The Western Cartridge Company was an American manufacturer of small arms and ammunition formerly based in East Alton, Illinois.

[4] Olin formed the Western Cartridge Company in 1898 to manufacture sporting rifle powder and shotgun shells for settlers of the Great Plains.

Rimfire cartridges bore a UCC headstamp, and product packaging included a Maltese cross trademark.

[5][6] The early Maltese Cross trademark from the earlier Union Cap & Chemical Company was changed in 1909–1910 to a diamond with the Western name inside.

[14] Franklin Roosevelt's Committee on Fair Employment Practice had held hearings and tried to have the company hire black workers in 1943, but the community, owners and white employees refused.