CCI ammunition has built a reputation in rimfire and centerfire markets by focusing on consistent ignition and clean-burning propellants. They’re known particularly for their rimfire offerings, where primer reliability matters most, but their centerfire lineup has gained traction among shooters who want predictable performance without the premium tier pricing. The company operates as part of a larger ammunition manufacturing group, sharing facilities and quality control protocols with sister brands while maintaining distinct product lines.
Rimfire Ammunition
The rimfire lineup is where CCI built their name. Their standard velocity options work well for precision shooting where you want to avoid breaking the sound barrier. The high velocity loads push lighter projectiles faster for small game hunting and pest control. Mini-Mag has become a staple for reliability in semi-automatic rimfire firearms. These loads use clean-burning powders that reduce fouling in actions and suppressors.
Centerfire Handgun Ammunition
CCI ammo 9mm and other centerfire pistol calibers focus on training and plinking applications. The Blazer line uses aluminum cases to reduce costs while maintaining the same primer and powder standards as their brass-cased offerings. Brass-cased options are available for shooters who reload. The loads are typically ball ammunition with full metal jacket projectiles, designed for reliable feeding and consistent velocities across different barrel lengths.
CCI Ammo FAQs
What does CCI stand for in ammo?
CCI stands for Cascade Cartridge Inc., the original company name when they began manufacturing ammunition. The brand has retained this abbreviation even as the company has evolved and become part of a larger ammunition manufacturing group. The name remains associated with their focus on rimfire and small-caliber ammunition production.
Is CCI ammunition good quality?
CCI ammunition offers reliable performance for training and practice applications, with particular strength in consistent ignition due to their in-house primer manufacturing. The ammunition runs cleanly in semi-automatic firearms and produces consistent velocities across production lots. While it’s positioned as a value option rather than premium match-grade ammunition, it delivers the reliability that matters for high-volume shooting and general use.
Who manufactures CCI ammunition?
CCI operates as part of Vista Outdoor’s ammunition manufacturing division, sharing facilities and quality control systems with sister brands in the group. They handle their own primer production, which is a key component of their product identity. Manufacturing takes place at facilities that produce both rimfire and centerfire ammunition using vertically integrated processes from primer production through final assembly.























