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

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.