Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Metal Shells & Casings
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
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Metal Shells & Casings Global Overview
Definition
Summary
This report is intended to assist buyers of metal shells and casings. Metal shells and casings compose the outer layer of ammunition cartridges for firearms. Market products can be purchased from distributors or directly from manufacturers. Key buyers in this market consist of government agencies and consumers.
This Report Includes:
- Metal Shells
- Metal Casings
Not in this Report:
- Bullets
- Primers
- Propellants
Classification:
Global Metal Shells & Casings Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Metal Shells & Casings market.
Warning Trends
Public sector demand slumps as the government enters shutdown
- On October 1, the US federal government entered a shutdown after negotiations for a new appropriations bill failed.
- During a government shutdown, essential federal government operations, such as law enforcement, air-traffic control, and social security, persist, while nonessential operations are paused and workers involved in these operations are furloughed. Thus, the current shutdown is expected to result in 750,000 federal workers being furloughed, representing a $400 million reduction in daily expenditure by the federal government.
- This significant reduction in federal spending and operations will affect the entire US economy, weakening aggregate demand and slowing economic growth. For example, the 35-day government shutdown in Q1, 2019, reduced aggregate demand in both the public and private sectors, resulting in a 0.2% reduction in GDP growth that quarter.
- The effects of the shutdown are likely to be most acute in markets where the public sector is a major buyer segment, weakening demand and increasing average vendor risk by destabilizing important revenue streams.
- As negotiations for a new appropriations bill to reopen the government remain ongoing, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor the situation and update this story with the latest information.
Increased tariffs on copper imports take effect
- On August 1, the Trump administration implemented 50.0% tariffs on imported copper. Chile and Canada will be most impacted by these tariffs, as they account for a combined 87.0% of all copper imports in the United States.
- However, these tariffs are less sweeping than initially expected, only applying to semi-finished copper products, while excluding high-purity refined copper and copper input materials, such as ore and concentrate. As leading importers, such as Chile and Canada, have both high copper mining and refining capacities, they will likely avoid most of these tariffs by either exporting the copper in its unrefined form or refining the copper before exporting it to the United States
- These copper tariff exemptions limit the impact on the electronics and electrical equipment sectors because these applications require refined copper due to its optimal conductive properties.
- Thus, the prices of metal alloys that include copper, consumer products made from copper, tools, plumbing, corrosion-resistant alloys, and construction materials made from copper are forecast to rise by an average of 39.2%, according to the Yale Budget Lab.
Manufacturing component prices to rise in response to elevated tariffs
- The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply broad tariffs to all imports from most nations, are set to take effect on August 7 after the rates were finalized on August 1.
- However, these tariff increases exempt steel and aluminum products, which already face a flat tariff rate of 50.0% regardless of source country, except for the United Kingdom, as of mid-June.
- The tariffs on steel and aluminum are set to increase domestic prices for these metals by 37.6%, translating to similar price increases for manufacturing components made from these materials, such as springs, non-electric wire and cable, or fasteners.
- Nonmetallic manufacturing components, such as those made from plastic and other materials, are likely to see significant price increases when the reciprocal tariffs go into effect, with the Yale Budget Lab projecting an 11.0% average price increase for plastic and rubber goods.
- As tariff policy continues to evolve, this story will be continuously updated to reflect the impacts.
Global Metal Shells & Casings Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 19,975 |
| #2 China | 15,660 |
| #3 India | 11,360 |
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2
Geography Drilldown - US
Average Cost of Metal Shells & Casings
United States
2026 Market Pricing$15.00 to $XXX.XX
per 100 shellsAverage Price
Prices in the Metal Shells & Casings market range from $15.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Material, Complexity and Industry Standards. For example, lower prices are associated with Aluminum, steel casings (15.00 to $100 per 100 shells), whereas higher prices are associated with Titanium, special alloy steel casings ($150 to $900 per 100 shells).
