Top Rifle Ammo Brands for Precision and Performance

Choosing the right rifle ammo brand is critical for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone looking for reliable performance. Many brands have established themselves as leaders in the ammunition industry due to their commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation. From options that cater to high precision target shooting to those designed for effective hunting performance, there's a wide range of choices available to meet various needs. To help you navigate the options, we've compiled a list of some of the best rifle ammo brands renowned for their excellence.

Illustration of rifle ammo

Best brands of rifle ammo in 2025

Federal Premium

Federal Premium is renowned as one of the best producers of rifle ammunition, offering superior performance and accuracy. Their Terminal Ascent bullets ensure proper expansion even at low velocities, with up to 96% weight retention in certain loads. The brand's HammerDown loads are specifically designed for optimal cycling and performance in lever-action rifles, featuring customized velocities and specialized geometry to ensure flawless cycling. Federal Premium's Gold Medal match ammunition is praised for its precision and low standard deviation, comparable to handloads. With a wide range of calibers and bullet styles, Federal Premium caters to various hunting and shooting needs.

Hornady

Hornady Manufacturing, Inc. is a renowned leader in the ammunition industry, particularly esteemed for its high-performance rifle ammunition. Founded in 1949, Hornady has evolved from a two-man operation to a global innovator, known for its consistent quality, accuracy, and terminal performance. The company's products, such as the 17 HMR, LEVERevolution, and Superformance Ammunition, have revolutionized the shooting sports. Hornady's commitment to using premium components, including bullets and cartridge cases, ensures lot-to-lot consistency and exceptional performance. The company's products are widely used by hunters, gun enthusiasts, and law enforcement agencies, contributing significantly to the U.S. ammunition market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% from 2024 to 2030.

Winchester

The Winchester brand is renowned as one of the top producers of rifle ammunition, known for its high-quality and reliable products. In the small caliber ammunition market, which is projected to grow from $8.11 billion in 2023 to $9.78 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 2.72%, Winchester's offerings, such as the 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield calibers, are highly sought after by both military and civilian users. The market's growth is driven by increasing demand for personal safety and defense, with North America dominating the market share, particularly in the U.S. where the market is expected to reach $5,042.2 million by 2029. Winchester's ammunition is favored for its precision and durability, making it a leading choice in the industry. For more information about their rifle ammunition, explore their product offerings.

Remington

Remington Arms Company is a leading producer of rifle ammunition, notably dominating the commercial shooting application with the .223 Remington (5.56x45mm) cartridge, which held a 27.7% revenue share in 2023. The company's products are widely used in various applications, including hunting and law enforcement, contributing to the growth of the small caliber ammunition market, expected to reach USD 14.08 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.24%. For more detailed insights into Remington's offerings and market impact, visit their official website.

Nosler

Nosler, Inc. is a prominent player in the global small caliber ammunition market, known for its high-quality rifle ammunition. The company's products are favored by both military personnel and private gun owners, particularly for their precision and reliability. In 2021, the 5.56 x 45 mm segment, which Nosler contributes to, dominated the market with a 47.7% share and $5.89 billion in revenue. Nosler's ammunition is also popular among hunters due to its knockdown power and moderate recoil, especially the 7.62 x 39 mm caliber. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the market. For more information on their extensive ammunition range, visit Nosler's official website.

Barnes

Barnes is renowned as one of the leading manufacturers of precision ammunition, particularly for rifle rounds, with their VOR-TX lineup being highly popular among hunters. Known for their high-quality reloading bullets, Barnes caters to various needs including hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Their products, such as the 243 Win Barnes VOR-TX 80gr. TTSX BT Ammo, are in high demand due to their reliability and performance. Barnes ammunition is characterized by its advanced bullet designs, such as the TTSX and TSX, which offer superior expansion and penetration. With a wide range of calibers available, Barnes continues to be a preferred choice for many shooters. For more information, you can explore their wide range of offerings on Barnes Bullets and Ammo.

Sierra

Sierra Bullets is renowned for producing high-quality rifle ammunition, particularly with their introduction of Sierra Ammunition in 2019, which features loads developed around their GameChanger line of Tipped GameKing bullets. These bullets are designed for exceptional accuracy and terminal performance, available in popular hunting calibers such as 243 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, and 308 Winchester. Sierra's manufacturing process ensures consistency and reliability, using sophisticated metallurgical equipment and clean burning smokeless powder with no corrosive primers. Their MatchKing line-up is highly regarded for competitive shooters, offering tight tolerance and multiple-platform performances. With a focus on quality control and innovative technology, Sierra Bullets delivers reliable and accurate ammunition.

Norma

Norma is renowned as one of the best producers of rifle ammunition, offering a wide range of accurate and reliable cartridges. Their Golden Target and Norma Match lines are particularly notable for achieving sub-MOA groups when paired with match-grade rifles, making them ideal for long-range precision shooting. Norma's ammunition is available in various popular calibers, including 308 Winchester, 223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 338 Lapua Magnum. With a strong presence in both American and European markets, Norma's products are favored by competitive shooters and hunters alike. The company's commitment to precision and consistency has earned it a dedicated following among those who demand the highest quality in their ammunition. Discover more about their product offerings in this Norma ammo review.

Sellier & Bellot

Sellier & Bellot is a renowned producer of high-quality rifle ammunition, with a history spanning nearly 200 years. The company, based in Czechia, has been a reliable supplier for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters, producing over 10 million cartridges per year since the late 19th century. Known for its consistent uniformity and low malfunction rates, Sellier & Bellot's ammo is favored by many, including law enforcement agencies in North America and Europe. The company offers a wide range of calibers, including 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem, and has expanded its product lines to include over 85 different cartridges for rifles and pistols. Recently acquired by Colt CZ Group, Sellier & Bellot is poised to drive further innovations in ammunition manufacturing. For a detailed review, check out Sellier & Bellot Ammo Review.

CCI

CCI is renowned as one of the best producers of rifle ammunition, particularly in the .22LR category, with their Blazer line offering reliable and accurate performance at an affordable price. The CCI Blazer .22LR rounds are manufactured in the USA and feature a lead round nose bullet with an advertised muzzle velocity of 1235 fps, although actual velocities may vary based on the firearm used. These rounds are suitable for plinking and small game hunting, and they have shown no malfunctions in various guns during testing. CCI's attention to detail is evident in their packaging, with the 40gr. variant coming in boxes with trays, enhancing user convenience. The company's commitment to quality is reflected in the consistent performance of their ammunition, making them a favorite among shooters.