
This ammunition is popular with police and similar professions.
Speer is known best for its Gold Dot ammunition, which receives a lot of searches by itself. Speer itself is a leader in law enforcement and personal defense ammo. Their bonded-core bullets are designed for maximum stopping power and reliability.
5. CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.)
Rimfire ammo can be used for a wide range of purposes, including hunting.
CCI is exceptionally popular amongst rimfire enthusiasts. Its .22LR ammunition has a reputation for being accurate and reliable. Their products also include things like high-quality primers for reloaders.
4. Remington
Remington makes popular self-defense ammo.
Remington ammunition has been a go-to for shooters for decades, offering affordable and dependable rounds. This company has a long-lasting reputation and tends to be widely available, which makes it even more popular. Its Core-Lokt line is stable for hunters, and it remains one of the most trusted choices for big game.
3. Hornady
This ammo is most popular for long-range applications, like target shooting and hunting.
Hornady is known for its precision, particularly in the hunting and long-range shooting community. This company has developed several innovations over the years, such as its Critical Defense and ELD-X lines.
2. Winchester
Winchester is so popular largely because it is so well-known. It’s a trusted brand for a reason and makes tons of different types of ammo.
Even if you aren’t that familiar with guns, you’ve probably heard of the name Winchester. This company stretches back over 150 years and is synonymous with American firearms history. Its ammunition is very popular, too. For instance, the Winchester white-box range ammo is a budget-friendly choice for target shooting. That said, the company also sells high-quality hunting loads and similar types of ammo.
1. Federal Premium
Out of all the brands out there, this one is the most searched for.
Federal Premium barely scraped into the top spot this year. This household name is known for its quality and reliability, so it’s no surprise that so many people search for it. This company sells a huge range of different rounds, too, including self-defense cartridges. Based on the search results, they’re easily one of the top brands across the board.
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks