About High Standard Manufacturing
Founded in 1968 by Bill Campbell in Stevensville, Montana, High Standard Manufacturing (HSM) Ammunition has become a respected leader in the world of American-made ammo.
With more than five decades of innovation and craftsmanship, HSM is trusted by hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and defensive firearm users for its reliable, accurate, and high-performance ammunition.
From the beginning, HSM has combined traditional loading techniques with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to meet the evolving demands of modern shooters.
Every round is crafted using premium components, subjected to strict quality control standards, and designed to deliver exceptional ballistic performance in real-world conditions. Whether you're heading into the backcountry, competing on the range, or stocking up for personal protection, HSM delivers ammunition you can rely on.
Known for its diverse lineup of specialized loads, HSM has developed some of the most well-respected products in the ammunition industry. Their Bear Load line, a go-to choice for wilderness defense, is engineered for stopping power in dangerous predator territory.
The Trophy Gold series, loaded with Berger VLD bullets, is designed for long-range hunters who demand sub-MOA accuracy, while their Game King, Pro Pistol Hunter, and Low Recoil lines cater to hunters and shooters of all skill levels.
HSM’s continued success stems from the Campbell family’s commitment to precision engineering and their deep-rooted experience—bringing together over 100 years of collective commercial loading knowledge.
Still proudly family-owned and operated, the company continues to manufacture ammunition in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, upholding the values of American craftsmanship, consistency, and safety.
Today, HSM Ammo is a household name among those who value precision, power, and dependability. Their extensive catalog includes a wide variety of rifle and handgun calibers tailored for hunting, cowboy action shooting, tactical training, and personal defense.
Each product is developed with real shooters in mind, offering confidence where it matters most—on the hunt, at the range, or in a critical moment of self-defense.
From the field to the firing line, HSM Ammunition stands as a symbol of reliability and innovation, delivering premium performance that meets the demands of today’s shooting sports community.
HSM Ammo Products
HSM understands that shooters have diverse needs and preferences, which is why they offer an extensive range of calibers and loads.
Whether you’re a long-range shooter seeking match-grade precision or a hunter looking for the perfect round to take down your game, HSM has ammunition tailored to your requirements.
This variety ensures that shooters can find the ideal load for their firearm and shooting discipline.
Popular HSM Rifle Ammo
Legends
The relatively new .350 Legend has been gaining in popularity at a rather startling pace. HSM has thus produced not one, but two iterations to add to the straight- walled cartridges now in demand from changes in certain hunting regulations.
Tipping Point
HSM Ammunition is proud to introduce a new line of extraordinary hunting cartridges that changes the paradigm of what to expect from factory loads.
Trophy Gold
When only the best will suffice, choose Trophy Gold. Select powders are chosen to maintain maximum velocity across extended distances. Matched with world-renowned Berger VLD bullets. Amazing results!
Game King
An entire lineup of fine hunting ammunition featuring time-honored Sierra GameKing/Pro-Hunter bullets. Whatever your quarry, HSM has a Game King cartridge for you. Available in 47 calibers.
Low Recoil
Shoots Great! Less Recoil! Only HSM offers this Low Recoil breakthrough. Featuring HSM proprietary world-renowned Sierra standard weight-for-caliber hunting bullets. Available in the 7 most popular hunting calibers.
Lead Free
Lead free rifle ammunition featuring famed Barnes TSX bullets that allows you to shoot or hunt where “restrictions may apply.” With no sacrifice in quality, accuracy, or performance.
Classics
Classic is a standard, every day, general purpose collection. Available in a wide variety of calibers (rifle and handgun), loads, and bullet types/weights. Quality at a reasonable price
Match
HSM’s vaunted Match ammunition has been known for leaving the big-name competitors anywhere close. The best components, time-honored crafting, make the difference. Available in a whopping 23 calibers
Dangerous Game
For that “Adventure of a Lifetime.” Available in .375 H&H, .416 Rem. Mag., .416 Rigby, and .458 Win. Mag. When the stakes are incredibly high, depend on HSM.
