CCI Ammo For Sale

Founded in 1951 by Richard “Dick” Speer in Lewiston, Idaho, CCI (Cascade Cartridge, Inc.) emerged as a pioneer in ammunition manufacturing. Inspired by his brother Vernon Speer’s success with Speer Bullets, Richard applied his mechanical expertise to produce high-quality cases and primers, starting in a small space within his brother’s plant. Initially focused on serving reloaders and competitive shooters, CCI quickly became known for its innovative approach to ammunition production.

Growth and Innovation

In the early years, CCI faced material shortages stemming from World War II but excelled by producing non-corrosive, non-mercuric primers. The addition of Dr. Victor Jasaitis, a Lithuanian chemist and explosives expert, marked a turning point. Under his guidance, CCI developed superior primers and manufacturing processes, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

The farm-turned-factory in Lewiston became a hub for innovation, featuring modern laboratories and specialized manufacturing facilities. CCI’s commitment to quality was evident when their primers set a handloader accuracy record in 1955 and earned government contracts specifying their unique standards.

Key Products and Innovations

CCI introduced the world's first hypervelocity 22 LR ammo with its Stinger line, cementing its reputation for cutting-edge rimfire products:

• Mini-Mag™: A popular rimfire cartridge known for reliability.
• Velocitor™: The fastest 40-grain .22 LR load available.
• Segmented Hollow Point and Silhouette: Advanced rimfire offerings.
• Hypervelocity .22 Magnum Rimfire: Another first for CCI.

For shooters seeking an affordable yet reliable option for high-volume range sessions, CCI also produces the Blazer line. Designed specifically for plinking and target practice, CCI Blazer 22LR offers consistent performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it a popular choice for extended shooting sessions — stocking up with bulk 22 ammo keeps the cost per round as low as possible. Read our CCI Blazer 22LR review for detailed performance testing and comparisons with other CCI rimfire offerings. On the centerfire side, that same value-driven approach carries over to Blazer Brass ammo, offering reloadable brass-cased loads in popular pistol calibers like 9mm and 45 ACP. For the parent brand's own 9mm shelf, see our CCI 9mm ammo page.

These products, alongside improvements in primers, have made CCI a favorite among sport shooters, hunters, and reloaders. The CCI Mini Mag 22LR remains one of their most popular offerings for reliable performance. CCI also produces a well-regarded line of 17 HMR ammo, having been among the first manufacturers to support the cartridge after Hornady introduced it in 2002.

Commitment to Excellence

Today, CCI remains a cornerstone of the Lewiston community, employing over 1,000 people and operating cutting-edge facilities, including a 37,000-square-foot addition completed in 2017. This high-tech expansion focuses on .22-caliber rimfire ammunition production, designed by CCI’s in-house engineers for superior efficiency and quality.

In addition to providing top-notch ammunition, CCI actively supports the National Shooting Sports Foundation and engages in advocacy for the Second Amendment. Curious how their ammo holds up in real-world testing? Our CCI ammo review breaks down performance across their most popular lines.

Written by

Sam Jacobs