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

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.