Ammo Maker: Johnny Center

With more than 30 years of reloading experience, an emerging talent for Precision Rifle Shooting and a passion for elk hunting, Johnny Center has spent a lifetime dialing in the perfect shot—both on the range and in his career.

Johnny, Sr. Manager of Factory Operations at Remington, has been with the company for five years, and his primary focus is building winning teams that maintain a consistent, quality product. His team specializes in producing high-quality rifle ammunition, designed primarily for hunters who demand precision in the field.

“Working at Remington is more than a job—it’s a dream realized,” he said. “Handling centerfire ammo every day comes with its challenges, but for me, it’s a labor of passion. Every round we make is worth the effort.”

Before joining Remington, Johnny spent eight years in the Marine Corps, ending that chapter of his life shortly after Desert Storm. During this time, Johnny finished Drill Instructor School in San Diego, where he developed the skills necessary to train new Marines.

“Being a drill instructor demands excellence,” Johnny said. “Drill instructors change people from civilians to Marines.”

Johnny Center kneeling next to a dead deer

Johnny described his time in the Marines as “excellent,” recalling travels that took him across the globe—including Malaysia, Egypt, Guam, Okinawa, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Germany. But perhaps the most remarkable takeaway from this time was his ability to build a team.

As a drill instructor, he didn’t just forge disciplined Marines—he built cohesive teams. He emphasized trust, communication and mutual respect from day one, turning groups of strangers into a unified force. His leadership style blended intensity with empathy, pushing recruits to their limits while showing them the power of working together. Today, these skills resonate within Remington’s factory walls.

“I seem to adjust to new roles well and have a knack for getting teams to perform,” he said. “My favorite part of building teams is seeing individuals grow and understand more about the business.”

After wrapping up his time as a Marine, Johnny attended Southern Arkansas University.

“It was a little strange being a 26-year-old freshman,” he said, adding that he played basketball on scholarship. Then, in his senior year, Johnny decided to continue his service and joined the National Guard. Because of an encounter with a sniper that caused a death of a soldier during his tour in Iraq, he was inspired to complete scout and sniper school.

“Sniper school taught me the most important part of being a sniper is scouting—knowing what to look for and how to gather information,” Johnny said. He retired in 2012 after 21 years of service.

After college, Johnny began working in management for a poultry producer and then transitioned to building wind turbines for General Electric. He then joined Sig Sauer, where he worked as a loader technician before moving to Remington.

It’s a career that aligns well with his hobbies. Johnny has been reloading for about 30 years, a hobby he picked up when he worked as a bow technician at a sporting goods store, and he has been involved in shooting sports since he was a kid.

“I grew up with five older brothers,” he said. “Two of them introduced me to the outdoors and shooting. And my mother introduced me to fishing, which was one of her favorite activities.”

Johnny never stopped enjoying these sports. He continues to spend his spare time outdoors practicing shooting sports, archery, fishing and golfing. One of his greatest joys, he shared, is participating in many of these activities with his children.

“My kids each participate in an outdoor activity that I like,” Johnny said. “Maybe they get it from me but it’s great. My youngest son is a mini-me! He fishes, hunts and enjoys shooting.” Johnny and his wife have been married for 23 years and have four children, two boys (31 and 17) and two girls (29 and 11).

From shaping his family to serving his country, Johnny Center has always aimed true. Whether mentoring Marines or raising his kids to love the outdoors, he has built teams with heart and crafted ammo with precision. And together, they’re still hitting the mark—one round and one memory at a time.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

My hobbies are reloading, shooting sports, hunting, fishing, golfing and motorcycles. I really enjoy being outside and participating in outdoor activities.

Reloading is a hobby that I’ve had for around 30 years. I read my first reloading manual completely and there’s always something else to learn. Reloading has allowed me to keep my shooting hobby going when ammo was hard to find.

Tell us about your history with competitive shooting.

I presently compete in archery and Precision Rifle Shooting (PRS). I had some early success in 3D archery competitions. PRS is my new challenge. Being involved is helping build my shooting skills.

Your best adventure?

My best adventure was my first elk hunt in Colorado by myself. Several friends backed out and I was determined to go. I didn’t harvest an elk but driving and camping by myself was a total adventure!

Accomplishment in your life you’re proud of?

Being a father is my life’s greatest accomplishment. All four of my children are outdoors lovers.

Bucket List item that’s brewing?

My dream hunt would be a combination moose and elk hunt. There are not many places to get that done but that would be a bucket-list hunt.