Expansion Ammunition
Expansion Ammunition: In Depth
Expansion Ammunition, based in Carrollton, Texas , is a forward-thinking company that was established in 2013. As a relatively new player in the ammunition industry, Expansion Ammunition is quickly making its mark, especially with its commitment to addressing the critical shortages that affect shooters nationwide. This commitment is exemplified by their recent investment in a new primer production facility near their headquarters, set on the grounds of the historic Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant.
This new venture is a strategic move by Expansion Ammunition to increase the availability of primers , a component critically scarce for handloaders in recent years. With an investment of $100 million, the company is not only revitalizing a piece of American history but also setting the stage for a significant increase in production capacity. This expansion aligns with their mission to support the Second Amendment and the freedoms it represents, echoing through every box of ammunition they produce, which proudly emphasizes American liberty and self-defense.
Expansion Ammunition manufactures a variety of small arms ammunition, including pistol and rifle rounds , along with essential reloading components —especially primers . Their commitment to quality and support for the shooting sports community is well-regarded. As they prepare to open this new facility, they are also actively hiring, bringing much-needed jobs to the Carrollton area and reinforcing their role as a significant employer in the community.
With the new primer production facility, Expansion Ammunition aims to be a beacon of innovation and support in the firearms industry. Their efforts are not just about meeting market demand but are deeply intertwined with a commitment to preserving American freedoms and enhancing the shooting sports landscape. This dual focus on business growth and advocacy for constitutional rights sets Expansion Ammunition apart as a leader in the industry and a staunch defender of the Second Amendment.
Expansion Ammo History
Founded in 2013, Expansion Ammunition began its journey in the basement of the Smissen family home. The company's owner and founder, Richard A. Smissen, recognized a significant opportunity during a widespread ammunition shortage and decided to take action. His vision was to ensure that Americans could access affordable and quality shooting products, upholding the principles of the Second Amendment.
Expansion Ammunition quickly became recognized in the firearm community for its commitment to reliability and American values. As the company grew, it gained a reputation for producing dependable ammunition that supports the rights of gun owners and enthusiasts across the nation.
With its growing success, Expansion Ammunition soon embarked on market expansion strategies to meet the increasing demand for its products. This led to the establishment of a new ammunition plant in Texas. Located on the site of the old Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant west of Texarkana, this new facility represents a significant step in the company’s evolution. The plant is part of a $35 million construction project that includes state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities for primers , brass casings , and projectiles, enabling Expansion Ammunition to produce nearly all components of their ammunition in-house.
This expansion not only underscores Expansion's role as a pivotal player in the ammunition industry but also highlights their commitment to enhancing production capacity and employment in the region. The new Texas facility is expected to bring over 400 jobs to the area, bolstering the local economy and reinforcing the company’s role as a major employer in the firearms sector. Through innovation, strategic growth, and a deep-rooted belief in American freedoms, Expansion Ammunition continues to make significant strides in the ammunition market.
Expansion Ammunition Products Overview
Expansion Ammo Primers
Small Pistol Primers #7 Brass
- Use-Case: These primers were designed for reloading small pistol cartridges, popular among hand-loading enthusiasts for personal use or competitive shooting.
- Unique Features: Noted for their consistent ignition and superior sensitivity, these primers helped to ensure reliable firing and optimal performance under varying conditions.
Small Rifle Primers #77 Brass
- Use-Case: These primers were essential for reloading small rifle cartridges, used by those who hand-load their ammunition for precision shooting or hunting.
- Unique Features: Renowned for their reliability and consistent performance, these primers were favored for their ability to maintain stability and ignition quality in diverse weather conditions.
Expansion Ammo Pistol Ammunition
9mm 115 Grain FMJ
- Use-Case: Ideal for target shooting and general practice, this ammunition is designed for use in 9mm pistols, offering a good balance between cost and performance for regular shooters.
- Unique Features: Features a full metal jacket bullet that provides excellent feeding and reliability, along with minimal barrel fouling, making it a preferred choice for extended shooting sessions.
Expansion Ammo Rifle Ammunition
.223 Remington 55gr
- Use-Case: This ammunition is suited for a broad range of activities, including tactical training, home defense, and varmint hunting, due to its effectiveness in .223 caliber rifles.
- Unique Features: Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, this ammo offers precise accuracy, essential for both competitive shooting and small game hunting.
12.7 x 108mm Steel Cased NSV
- Use-Case: Specifically engineered for the NSV heavy machine gun, this ammunition is used predominantly in military and defense operations, providing high-caliber support in combat scenarios.
- Unique Features: These rounds are designed to perform reliably in harsh conditions, offering consistent power and durability necessary for heavy-duty machine guns.
12.7 x 108mm Steel Cased DSHK
- Use-Case: Tailored for the DShK heavy machine gun, these cartridges are crucial for defense engagements where high-caliber firepower is essential.
- Unique Features: Similar to the NSV ammo, these rounds ensure high performance with robust casings and effective ballistics suitable for extreme operational demands.
Where is Expansion Ammunition Made?
Expansion Ammunition proudly manufactures its products in the United States, with a significant focus on its operations in Texas . The company's transformation from a basement startup into a notable industry player emphasizes its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality shooting products.
At the heart of Expansion Ammunition's operations is its new facility in Texas, located on a 200-acre site previously known as the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant west of Texarkana. This site is currently under a $35 million renovation to become a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant dedicated primarily to producing primers. Future plans include expanding operations to manufacture brass casings and projectiles, ensuring that nearly all components of Expansion's ammunition are made onsite, with the exception of powder.
This Texan facility is not only pivotal for its production capabilities but also carries historical importance and robust infrastructure, featuring buildings designed to withstand significant explosions—a necessary feature for primer production. Expansion Ammunition's development in Texas is set to create hundreds of jobs, positively impacting the local economy and providing opportunities, especially for veterans.
In addition to the Texarkana site, Expansion Ammunition maintains a corporate office in Dallas, Texas, and operates a research and development department along with manufacturing operations just outside Joplin, Missouri . The Missouri facility significantly enhances the company's capacity for innovation and production.
Expansion Ammunition is not only proud to be an American-made brand but holds a special pride in its Texan roots, emphasizing local production and support to the Texan community. This strategic development of their facilities across the United States demonstrates a deep commitment to enhancing U.S.-based manufacturing, controlling more of the production process, and minimizing dependency on external suppliers, particularly for critical components like primers.