Ammunition Market Size To Reach $36.75 Billion By 2030

Ammunition Market Growth & Trends

The global ammunition market size is estimated to reach USD 36.75 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to decline at a CAGR of -11.3% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing investments in defense equipment by militaries on account of the rise in geopolitical tension across the globe are anticipated to drive the demand for ammunition in the estimated time. Increasing procurement of artillery and mortar platforms by the Indian Army over the next ten years through several development platforms is expected to increase the amount of ammunition over the forecast period. In addition, a rise in hostilities is expected to increase the demand for ammunition in Middle Eastern countries in the projected time frame.

Technological innovations for the replacement of brass-based bullet cases using polymer-based bullet cases are expected to offer growth prospects to the market. The application of polymer materials in bullets reduces ammo weight by over 40%, wherein the impact of the same is unaffected, thereby making ammunition lighter and more accurate when compared to conventional bullets. Rising geopolitical issues, war-like situations, and increasing terrorist activities across the globe are leading to a rise in the stockpiling of ammunition by prominent militaries and armed forces. This strategy is likely to offer cost savings as ammunition is purchased in high volume at cheap prices. This is anticipated to support the market growth in the estimated time.

Hunting in the European Union has led to an accumulation legacy of lead discharged from spent ammunition. This lead exhibits harmful toxic effects on wildlife, the environment, and humans who consume hunted game meat. Thus, non-toxic lead substitutes for both shotgun and rifle ammunition have been developed and required in some jurisdictions of the European Union. In the European Union, more than 25 companies manufacture or distribute lead-free shotgun ammunition, and a further 14 companies distribute lead-free rifle ammunition. However, the wide transition in terms of using lead-free ammo has been resisted by ammunition-making and hunting communities in the region.

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Ammunition Market Report Highlights

• Large caliber ammunition dominated the market with a revenue share of 51.13% in 2023. Large caliber can be classified into spin-stabilized, fin-stabilized, and rocket-assisted. Rocket assisted is a combination of spin-stabilized and fin-stabilized. A majority of guns use the spin-stabilized large-caliber cartridge as it promotes flight stability using spinning. In contrast, fin-stabilized projectiles obtain stability through fins located at the end of the projection period.

• The centerfire small ammunition products segment led the market in 2023 with a revenue share of 71.12%. Centerfire is usually used for rifles, shotguns, and handguns. In centerfire ammunition, primer is placed in center of casing base. This type of ammunition is reloadable and, hence, is the most commonly used cartridge type.

• The defense end use segment led the market, accounting for about 88.08% of the global market 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 market globally. Rising geopolitical tension and terrorist activities are expected to increase the penetration of products.

• The .223 Remington (5.56x45mm) dominated 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 market demand. The availability of multiple rifles chambered for.223 Remington cartridge, including ones optimized for accuracy and reliability when using high-velocity 5.56 NATO spec ammunition, has further led to growth of market.

• The .45 cartridge segment accounted for highest revenue share in 2023. The popularity of .45 ACP handguns among law enforcement agencies, military forces, and civilian gun enthusiasts is driving market growth. The rise in civilian gun ownership and 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.

• The  Europe market held a dominant revenue share of 71.33% in 2023. In Europe, directives are provided by the government for the possession of firearms, the supply of firearms in a single market, and a protocol against manufacturing and trafficking of firearms. In addition, European defense system has faced challenges in dealing with refugees from Middle East and Syria. Europe has also faced the threat of terrorism. Owing to these factors, market for ammunition in Europe is expected to strengthen over the forecast period.

• The market is highly competitive and consists of several global and regional players. Prominent players are utilizing their design and engineering expertise to develop products with improved utility, safety, and effectiveness. These companies are acquiring research & development firms to integrate advanced technologies into existing products, thereby enhancing the force capability of defense customers such as the U.S. Army and NATO.

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

List of Key Players in the Ammunition Market

• 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