MEET THE 2025 AMMO EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS
The firearms community has spoken. After weeks of voting, the results are in and the top performers of the year have earned their place at the top of the 2025 Ammo Excellence Awards.
THE HARVEST MASTER
Hornady's excellence is earned, not inherited. The Precision Hunter ELD-X once again claims the Harvest Master title by delivering the kind of real-world performance hunters demand when it matters most. Designed for consistency across a wide range of distances, the ELD-X projectile’s Heat Shield® tip preserves its ballistic profile in flight while enabling reliable, controlled expansion on impact.
What sets Precision Hunter apart is its balance — match-grade accuracy paired with terminal performance hunters can trust. Whether stretching shots across open terrain or working inside traditional hunting distances, this load continues to prove why it remains a benchmark for ethical, effective harvests season after season.
THE TIME TESTED TROPHY
Consistency is what earns trust — and Federal continues to prove why it owns this category. Year after year, shooters rely on Federal for ammunition that performs exactly as expected, whether on the range, in competition, or in the field. That reliability isn’t accidental; it’s the result of disciplined manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and designs that have stood up to real-world use over time.
From flagship Premium loads to everyday staples, Federal’s lineup reflects a commitment to doing the fundamentals right. This repeat win is less about nostalgia and more about results — dependable performance that shooters know they can count on, season after season.
THE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Affordability matters — but performance still counts. CCI Blazer continues to dominate the value category by delivering ammunition that shooters can run hard without second-guessing reliability or consistency. Built for high-volume range time, Blazer loads offer dependable cycling and repeatable accuracy at a price point that keeps practice sessions frequent and accessible.
THE BRASS CROWN
2025 belongs to Federal. With a year defined by consistency, scale, and proven performance, Federal stood out across multiple categories—delivering dependable factory ammunition trusted by professionals, competitors, and everyday shooters alike. From duty-ready loads to range staples and hunting cartridges, Federal continues to set the standard for reliability and real-world results, earning them the Brass Crown this year.
THE CRAFTSMAN'S CHOICE
Precision over volume defines the Craftsman’s Choice - and Underwood Ammo embodies that philosophy. Known for pushing performance beyond conventional factory loads, Underwood approaches every cartridge with an uncompromising focus on components, tolerances, and consistency. The result is ammunition trusted by shooters who demand more than off-the-shelf performance.
Rather than chasing mass production, Underwood’s approach emphasizes carefully assembled loads built to deliver repeatable results. This recognition reflects the respect they’ve earned among experienced shooters who value craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ammunition that performs exactly as intended.
THE EYE CANDY AWARD
Presentation matters — and Hornady continues to set the visual benchmark. Critical Defense stands out with packaging that is both striking and purposeful, combining bold design with clear, easy-to-read information shooters actually use. From its instantly recognizable color palette to its clean layout, everything is designed to communicate confidence at a glance.
Beyond shelf appeal, the packaging delivers clarity where it counts, clearly conveying application, performance intent, and key details without clutter. This year’s Eye Candy Award recognizes a product that proves great design isn’t just about looking good — it’s about making smart choices effortless for shooters.
THE FRONTIER MAKER
Innovation in ammunition isn’t about change for its own sake - it’s about expanding what’s possible in the field. Federal’s 7mm Backcountry represents a forward-thinking approach to cartridge design, delivering modern performance in a platform built for today’s hunters and shooters. Designed to maximize efficiency, reach, and real-world usability, it reflects a clear step beyond traditional offerings.
As the inaugural recipient of the Frontier Maker award, the 7mm Backcountry stands out for pushing boundaries while remaining practical. It’s a cartridge built for those who venture farther, shoot smarter, and expect innovation to translate into measurable performance - not just specs on paper.
THE GUARDIAN CHOICE
When the stakes are highest, performance isn’t optional. Federal HST has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted defensive loads on the market, delivering consistent expansion, controlled penetration, and dependable reliability across a wide range of duty and personal-defense platforms.
The Guardian Choice award recognizes ammunition designed to perform under real-world conditions — not ideal ones. Federal HST continues to meet that standard, which is why it remains a top choice among professionals and responsibly armed citizens alike. As the first recipient of this new category, HST sets a high benchmark for defensive performance moving forward.
THE MARKSMAN'S MASTERPIECE
Precision is measured in margins most shooters never see — and Federal Gold Medal Match continues to define that standard. Renowned for its exceptional consistency and repeatable accuracy, this load has long been trusted by competitive marksmen, precision shooters, and professionals who demand absolute confidence at distance.
From carefully selected components to meticulous assembly, Gold Medal Match is built to eliminate variables and reward disciplined shooting. This year’s Marksman’s Masterpiece award recognizes ammunition that doesn’t just perform well on paper, but delivers predictable, match-grade results when precision truly matters.
