Shotgun Ammunition Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Gauge Type (12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, 16 Gauge, Others), By Application, By Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Central & South America, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Shotgun Ammunition Market Size & Trends

The global shotgun ammunition market size was estimated at USD 3.20 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030, driven by rising interest in recreational shooting, hunting, and home defense. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe are experiencing a surge in gun ownership, which in turn fuels the need for ammunition.

In particular, post-pandemic consumer behavior shows a growing trend toward outdoor activities, with shooting sports becoming increasingly popular among younger demographics. Additionally, governments in some regions have loosened gun laws or provided subsidies for shooting clubs, further encouraging the uptake of shotguns and their corresponding ammunition. Several key factors are driving this rising demand. One major driver is the increased emphasis on personal safety and home defense, especially in countries experiencing rising crime rates or civil unrest. Another factor is the resurgence of hunting as a leisure activity and a sustainable food source, especially in rural areas. Military and law enforcement agencies also contribute to consistent demand due to training and operational requirements. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms have made ammunition more accessible to consumers, expanding market reach and visibility, which adds to the growing sales volume.

Innovation is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the shotgun ammunition industry. Manufacturers are focusing on developing more efficient, eco-friendly, and specialized rounds to cater to different needs, such as low-recoil shells for beginners or non-toxic shot options for environmental compliance in hunting. Advancements in materials and ballistics technology are leading to more accurate and cleaner-burning ammunition. Some companies are also investing in smart technology integration, including embedded sensors for training purposes. These innovations not only enhance user experience but also help manufacturers differentiate their products in a competitive and tightly regulated market.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The shotgun ammunition industry exhibits a moderate to high level of market concentration, with a few dominant players controlling a significant share of global production and distribution. Companies like Vista Outdoor Inc. (Federal Premium), Olin Corporation (Winchester), and Remington Ammunition have established strong brand recognition and extensive distribution networks, allowing them to maintain their competitive edge. These firms benefit from economies of scale, long-standing relationships with defense and law enforcement agencies, and continued investment in product innovation. However, the market also sees participation from smaller regional players and specialized manufacturers who cater to niche segments such as eco-friendly or custom-loaded shells, adding a layer of competition.

Regarding product substitutes, the market faces indirect competition from other firearm ammunition types, such as handgun and rifle rounds, depending on the intended use. For instance, individuals looking for personal defense solutions may opt for handguns and their corresponding ammunition, which are often more compact and easier to handle than shotguns. Additionally, non-lethal alternatives like pepper spray, stun guns, and rubber bullets also serve as substitutes in the civilian self-defense segment. In recreational and sporting contexts, archery and air guns provide alternative experiences, though they do not fully replace the functionality or impact of shotguns. The availability and preference for these substitutes can influence demand dynamics within the market.

Gauge Type Insights

The 12-gauge segment led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 60.9% in 2024, due to its versatility, widespread availability, and broad range of applications. It is the most used gauge globally, favored by professionals and recreational users for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Its balanced combination of power, recoil, and payload capacity makes it suitable for various game types, from waterfowl to deer, and it is the standard in many law enforcement and military settings. The extensive selection of compatible firearms and ammunition types, ranging from birdshot to slugs, further reinforces its position as the market leader.

20 gauge is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 5.2% in the shotgun ammunition industry, driven by its appeal to newer shooters, women, and younger users due to its lighter recoil and more manageable weight. As participation in shooting sports expands across demographics, there's a growing demand for shotguns that offer comfort without significantly compromising performance. The 20-gauge is increasingly recognized as an effective option for upland game hunting and clay shooting, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a balance between usability and capability. Manufacturers are responding with more diverse 20-gauge offerings, further accelerating their market growth.

Application Insights

The military/law enforcement agencies segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 44.4% in 2024 due to rising global security concerns, increasing defense budgets, and the need for versatile weaponry in close-quarters situations. Shotguns are valued by these forces for their effectiveness in breaching operations, riot control, and non-lethal crowd management, with specialized ammunition types such as bean bags, rubber slugs, and breaching rounds seeing increased demand. Ongoing modernization efforts, tactical training programs, and the equipping of special response teams drive procurement growth across developed and emerging markets. This surge in operational requirements and training exercises continues to boost ammunition consumption in the defense and law enforcement sectors.

The civilian segment is growing faster due to the widespread use of shotguns for recreational activities such as hunting and sport shooting, as well as for personal and home defense. In countries like the United States, where gun ownership is prevalent and relatively accessible, civilian consumers represent the largest customer base for ammunition purchases. The growing popularity of outdoor and shooting sports, particularly among younger demographics and women, has further fueled this demand. Additionally, the increasing perception of security threats has led many individuals to invest in shotguns for protection, driving consistent and high-volume ammunition purchases in the civilian sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of about 34.9 % in 2024, driven largely by increasing defense spending, expanding law enforcement capabilities, and a rising interest in shooting sports across countries like China, India, and South Korea. The region’s growing emphasis on internal security and modernization of police forces has led to heightened procurement of shotguns and related ammunition. Additionally, rising disposable incomes and expanding recreational shooting facilities encourage civilian use, further strengthening the market's dominance in this region.

