Federal Premium Sets Record Straight On Ammunition Shortage

by
posted on December 20, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Jason Vanderbrink, the president of Federal, CCI, Speer and Remington, spoke out against some of the misinformation that has circulated amongst the shooting community in regards to the ammunition shortage and the role ammunition producers have had in it. In a video released yesterday, Vanderbrink dispelled the rumors that the ammunition producers are not producing ammunition, storing ammunition in secret warehouses or only selling new ammunition to specific customers. The spread of this information through various outlets has sparked undeserved criticism aimed at the ammunition producers.

Vanderbrink stated that this year alone, hundreds of new employees were brought on to increase production to try and meet the huge demand in the market for ammunition. He stated that this year, seven million new shooters have joined the community since March, on top of the millions more customers already in the market. If every new user bought two boxes of ammunition, a conservative estimate, it would mean a total of 700 million rounds of ammunition the three factories would have to produce. 

Producing that amount of ammunition just for the estimate for new users is a massive undertaking and not something that can be achieved in just nine months. Vanderbrink noted that it takes months to train new employees along with the logistics of acquiring the large amount of raw materials needed to meet current demand. On top of that, the effects of COVID-19 mean that the factories have to take into account the health and safety of its employees, which is paramount. Despite what some may think, the factories are indeed making and shipping ammunition and not doing what is suggested through the false rumors. To hear more, watch the video above.

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.