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

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.