Potential 5.56 & 7.62 NATO Price Fluctuations Coming?

Could the U.S. Army’s shift to a 6.8 mm cartridge for close-combat troops could inadvertently trigger price fluctuations on 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO ammunition? Read on:

by
posted on April 21, 2024
** 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. **
Approaching Trend
Image courtesy of author.

The U.S. Army’s shift to a 6.8 mm cartridge for close-combat troops will trigger 5.56 NATO market fluctuations in the next few years. History indicates enthusiasts can expect prices to potentially decline, initially, followed by slow rise to a price plateau. It’s the U.S. Army’s widespread fielding of its Next Generation Squad Weapons System (NGSWS) to combat troops—chambered in that 6.8 mm cartridge—to blame.

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to make that prediction, either. The .30-‘06 Sprg. cartridge provides a roadmap for the approaching trend.

The U.S. military officially adopted the .30-’06 Sprg. in 1906. With improved accuracy and fight-stopping performance downrange, it soon found itself in the hands of our soldiers across the globe with M1 Garands, M1903 Springfield bolt actions and others.

By the late 1950s, the 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO cartridges were being methodically phased into frontline service. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that the .30-’06 Sprg. was officially retired. In the meantime, factories churning out the volume required for marksmanship practice, strategic stockpiles and combat shifted production emphasis.

Surplus became readily available on the commercial market and prices for .30-’06 Sprg. ammo dropped dramatically. The March 1986 issue of American Rifleman magazine even proclaimed it was available for “pennies per round” during the 1960s.

That kind of savings is enough to catch the attention of any enthusiast. Inflation, however, enters the equation. Five cents in 1960 converts to roughly a half dollar, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. Today you’re paying nearly a buck a round for inexpensive .30-’06 Sprg.

Today’s situation is slightly different, though. Troops whose duty isn’t primarily combat will still be issued rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO. Those cartridges haven’t quite reached retirement age, which means the entire ammunition surplus won’t swell FFL shelves in an overnight tsunami. Those in uniform using them, however, don’t live-fire practice as often, or require the same strategic stockpile. Excess will potentially be released at a pace that reflects that reduced annual consumption and wartime requirements.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock
Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg 990 Aftershock: Not Just An “Other” Firearm

Following on the success of its shotshell-chambered, pump-action Shockwave, with its 990 Aftershock, Mossberg brings to market a similar package with a semi-automatic action that offers even more speed and convenience.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 4, 2025

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

Report Highlights Declining Residental Firearm Thefts, Growing Vehicle Firearm Thefts

“The rate of guns reported stolen from motor vehicles increased by 31% over the period,” a Council of Criminal Justice report states, “while the rate of guns reported stolen during residential and commercial burglaries dropped by 40%.” 

Preview: Sling Guru EXO 13

Whether for tactical operations, stalking prey in the game fields or bugging out to a safe location, the patented EXO 13 by Sling Guru is a simple solution for keeping firearms at the ready.

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.