Varmint
HSM Varmint loads employ the same degree of engineering thoroughness as articulate HSM Match ammo. Accuracy again is at the apex of consideration when each component is chosen.
Popular HSM Pistol Ammo
Bear Load
It pays to be ever-vigilant. Especially in territory that could prove to be treacherous. That's why HSM's exclusive Bear Load has been a popular seller since its introduction.
Pro Pistol
The ultimate for dedicated handgun hunters. Available in the very best eight calibers to consider for big-bore handgun hunting. Each load calibrated to maximize performance and accuracy.
Cowboy Action
When ya’ll round 'em up and count 'em, who has more to offer a cowboy than HSM? More calibers. More selection. Both pistol and rifle.
Frangible
Where a ricochet or pass through could be of concern, HSM produces Frangible ammunition for training or in-home use. When critical situations leave no room for error.
Self-Defense
How important is your choice of ammunition for home protection and self-defense? Critical! HSM provides the all-important solution to answering that question. For training and stand-ready employment both.
Training
An important aspect of becoming a proficient shooter—practice. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? With HSM, you can practice, practice, practice and not break the bank.
High Standard Manufacturing FAQs
QUESTION: What is HSM Ammunition?
ANSWER: HSM Ammunition, short for High Standard Manufacturing, is a Montana-based company that has been producing high-quality rifle and handgun ammunition since 1968. Known for reliability, accuracy, and performance, HSM caters to hunters, competitive shooters, law enforcement, and self-defense users.
QUESTION: Where is High Standard Manufacturing ammo made?
ANSWER: High Standard Manufacturing ammo is proudly made in the USA, specifically in Stevensville, Montana. All HSM ammunition is manufactured in-house, allowing for precise quality control and consistent performance with every round.
QUESTION: Is HSM ammo good for hunting?
ANSWER: Yes, HSM hunting ammunition is highly regarded for its consistency and terminal performance. Popular lines like Trophy Gold, Game King, and Bear Load are designed for everything from whitetail deer to big game, delivering exceptional accuracy and stopping power.
QUESTION: What calibers does HSM Ammunition offer?
ANSWER: HSM offers a wide range of calibers, including popular options like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, and many others. Whether you're looking for long-range rifle ammo or handgun cartridges, HSM has you covered.
QUESTION: What is HSM Bear Load ammo used for?
ANSWER: HSM Bear Load ammunition is specifically engineered for backcountry defense against large predators such as bears and mountain lions. These rounds deliver heavy, deep-penetrating bullets with high muzzle energy, ideal for serious wilderness protection.
QUESTION: Does High Standard Manufacturing produce low recoil ammunition?
ANSWER: Yes, HSM produces a Low Recoil line, perfect for new shooters, youth hunters, or anyone looking to reduce felt recoil without sacrificing ballistic performance. These rounds offer smoother shooting and improved control, especially for lighter firearms.
QUESTION: Is HSM ammo good for target shooting and training?
ANSWER: Absolutely. HSM ammunition is widely used for target shooting, training, and competition thanks to its accuracy and affordability. Their Cowboy Action and Varmint Blue lines are also popular among recreational shooters.
QUESTION: How does HSM Trophy Gold ammo compare to other premium hunting rounds?
ANSWER: HSM Trophy Gold ammo, featuring Berger VLD bullets, is designed for long-range precision hunting. It competes with top-tier ammo in terms of accuracy, trajectory, and energy retention, making it a favorite among serious big-game hunters.
QUESTION: Is HSM ammo reloadable?
ANSWER: Yes. Most HSM ammunition is loaded in high-quality brass cases, which are boxer-primed and reloadable, making them a great choice for handloaders who want to reuse their casings.
QUESTION: Where can I buy High Standard Manufacturing ammunition?
ANSWER: You can purchase HSM ammo online from authorized retailers and gun shops. Be sure to check if your state or local regulations allow ammunition shipping to your location.
