As previously mentioned the shipping charges often negate any "bargain" price from the internet. However, there are exceptions. As with any venue you have to shop, and part of that process is figuring the total cost of your purchase which includes shipping, handling, or potentially "other" special charges.
There have been times that I have managed to save a couple bucks a case by buying from the internet, but then I've got my friendly UPS "mope" dumping the cartons on my door step or yard.
In my part of the country Gun Shows do (typically) offer some good prices, but again base your purchase decision on the total cost. Make sure that the quoted price includes any applicable taxes.
Another source are places like Gander Mountain, Cabela's, Dicks or other local sporting goods stores. On selected brands and calibers they often run some darn good sales.
Lastly, there are stores in rural areas where some really good buys can be made. Some of these places have had that ammo setting on their shelves for quite a while and the pricing reflects both the local economics as well as the cost/pricing many, many, price increases back. Of course we are not talking about availability of all calibers, mfg., or loads. However, as an example, I've found 22 Hornet, 221 Fireball, and 6.5 Swiss for $10-12 per box. And older stuff such as 25-20 for $8.
When I'm taking a trip, especially when it's an area that I've not been in before, or it's been several years since I was in that area, I make sure that I have the time to poke around the countryside.
Popular military calibers will occasionally dry up and of course the price goes up accordingly, regardless of venue. And when that happens your not going to find any bargains. I still chuckle to myself on some 7.62x39 that I'd had on hand for 5-6 years. At one time my boys were heavily into SKS and AK "blasting" and I bought several cases of Eastern Euro Mil Sup. that factored out to be about $1.80 per 20 rnds. ($90 per thousand) When the big crunch hit about 2 years ago I took a couple cases to my local gun show and sold them in less than 1/2 hour for $5 per 20 rnds. ($250 per thousand). Went back the next day with a couple more cases and same thing happened.
After all the preceding ramble ... the net of this is to shop carefully, and when you run across some good buys take advantage of them. But, never trap yourself into thinking that any one venue will always be the best (across the board) source for your ammo.
