Burning through rounds at the range is the only way to get better—but if you’re not careful, it can eat through your wallet just as fast. The good news is there’s plenty of range ammo out there that won’t cost a fortune and still runs clean and reliable.
I’ve put thousands of rounds through all kinds of platforms, and not all budget ammo is created equal. These picks have proven themselves over time—good performance, decent price, and no constant clearing of malfunctions. Just the kind of stuff you want when you’re getting in reps.
Blazer Brass
Blazer Brass is one of the most popular options for range days, and for good reason. It’s reliable, clean enough to not foul your gun too quickly, and usually one of the better deals in bulk. You’re getting reloadable brass and decent consistency across rounds.
If you’re just looking to send a lot of lead downrange without feeding issues, it’s a great choice. Works well in most pistols, and you won’t feel bad burning through a few hundred rounds at a time.
Federal American Eagle
Federal’s American Eagle line gives you consistent performance without the high-end price. It’s not match-grade, but it feeds and fires like it should, and that’s what matters when you’re working drills or breaking in a new gun.
You can usually find it in most calibers, and the brass is reloadable if you’re into that. It’s a good balance between quality and cost—especially if you’re training regularly and don’t want to deal with jams or weird inconsistencies.
Winchester White Box
Winchester’s White Box ammo has been a go-to for decades. It’s affordable, widely available, and runs well in most firearms. You might get a little more residue than premium ammo, but for practice, it’s not a deal breaker.
It’s solid range ammo for pistols, rifles, and even shotguns. Accuracy is decent, and malfunctions are rare. If you’re stocking up for regular sessions or just want something dependable without overthinking it, this is a safe bet.
Sellier & Bellot
Sellier & Bellot tends to fly under the radar, but it’s some of the better budget ammo out there. It’s consistent, cleaner than you’d expect at this price point, and comes in reloadable brass.
You’ll find it in a wide range of calibers, and it tends to cycle well in most semi-autos. For shooters who want a step up from steel case without jumping into premium stuff, this one hits that middle ground nicely.
PMC Bronze
PMC Bronze has a solid reputation for being clean, reliable, and priced right. It’s made in South Korea and has been around long enough to prove itself. Accuracy is solid for range use, and it’s reloadable if you’re looking to get more out of your brass.
It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable—exactly what you want when you’re running drills or just getting reps in. For the money, it’s one of the better options that won’t leave you dealing with constant malfunctions.
Aguila Ammo
Aguila might not be the first name that comes to mind, but it’s a budget-friendly option that actually performs. It runs clean enough, cycles well in most guns, and is priced low enough to stockpile for serious range time.
It’s especially popular for .22 LR, but their centerfire options are worth a look too. If you’re just looking for decent range ammo that won’t choke up your gear, Aguila holds its own without costing a fortune.
Tula Ammo (Steel Case)
Tula is one of the cheapest options out there—and it shows. It’s steel-cased, dirty, and not reloadable. But if you’re just punching paper and your gun eats steel fine, it’ll get the job done.
This stuff isn’t for picky guns or match practice, but it’s hard to beat the price. If you’re running an AK or a budget AR that doesn’t mind the grime, Tula’s worth considering for high-volume sessions.
Wolf Performance
Wolf is another steel-case option that’s cheap and available in bulk. It’s not the cleanest stuff out there, but it works—especially in guns that were built for it. Think AKs, SKSs, and some budget ARs.
It’s not reloadable and you might get a few dirtier mags, but if you’re going through hundreds of rounds, the price per box can make it worth it. Not great for all guns, but a reliable choice if yours handles steel without issue.
Remington UMC
Remington’s UMC line has been a staple in the range ammo world for years. It’s brass-cased, consistent, and usually easy to find. It’s not top-shelf ammo, but for practice, it hits all the marks—clean enough, reliable cycling, and good shelf life.
If you’re training on a regular basis or running drills, UMC gives you quality without dipping into your defensive ammo stash. It’s a middle-ground pick that still saves you money in the long run.
Fiocchi Range Dynamics
Fiocchi’s Range Dynamics line offers clean-burning ammo that runs well across a wide range of firearms. It’s brass-cased, reloadable, and generally very consistent in terms of velocity and accuracy.
It’s a little pricier than some other range ammo, but not by much. If you want decent performance without going full premium, this stuff gives you smooth function and fewer surprises. Great for pistol and rifle work alike.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
