Ammunition Depot is your trusted destination when shopping for Cheap Ammo for Sale. View our in-stock selection of Bulk Rifle Ammo, Rifle Magazines, and Rifles for sale from the manufacturers you trust. Learn More

Rifle Ammo

About Rifle Ammo

The history of rifle ammunition dates back to the 19th century when black powder was the primary propellant for firearms. Early rifle ammunition was typically made with lead bullets and black powder, which limited its range and accuracy.

In the late 1800s, smokeless powder was introduced, which allowed for higher velocities and improved accuracy. This led to the development of new rifle cartridges, such as the .30-30 Winchester and the .303 British, which quickly became popular for hunting and military use.

Over time, manufacturers adopted rimfire cartridges to be fired from rifles as small as .22 caliber to as large as .58 caliber.

Shooters immediately liked these rimfire cartridges, as they were faster and easier to reload than a muzzleloader and were also easier to transport.

During World War I and II, advancements in metallurgy and manufacturing processes led to the development of even more powerful rifle cartridges, such as the 30-06 Springfield and the 7.62x54R, which were used in military rifles such as the M1 Garand.

In the post-war era, advancements in ballistics technology led to the development of even more specialized rifle ammunition, such as the 308 Winchester and the 223 Remington, which became extremely popular for hunting and tactical applications.

Rifle ammunition continues to evolve with advancements in cartridge development, bullet design, and powder technology.

As a result, modern rifle ammo is capable of exceptional accuracy, range, and power.

Purchasing Rifle Ammunition

Many owners believe having access to a consistent supply of ammunition is essential to firearm ownership. Without the right ammo, owners lose their ability to hunt their favorite game, practice on the range, or defense their home.

Over the past few years, it's gotten more challenging for individual gun owners to maintain a good supply of ammo as nationwide ammunition supply shortages continue to grip the United States.

Luckily at Ammunition Depot, you'll find a significant selection of the most popular rifle ammunition for sale. In addition, our range of in-stock items continuously sets Ammunition Depot aside from the competition because we make it a point to have everything in stock across the board as often as possible.

From 20-round boxes to case lot purchases, we have anything your modern rifle needs, and in most states, your ammo can be delivered directly to your door.

Popular Types of Rifle Ammunition

223 Ammo
5.56 Ammo
7.62x39 Ammo
308 Ammo

300 Blackout Ammo
6.5 Creedmoor Ammo
30-06 Ammo
6.5 Grendel Ammo

22LR Ammo
350 Legend Ammo
450 Bushmaster Ammo
303 British Ammo

Rifle Ammunition Features

POWER
Rifle ammo is typically more powerful than handgun ammunition, making it a better choice for hunting larger game or for self-defense against larger or more heavily-armored targets.

TERMINAL BALLISTICS
Rifle ammo is designed to deliver maximum energy transfer to the target, which can be important in hunting or self-defense situations.

SPECIALTY ROUNDS
Rifle ammunition is available in a wide range of specialty rounds, such as armor-piercing, tracer, and incendiary, which can be useful in certain situations.

VERSATILITY
Today’s Rifle ammunition is designed to be reliable and function properly in a wide range of firearms.

Rifle ammo is also available in many different calibers and styles, making it suitable for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense.

LONG RANGE ACCURACY
Rifle ammunition is designed to be more accurate at longer ranges than handgun ammunition, thanks to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.

Thanks to modern technically, rifle ammo is manufactured to very high standards, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot.

AVAILABILITY
In many cases, rifle ammunition is less expensive than handgun ammunition, making it a cost-effective choice for target shooting and hunting.

Additionally, rifle ammo is widely available in a variety of calibers and brands at most sporting goods stores, gun shops, and online retailers.

Rifle Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What is rifle ammunition?

ANSWER: Rifle ammunition is a type of ammunition designed for use in rifles. It typically consists of a cartridge containing a bullet, gunpowder, and a primer.

QUESTION: What are the common types of rifle ammunition?

ANSWER: Common types of rifle ammunition include 22 Long Rifle, 223 Remington, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 7.62x39mm, and 300 Winchester Magnum, among others.

QUESTION: How is rifle ammunition different from handgun ammunition?

ANSWER: Rifle ammunition is typically longer, faster, and more powerful than handgun ammunition. It is designed for use in rifles, which have longer barrels and are capable of firing rounds at higher velocities than handguns.

QUESTION: What are the components of a rifle cartridge?

ANSWER: The components of a rifle cartridge include the case, primer, gunpowder, and bullet.

QUESTION: How old do you have to be to buy rifle ammo?

ANSWER: Purchase restrictions on ammunition, like all things firearm-related, are regulated by the ATF.

ATF regulations state that the minimum age to purchase ammo matches the minimum age to purchase the relevant firearm. The age to purchase rifles is 18 years old, so it's the same for rifle ammunition.

QUESTION: Where should you store rifle ammo?

ANSWER: Rifle ammunition does not require special storage when compared to other ammunition. A dedicated room for storage is always preferred for ammunition storage but is not required. Any cool, dry location will suffice.

QUESTION: What is the best rifle ammo?

ANSWER: The short answer is the ammo that you have available. After that, the best ammunition is the one you can find that fits your budget and your firearm.

Manufacturers make ammunition to fit certain specifications based on intended firearm and use. The best ammunition for you will be the one that most closely aligns with those for your situation.

QUESTION: What is considered pistol ammo versus rifle?

ANSWER: Whether ammunition is pistol or rifle ammo is defined by the ATF using jurisdiction provided under the Gun Control Act of 1968. It's the ATF's job to define ammo to assist in regulation. The ATF defines ammunition based on the firearm the round is designed for.

Rifle ammo, then, is ammunition designed to be fired from a rifle. Pistol (or handgun in ATF terminology) ammunition is intended for use in pistols.

QUESTION: How much does rifle ammo cost?

ANSWER: Rifle ammunition varies in price based on caliber and other factors like supply and demand. Certain rifle calibers that are not in high demand and have a relatively low supply are priced differently than a 223 or 5.56 rifle round is.

Rifle rounds have ranged from as low as $0.05 per round for .22 caliber rounds to over $10 for a 50 caliber round. Depending on fluctuations in supply, that scale will slide accordingly.

QUESTION: Where can I buy rifle ammo?

ANSWER: Rifles are very common firearms, so rifle ammunition is relatively easy to find. Every retailer of ammunition or firearms carries rifle ammunition of some kind, typically the most in demand calibers. Ammunition Depot is no exception; rifle ammo is one of the main categories available on the site.

QUESTION: Can I buy rifle ammo in bulk?

ANSWER: Yes, absolutely! Ammunition Depot and other ammo retailers have many rifle ammunition options available in bulk.

You can find bulk rifle ammunition in a wide variety of calibers, including .223, 5.56 and 7.62x39 (just to name a few). Bulk rifle ammunition is readily available here and at other ammunition sellers.