CCI Ammunition (Cascade Cartridges Inc.) is a leading manufacturer of rimfire and centerfire ammunition in the United States. It was founded in 1951 by Richard “Dick” Speer in Lewiston, Idaho, and has since become a renowned name in the firearms industry, particularly for its high-quality and innovative ammunition.
Here’s an overview of CCI Ammunition:
1. Specialization
- Rimfire Ammunition: CCI is particularly well-known for its rimfire ammunition, which includes .22 Long Rifle (LR), .17 HMR, .22 WMR, and other small calibers. Their .22 LR rounds are especially popular for target shooting, plinking, and small-game hunting.
- Centerfire Ammunition: Though primarily known for rimfire rounds, CCI also manufactures centerfire primers used by handloaders and in various centerfire cartridges.
2. Innovative Products
CCI has developed a reputation for innovation. Some of their notable products include:
- CCI Stinger: One of the fastest .22 LR rounds available, offering high velocity and excellent performance for varmint control.
- CCI Mini-Mag: A premium-quality .22 LR round, known for its reliability and accuracy. It’s widely used for everything from target shooting to small-game hunting.
- CCI Quiet-22: A low-noise .22 LR round designed for situations where sound reduction is important without using a suppressor.
- CCI Shotshells: Popular for pest control, these small-caliber rounds are loaded with pellets for short-range use.
3. Primers
CCI is also a major producer of high-quality primers for reloading. Their primers are known for consistent ignition, making them a favorite among reloaders who prioritize precision and reliability. They offer a range of primers, including those for small pistol, large rifle, and magnum cartridges.
4. Performance and Reliability
CCI ammunition is favored for its reliability, consistent performance, and high standards in quality control. Shooters trust their products for various uses, including:
- Target shooting
- Plinking
- Hunting (small game, varmint control)
- Competition shooting
5. Environmental Responsibility
CCI has made efforts in recent years to offer environmentally friendly options, including lead-free bullets and primers. These products are designed for hunters and shooters who are concerned about environmental impact, particularly in areas where lead contamination is a concern.
6. Parent Company
CCI is part of Vista Outdoor, a major outdoor sports and recreation company that owns other notable ammunition brands such as Federal Premium, Speer, and Remington.
7. Industry Reputation
CCI has built a strong reputation over decades of operation. Their products are trusted by hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel for consistent and accurate performance.
In summary, CCI Ammunition is a trusted and innovative manufacturer, especially noted for its rimfire ammunition. It has a solid reputation for delivering reliable and high-performance rounds across a range of applications.