China Shotgun Ammunition Market Trends

China is a key contributor to the Asia Pacific region’s leadership in the shotgun ammunition market. The country is heavily investing in upgrading its military and law enforcement equipment, including adopting specialized firearms and ammunition for riot control and internal security. While civilian firearm ownership is highly restricted, the state-driven demand from security forces ensures consistent market growth. Moreover, China's capacity for domestic production enables it to meet internal demand while also exporting to neighboring countries.

North America Shotgun Ammunition Market Trends

North America holds a significant share in the global shotgun ammunition market, with the U.S. accounting for most of the regional demand. High civilian gun ownership, coupled with a deeply ingrained hunting and shooting culture, supports sustained ammunition sales. The presence of major manufacturers and well-established distribution channels further contributes to the region’s market strength. In addition, continued investments in defense and homeland security programs drive military and law enforcement consumption of shotgun shells.

The U.S. shotgun ammunition market is one of the largest consumers worldwide. It is fueled by a robust civilian market, extensive recreational shooting use, and strong Second Amendment protections. Shotguns are widely used for home defense, hunting, and competitive shooting, creating consistent demand across various user segments. Law enforcement and military agencies also contribute to market growth through regular training and tactical operations procurement. The U.S. market benefits from domestic production, diverse product offerings, and a mature retail ecosystem.

Europe Shotgun Ammunition Market Trends

Europe represents a mature and steadily growing market for shotgun ammunition, supported by a long-standing tradition of hunting and shooting sports, particularly in countries like Germany, the UK, and France. Regulatory frameworks vary across the region but generally allow for civilian use under strict licensing conditions, sustaining demand. Additionally, NATO-led defense initiatives and increased focus on internal security have led to higher ammunition procurement for law enforcement and military forces, particularly in Eastern European countries.

The Germany shotgun ammunition market plays a pivotal role in Europe’s shotgun ammunition market, with strong demand driven by regulated civilian ownership for hunting and sport shooting. The country’s robust manufacturing base and emphasis on quality and precision make it a key producer and consumer of ammunition. Moreover, German law enforcement agencies frequently update their tactical equipment, including non-lethal shotgun rounds for crowd control, contributing to market growth. The presence of organized shooting clubs and competitive shooting events also fuels consistent civilian demand.

Central & South America Shotgun Ammunition Market Trends

The shotgun ammunition market in Central & South America is growing steadily, supported by rising crime rates and the increasing need for law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are expanding their security forces and investing in tactical gear, including shotguns and compatible ammunition. Additionally, in rural regions, shotguns are widely used for hunting and property defense, further sustaining demand. However, political instability and import restrictions may occasionally hinder consistent market expansion

Middle East & Africa Shotgun Ammunition Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing gradual growth in the shotgun ammunition market, primarily driven by security concerns, terrorism threats, and regional conflicts that necessitate using versatile weaponry by military and law enforcement agencies. In Africa, shotguns are also commonly used in rural areas for hunting and protection against wildlife. While civilian ownership is generally more restricted, state-driven procurement and international defense aid contribute significantly to the market, with countries like South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE showing the highest activity levels.

Key Shotgun Ammunition Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Remington Ammunition and Olin Corporation

• Now part of Vista Outdoor, Remington Ammunition is one of the most recognized names in the U.S. shotgun ammunition industry. It is known for its wide range of reliable, high-performance shotshells for hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement.

• Olin Corporation, through its Winchester brand, is a major global player in shotgun ammunition. It supplies a diverse portfolio of shells for hunting, sport, and military use, backed by over 150 years of manufacturing expertise.

FN HERSTAL, FIOCCHI MUNIZIONI SPA are some of the emerging market participants in the shotgun ammunition market.  

• A prominent Belgian arms manufacturer, FN Herstal is a key supplier of military-grade ammunition, including specialized shotgun rounds used in tactical operations by armed forces and law enforcement worldwide.

• Headquartered in Italy, Fiocchi is a leading European manufacturer of shotgun ammunition. It offers a broad range of premium and competition-grade shotshells that are highly regarded among sports shooters and hunters worldwide.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Olin Corporation completed the acquisition of AMMO Inc.'s small-caliber ammunition assets, including a new 185,000-square-foot facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. This acquisition enhances Winchester's production capabilities and expands its reach into high-margin, specialty calibers.

• In 2025, Remington announced new additions to its ammunition offerings, including the Premier Royal Flush shotshells for upland game hunting and Duck Club Steel for waterfowl. These products are available in 12-gauge, 16-gauge, and 20-gauge options.

Shotgun Ammunition Market Report Scope

Global Shotgun Ammunition Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global shotgun ammunition market report based on gauge type, application, and region:

• Gauge Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 12 Gauge

  • 20 Gauge

  • 16 Gauge

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Civilian

  • Military/Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Sports

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa