Small Caliber Ammunition Market Report 2026

The small caliber ammunition market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $10.39 billion in 2025 to $10.74 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased demand for small caliber ammunition driven by military training and operational requirements, rising use of 22 mm to 30 mm cartridges in law enforcement applications supporting steady procurement, growth in civilian participation in hunting and sport shooting boosting commercial ammunition sales, advancements in projectile design improving accuracy and reliability across caliber types, expansion of defense modernization programs sustaining acquisition of standardized small caliber rounds.

The small caliber ammunition market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.27 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of lead-free and environmentally friendly ammunition responding to regulatory pressures, rising adoption of smart and enhanced-performance small caliber rounds improving mission effectiveness, increasing demand for precision training ammunition reducing wear and improving simulation accuracy, growth in geopolitical tensions driving higher stockpiling of small caliber munitions, advancements in automated manufacturing technologies improving production scale and cost efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for law enforcement ammunition, growth in military modernization programs, increasing use in civilian sports shooting and hunting, development of lead-free and eco-friendly ammunition, adoption of specialized ammunition for tactical operations.

The rising military spending is expected to propel the growth of the small-caliber ammunition market going forward. Military expenditure refers to the total funds a country allocates to build and maintain its armed forces or other defense-related initiatives. Increased spending on small-caliber ammunition ensures that military personnel have access to precise, effective, and powerful ammunition, thereby enhancing battlefield performance. For instance, in April 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a Sweden-based international institute, global military spending reached approximately $2.29 trillion in 2022. This figure rose to $2.44 trillion in 2023, marking a 6.8% year-over-year increase. Therefore, rising military spending is driving the growth of the small-caliber ammunition market.

Major players in the small-caliber ammunition market are strategically embracing partnerships to enhance supply security and improve interoperability for the countries involved. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources for mutual benefit and success. In a noteworthy development in March 2023, SAKO Ltd, a Finland-based company specializing in rifles, ammunition, and hunting accessories, forged a strategic partnership with the Finnish and Swedish Defence Forces. This collaborative effort facilitates cost-effective joint procurement, enhancing supply security and interoperability through the adoption of a standardized weapon system. With a diverse range of calibers and a commitment to replacing existing firearms, this collaborative initiative is poised to stimulate demand for small-caliber ammunition, presenting growth opportunities in both military and civilian sectors.

In April 2025, Olin Corporation, a US-based provider of ammunition, chemical products, and defense solutions, acquired AMMO, Inc. for $75 million. Through this acquisition, Olin aims to expand Winchester Ammunition’s manufacturing capacity and strengthen its product portfolio in the small-caliber ammunition market. AMMO, Inc. is a US-based manufacturer specializing in brass shellcases and small-caliber ammunition, operating a 185,000-square-foot production facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Major companies operating in the small caliber ammunition market are General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, Olin Corporation, Elbit Systems Ltd., Norma Precision AB, Remington Arms Company LLC, FN Herstal SA, Nammo AS, Denel SOC Ltd., Fiocchi Munizioni SPA, RUAG Holding AG, Hornady Manufacturing Company, Nosler Inc., ARSENAL JSCO, Armscor Precision, Sellier & Bellot, Sierra Bullets LLC, Black Hills Ammunition, Barnes Bullets LLC, CBC Global Ammunition, Winchester Ammunition Inc., Liberty Ammunition Inc., PMC Ammunition, Wolf Performance Ammunition, Magtech Ammunition Company Inc., Aguila Ammunition, Prvi Partizan A.D.

North America was the largest region in the small caliber ammunition market in 2025. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the small caliber ammunition market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have impacted the small caliber ammunition market by increasing the cost of imported raw materials such as metals and specialty components, affecting manufacturing and pricing. Military and law enforcement segments are most affected due to large-scale procurement, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. Some domestic manufacturers benefit from tariffs as they encourage local production and innovation, leading to cost optimization and supply chain diversification. Overall, tariffs pose short-term challenges but stimulate domestic industry growth and technology development.

The small caliber ammunition market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides small caliber ammunition market statistics, including small caliber ammunition industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a small caliber ammunition market share, detailed small caliber ammunition market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the small caliber ammunition industry. This small-caliber ammunition market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Small caliber ammunition encompasses projectiles of relatively modest diameters discharged from firearms, constituting a cartridge or a range of cartridges typically spanning from 22 MM to 30 MM. These ammunitions find utility across diverse pursuits, serving purposes such as hunting, self-defense, and sport shooting.

The primary calibers prevalent in the small caliber ammunition market include 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 0.5 BMG, 9 mm, among others. Specifically, the 5.56 mm caliber denotes ammunition designed for weapons intended to incapacitate adversaries. These bullets come in various compositions such as lead, copper, brass, and other materials. Small caliber ammunition caters to an array of firearms including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, utilized by various end-users encompassing military, homeland security, and law enforcement agencies.

The countries covered in the small caliber ammunition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The small caliber ammunition market consists of sales of small projectiles, 62mm, and 7 mm calibers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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