Austin, Texas — September 3rd, 2026 — .22 LR ammunition prices rose the most in August 2026 compared to other popular calibers according to data compiled by Caliber King, with prices per round up 10% month over month in August. Prices for two widely-used handgun rounds also increased over the same period, with 9mm up 4.4%, and .380 ACP up 2.8%. 7.62x39mm was the only caliber to fall, down slightly, with prices coming in at 2.2% lower than last month, per round.
Although this report focuses on August ammunition prices, broader 180-day price data from Caliber King shows several interesting trends in light of August’s monthly snapshot. For the last 180 days, .22 LR saw the sharpest increase among popular calibers, up nearly 26% as the average cost per round moved from 6¢ to 7.5¢.
6.5 Creedmoor rose just 0.9% in August after falling 10% in June, but is still up 10.9% over the same 180-day window. Prices for 6.5 Creedmoor are now averaging 99.3¢ per round. Finally, .380 ACP, coming out of a longer-term decline of 9.2% in the last 180 days, rose 2.8% last month.
“.22 LR prices increased the most in August, up 10%, continuing a trailing 180 day trajectory, with prices per round now up 25.9%,” said Hilton Hart, founder and CEO of Caliber King. “My guess is that this increase is due to both copper prices going up and the discontinuation of the federal transfer tax stamp for suppressors as of January 1st, 2026.”
Caliber King will continue to monitor the situation regarding .22 LR along with all other popular calibers and publish its findings in monthly reports. For more information on these numbers, users can view interactive charts on Caliber King which let shooting enthusiasts compare live price-per-round trends and decide whether it is worth buying now or waiting.