Ammo Prices in 2026: What to Expect and When to Buy
If you've been waiting to stockpile ammunition, stop waiting. Multiple major manufacturers have announced price increases effective April 1, 2026, and import tariffs signed in 2025 are compounding costs on foreign-made ammo. This article breaks down what's happening, which calibers are most affected, and what you should buy before prices jump.
What's Happening in April 2026?
Federal, CCI, Remington, Blazer, Fiocchi, Speer, and Winchester have all announced price increases ranging from 2% to 12%, effective April 1, 2026. This isn't speculation — these are confirmed manufacturer price adjustments that retailers have already been notified about.
At the same time, tariffs signed in April 2025 continue to compound costs on imported ammunition. The current tariff structure includes a 10% blanket tariff on all imports, 50% on Brazilian imports (affecting Magtech and CBC), 37% on Serbian imports (affecting PPU/Prvi Partizan), and 25% on South Korean imports (affecting PMC/Poongsan).
Which Calibers Are Most Affected?
7.62x39mm is the hardest hit. The Russian import ban means steel-case supply is finite and dwindling. Once existing inventory sells through, there's no replacement source at comparable prices. Brass alternatives from Serbia and Bosnia face 37% tariffs. If you shoot an AK or SKS, buy now — this caliber is only getting more expensive.
9mm and 5.56/.223 will see moderate increases. Domestic production keeps prices somewhat stable, but raw material costs and the manufacturer price hikes will push prices up 5-10% by summer.
.300 Blackout is already rising. Magtech (a Brazilian manufacturer) faces 50% tariffs, and they're one of the primary sources of affordable .300 BLK. SGAmmo reports prices rising approximately $60 per case in the near term.
Current Best Prices (Buy Before April)
Winchester 9mm 115gr FMJ — 1,000 Rounds
PPU M193 5.56 55gr — 1,000 Round Canister
Wolf 7.62x39 122gr Steel — 1,000 Rounds
What Should You Do?
If you shoot regularly: Buy your primary calibers now, in case quantities. The math is simple — even a 5% price increase on a $220 case of 9mm is $11 more per case. Buy 5 cases now and you save $55 versus waiting until May.
If you shoot 7.62x39: This is urgent. Steel-case supply is finite. Buy what you can afford now, because these prices aren't coming back.
If you're on a budget: Focus on .22 LR. It's the one caliber that's remained remarkably stable and is currently at near-historic low prices. At $0.05/round, you can practice for almost nothing.
Check our Price Check tool to see fair market prices for every caliber before you buy, and browse our Deals page for the latest prices across major retailers.