I usually don't buy online. I prefer to go to my LGS. I try to support my neighbors who own those shops. It can be a little more money, but I get to hold it in my hands before I buy. I know I'm getting what I want. Saving 1 dollar doesn't mean much when you are dealing with friends , at least not to me.
The problem with online Ammo stores / websites
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GunnyUSMC
Member
I order most of my ammo from Target Sport USA. Bulk orders are always shipped free. They also have a Prime membership that is $95 a year. With the membership you get 8% off all items you buy, even on sales, and all shipping is free. I saved $25 on my last order and got free shipping, which would have been around $15 from any where else.
Oh! They also send a free gift to Prime members. Last year I got a 30 cal. ammo can, a100 round pack of CCI red coated 22 lr. And 20 rounds of Federal 308 ammo.
Oh! They also send a free gift to Prime members. Last year I got a 30 cal. ammo can, a100 round pack of CCI red coated 22 lr. And 20 rounds of Federal 308 ammo.
BearBrimstone
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As others have said, buying large amounts is the best to do online. The only thing that annoys me about it is when it feels like a company is trying to make extra money from shipping prices rather than charging exact shipping and putting the extra they want in the item’s price. Cheaper than dirt is, or at least was, bad for this. I haven’t bought from them since they acted like jerks during the post Sandy Hook drought but back when I did order from them they would charge $18-$20 shipping for a single box of ammunition. I’ve shipped ammunition before and a single box costs less than $10 to ship.
Don’t even get me started on the tax aspect of online sales. I live in Tennessee which has the highest sales tax in the nation. There is essentially a 10 percent surcharge for anything I purchase. Now that most online sales sites are also charging sales tax if I buy a lot of ammunition I’ll pay more in tax than shipping. Sales tax is almost as annoying as online merchants charging credit card fees. 99.9 percent of your customers are going to pay with a credit card so at least have the decency to do like Bud’s gun shop and list the credit card price and offer a cash discount.
Don’t even get me started on the tax aspect of online sales. I live in Tennessee which has the highest sales tax in the nation. There is essentially a 10 percent surcharge for anything I purchase. