Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC)

Logo of Companhia Brasileira de Cartchuos (CBC), a major firearm and cartridge manufacturer founded in Brazil in 1926.

Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) is a Brazilian ammunition manufacturer recognized as one of the largest producers of small‑caliber cartridges in the world. The company supplies the civilian market, law‑enforcement agencies, and military forces, and operates as the core of a multinational ammunition group with facilities in Brazil, Europe, and the United States.

Founded in 1926, CBC has grown from a small domestic shotshell producer into a global industrial conglomerate with a portfolio that includes ammunition, components, primers, and select sporting firearms.

History

Founding and Early Development

CBC traces its origins to 1926, when a group of Italian‑Brazilian industrialists established a cartridge factory in São Paulo to reduce Brazil’s dependence on imported ammunition. The company initially focused on shotgun shells and basic sporting calibers, serving hunters and competitive shooters during a period when domestic ammunition production was limited.

Mid‑Century Expansion

By the mid‑20th century, CBC had expanded into metallic‑cartridge production and began supplying the Brazilian Armed Forces. Investments in machinery, chemical processing, and metallurgy allowed the company to scale production of rimfire and centerfire ammunition. During this period, CBC also acquired land in Ribeirão Pires, which later became its primary industrial complex.

Technological Modernization

From the 1960s onward, CBC adopted non‑corrosive primer technology, modernized its propellant formulations, and expanded into export markets. The company began producing a wider range of handgun and rifle calibers, eventually becoming a major supplier to police forces in Latin America and beyond.

Globalization and Acquisitions

In the 2000s and 2010s, CBC transitioned from a national manufacturer to the center of an international ammunition group. It acquired:

• Magtech Ammunition (USA)

• Sellier & Bellot (Czech Republic)

• MEN – Metallwerk Elisenhütte Nassau (Germany)

These acquisitions positioned CBC as one of the few ammunition groups with vertically integrated production across multiple continents.

CBC also became the majority shareholder of Taurus Armas, Brazil’s largest firearms manufacturer, strengthening its role in the defense sector.

Recent Developments

CBC has continued expanding its industrial footprint, including new production lines for military calibers and increased export capacity. In the 2020s, the company announced additional investments in North America to support growing demand for handgun and rifle ammunition.

Products and Capabilities

CBC manufactures a broad range of ammunition and components, including:

• Sporting firearms and airguns under select product lines

• Handgun cartridges (9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, etc.)

• Rifle ammunition (5.56×45mm, 7.62×51mm, .308 Win, .30‑06, etc.)

• Rimfire cartridges (.22 LR and variants)

• Shotgun shells (various gauges and load types)

• Military calibers up to 12.7×99mm (.50 BMG)

• Primers, cases, and reloading components

CBC is particularly known abroad for their large‑scale brass production, supplying cases to both civilian reloaders and other ammunition manufacturers.

Industrial Footprint

CBC operates multiple facilities in Brazil, including:

• Ribeirão Pires (São Paulo) – main industrial complex

• Montenegro (Rio Grande do Sul) – additional production capacity

• Through its international subsidiaries, CBC maintains manufacturing operations in:

• Germany (MEN)

• Czech Republic (Sellier & Bellot)

• United States (Magtech and new expansion sites)

Combined, the group produces billions of cartridges annually and employs several thousand workers worldwide.

Role in Defense and Law Enforcement

CBC is designated as a Strategic Defense Company by the Brazilian government, reflecting its importance to national security. It supplies ammunition to:

• Brazilian Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Federal and state police agencies

• International military and police clients

• The company also participates in research and development programs related to small‑caliber ammunition, propellants, and ballistic performance.

Sport Shooting and Civilian Market

CBC is a major supplier to civilian shooters in Brazil and abroad. It produces ammunition for:

• IPSC and IDPA competition

• Hunting

• Recreational shooting

• Training and law‑enforcement qualification

CBC and Taurus jointly sponsor shooting events and maintain a network of certified armorers and service centers.

See Also

• Magtech Ammunition

• Sellier & Bellot

• MEN (Metallwerk Elisenhütte Nassau)

• Taurus Armas