Winchester Ammunition has once again been selected by the U.S. Army as the second-source provider for small-caliber rifle ammunition. The most recent contract covers 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG cartridges. The award reflects the ongoing, strategic partnership Winchester has as the Army’s second source.
The primary source for U.S. Military small-arms ammunition is the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Mo. That site is owned by the U.S. Army but managed by an outside contractor. Winchester has filled that role since 2020.
“Winchester has consistently demonstrated its ability to meet and exceed the rigorous standards required by the U.S. Military,” said Jim Williams, Winchester vice president of military programs and business development. “Our commitment is to continue delivering high quality ammunition, on time and at the right cost.”
This month’s announcement is the latest in the famed firm’s long string of contracts with the U.S. Army. It was also named the second-source provider for the cartridges in 2021, although that contract is superseded by the latest agreement.
The U.S. military is transitioning to 6.8x51 mm-chambered Next Generation Squad Weapons, however. To gear up for production of the new 6.8x51 mm cartridge at LCAAP, the government tapped into Winchester’s expertise in 2022 to analyze and design manufacturing facilities at the plant. In March 2025, ground was broken for the new site and construction began.
“Winchester is proud to continue serving as a trusted supplier of world class small caliber ammunition to the U.S. Military,” said Winchester President Brett Flaugher.
Winchester is a global leader in the development, production and supply of advanced, high performance small caliber ammunition. Since World War I, Winchester has been the U.S. Army’s largest commercial supplier of small caliber ammunition and has supported law enforcement and U.S. armed forces for decades.
