Ammunition Market 2030: Exploring the Demand for Advanced Ammunition Technologies
Ammunition Market Size & Trends
The global ammunition market size was estimated at USD 68.57 billion in 2023 and is projected to decline at a CAGR of -11.3% from 2024 to 2030. A rise in the number of terrorist activities and hostilities across the globe is likely to increase the procurement of defense equipment by prominent militaries across the globe, thereby directly benefiting the industry over the forecast period.
Rising trends for sports and shooting that utilize rifles and pistols are expected to increase penetration of small-caliber ammunition over the forecast period. Technological advancements have introduced lightweight bullets made from polymer-based cases, thus supporting the overall industry.
High investments by the U.S. government for enhancements in military and armed forces are expected to support industry growth in the country. Procurement of small caliber ammunition by civilians and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to bolster the overall industry growth. Enhancement of sales channels, such as online sales in the country, is likely to supplement overall growth.
Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Ammunition Market
Detailed Segmentation:
Caliber Insights
The small caliber ammunition segment held about 28.12% share of the global revenue in 2023. This trend is attributed to a wide array of small caliber ammunition applications including shotgun pistols, assault rifles, rifles, and revolvers. In addition, increasing demand from security forces to tackle rising instances of armed conflicts is further expected to fuel the growth of small caliber ammunition demand over the period.
Small Ammunition Product Insights
The centerfire small ammunition products segment led the market in 2023 with a revenue share of 71.12%. Centerfire ammunition is usually used for rifles, shotguns, and handguns. In centerfire ammunition, primer is placed in the center of the casing base. This type of ammunition is reloadable and, hence, is the most commonly used cartridge type.
Ammunition for Commercial Shooting Product Insights
The .223 Remington (5.56x45mm) dominated the commercial shooting application in 2023 and accounted for a revenue share of 27.7%. The .223 Remington (5.56x45mm) cartridge is used commercially due to its association with military-grade firearms, such as the M16 rifle. This contributes to the widespread adoption of this cartridge and a surge in its industry demand. The availability of multiple rifles chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge, including the ones optimized for accuracy and reliability when using high-velocity 5.56 NATO spec ammunition, has further led to the growth of the market.
Cartridge Insights
The .45 cartridge segment held the highest revenue share in 2023. The popularity of .45 ACP handguns among law enforcement agencies, military forces, and civilian gun enthusiasts is driving the market. The rise in civilian gun ownership and the increasing trend of concealed carry are fueling the demand for .45 ACP cartridges. The demand for larger caliber handguns and their corresponding ammunition has grown as individuals seek personal protection and home defense solutions. This trend has contributed to the expanding market for .45 ACP cartridges, as consumers prioritize stopping power and accuracy.
Ammunition for Law Enforcement and Military Shooting Product Insights
The 5.56×45mm NATO dominated the market in 2023, and it is growing at a significant rate over the forecast period. The 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge features a bullet weight of around 55 grains and achieves supersonic speeds up to 500 yards (457 meters). The cartridge is designed for semi-automatic patrol rifles and is known for its reliable feeding of full-power loads. It offers good accuracy and low bolt thrust recoil impulse due to its design. The 5.56x45mm provides ease of use, low bolt thrust, and non-existent perceived recoil to military personnel and law enforcement agencies. This ammunition has been adopted by various militaries globally, including many non-NATO countries.
End-use Insights
The defense end use segment led the market, accounting for about 88.08% of the global revenue in 2023. In addition, this segment is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Increasing cross-border conflicts have fueled the growth of the bullet industry globally. Rising geopolitical tension and terrorist activities are expected to increase the penetration of products.
Regional Insights
The North America ammunition market was the second-largest market in 2023, with a revenue share of about 13.03%. The growing threat from terrorism coupled with lenient gun laws is expected to promote the consumption of bullets. Furthermore, a surge in sports & hunting activities is expected to be a crucial factor for expansion.
Key Ammunition Company Insights
Some of the key players operating in the market include Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Corporation.
- Northrop Grumman multinational aerospace and defense technology company, engaged in designing and manufacturing of various products for aeronautics, space, cyberspace, and defense industries. The company has approximately 100000 employees and about 550 facilities which are spread across 25 countries globally.
- General Dynamics Corporation was incorporated in 1952 and is headquartered in Virginia, U.S. The company consists of 10 business units, which are organized into four operating segments, namely Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. With approximately 50 airport sites throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, it offers MRO, FBO, and aircraft management services. It also offers customized solutions for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
Browse through Grand View Research’s Advanced Interior Materials Industry Research Reports.
- Precast Concrete Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Structural Building Components, Transportation Products), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030
- High Strength Steel Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (High Strength Low Alloy, Dual Phase), By Application (Automotive, Construction, Aviation), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030
Key Ammunition Companies:
The following are the leading companies in the ammunition market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- FN Herstal
- Olin Corporation
- General Dynamics Corporation
- BAE Systems, Inc.
- Rheinmetall Defense
- Nexter KNDS Group
- Hanwha Corporation
- ST Engineering
- Remington Arms Company LLC
- Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
Ammunition Market Segmentation
Grand View Research has segmented the global ammunition market based on caliber, end use, cartridge, ammunition for commercial shooting product, ammunition for law enforcement and military shooting product, and region:
Ammunition Caliber Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Small Caliber
- 5.56 mm
- 7.62 mm
- 7.62 x 51 mm
- 7.62 x 39 mm
- Others
- 9 mm
- 9 x 18 mm
- 9 x 19 mm
- Others
- Medium Caliber
- 23 mm
- 30 mm
- Others
- Large Caliber
- VSHORAD
- 122 mm
- Others
- Rockets, Missiles & Other
- Tank Ammunition
- Artillery Ammunition
Ammunition Small Ammunition Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Rimfire
- Centerfire
Ammunition End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- Civil & Commercial
- Sports
- Hunting
- Self Defense
- Defense
- Military
- Law Enforcement
Ammunition Market for Commercial Shooting: Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- 9×19mm
- 7.62×39mm
- 223 Rem (5.56 x 45mm)
- 308 Winchester (7.62)
- 300 Blackout (7.62×35mm)
Ammunition Cartridge Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- .45 ACP
- 0.39 Special
- 0.357 Magnum
- 6,8 Remington SPC
Ammunition Market for Law Enforcement and Military Shooting: Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- 9x19mm NATO
- 5.56×45mm
- 7.62×39mm
- 7.62×51mm
Ammunition Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Spain
- Russia
- Turkey
- Czech Republic
- Poland
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Singapore
- Central & South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
Order a free sample PDF of the Ammunition Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.
Recent Developments
- In February 2023, Remington Arms Company LLC launched their new product line. The company announced updates in their existing product line of handgun, shotshell, rimfire and rifle.
- In January 2023, the brands of Vista Outdoor Inc., CCI and Speer Ammunition launched two new products under their ammunition line. The new products include CCI’s Clean-22 Hyper Velocity and Speer’s Gold Dot Carbine ammunition, and they will be displayed at 2023 SHOT Show taking place in Nevada.
About Grand View Research
Grand View Research is a full-time market research and consulting company registered in San Francisco, California. The company fully offers market reports, both customized and syndicates, based on intense data analysis. It also offers consulting services to business communities and academic institutions and helps them understand the global and business scenario to a significant extent. The company operates across multitude of domains such as Chemicals, Materials, Food and Beverages, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, and Information Technology to offer consulting services.
Explore Horizon, the world’s most expansive market research database