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Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Metal Shells & Casings Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Metal Shells & Casings market, prices in the US have declined -0.4% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more
United States (2022-2025)
United States (2025-2028)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Metal Shells & Casings
Total cost of ownership is High in the Metal Shells & Casings market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Delays may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Billed During
Hardware
Unforeseen
Delays
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.9 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Brass Manufacturers
- Steel Manufacturers
- Metalworking Machinery Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Copper Refineries
- Zinc Refineries
- Iron Ore Mining Companies
- Semiconductor & Electrical Component Manufacturers
Biggest Metal Shells & Casings Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Metal Shells & Casings vendors by revenue in the US are Weatherby Inc., BPS Direct LLC and Starline Brass Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Dynamics Corporation | International | RESTON | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Vista Outdoor inc. | International | ANOKA, UT | 1,001-10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Olin Corporation | Global | CLAYTON, MO | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| BPS Direct LLC | Global | Springfield, MO | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Remington Outdoor Company Inc. | National | Madison, NC | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Starline Brass Inc. | National | Sedalia, MO | 51-100 | < 5 | ||||
| Weatherby Inc. | National | Sheridan, WY | 25-50 | < 5 | ||||
| Brownells, Incorporated | International | Montezuma, IA | 101-250 | < 5 | ||||
| Hornady Manufacturing Company | National | Grand Island, NE | 101-250 | < 5 | ||||
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Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Metal Shells & Casings market is 2.9% and falling. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
Market share concentration in the metal shells and casings market is low, with the four largest providers generating less than 30.0% of total revenue. This benefits buyer power by increasing competition between vendors in the market.
Brass manufacturers and their related upstream suppliers, which include copper and zinc refineries, present the highest risk to market providers’ supply chains. Brass requires copper and zinc as production inputs, both of which are highly volatile commodities.
Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, are the largest purchasers of metal shells and casings. The risks associated with this buyer group are moderate because demand depends on defense spending, which fluctuates regularly.
The United States is a net importer of steel, meaning it imports more steel than it exports. This increases risk as steel supply can be disrupted by factors like currency exchange rates and trade policies.
Supplier Information
General Dynamics Corporation
General Dynamics Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, engineers, and manufactures solutions for the aviation and defense markets. It organizes its business into four segments: the Aerospace segment, which provides aircraft, aircraft repair, and support and completion services... Subscribe to learn more
Vista Outdoor inc.
Vista Outdoor inc. is a public company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings and firearm ammunition. Founded in 2014, the company is currently headquartered in FARMINGTON, Utah, United States of America with an estimated 6900 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
BPS Direct LLC
BPS Direct LLC is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings and electroshock weapons. Founded in 1971, the company is currently headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, United States of America with an estimated 10000 employees.... Subscribe to learn more
Brownells, Incorporated
Brownells, Incorporated is a private company operating internationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings. Founded in 1939, the company is currently headquartered in Grinnell, Iowa, United States of America with an estimated 242 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Hornady Manufacturing Company
Hornady Manufacturing Company is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings and firearm ammunition. Founded in 1949, the company is currently headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, United States of America with an estimated Subscribe to learn more
MAST Technology, Inc.
MAST Technology, Inc. is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings. Founded in 1990, the company is currently headquartered in Independence, Missouri, United States of America with an estimated 130 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Nosler Inc.
Nosler Inc. is a private company operating globally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings and firearm ammunition. Founded in 1948, the company is currently headquartered in Bend, Oregon, United States of America with an estimated 118 employees. Subscribe to learn more
Olin Corporation
Olin Corporation is a global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and ammunition. It organizes its business into three segments: the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, which produces chlorine and caustic soda, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer, methyl chloride, methylene chloride,... Subscribe to learn more
Remington Outdoor Company Inc.
Remington Outdoor Company Inc. is a private company operating nationally in the manufacturing sector. The company's offerings include metal shells & casings, handguns and firearm ammunition. Founded in 2007, the company is currently headquartered in Madison, North Carolina, United States of America with an... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Metal Shells & Casings Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Cash Flow and Customer Retention Rate. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Quality and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Flow |
|
Press reports |
Vendors with positive cash flow are preferred because it signifies a higher level of profitability and solvency of the vendor. These factors minimize the risk of a supplier abruptly exiting the market. |
| Customer Retention Rate |
|
Client testimonials Press reports |
Vendors with a higher customer retention rate indicate a higher quality of service. The customer retention rate can determine the extent to which a company’s customer base fluctuates over time. |
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Price
Are transportation costs included in the final price of my order?
Do you offer volume discounts for large orders of metal shells and casings? If so, what volume do I need to order to maximize my savings?
Experience and Expertise
When was your company established and how long have you been operating in the metal shells and casings market?
Have you previously supplied metal shells and casings to an organization with operations similar to mine?
Geographic Coverage
Do you anticipate any difficulties delivering my order of metal shells and casings to my location?
What is the typical on-time delivery rate for your orders?
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Metal Shells & Casings RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should describe their organizations, including size and the geographic location of their operations.
Buyers should disclose their overall goals in sourcing metal shells and casings for their organizations.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should include the desired specifications of the shells or casings they need (caliber, maximum pressure, etc.).
Buyers should state the preferred material for the shells and casings.
Project Budget
Buyers should state the total value of the contract for the metal shells and casings, if available.
Buyers should state their preferences for payment, including method and frequency.
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We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
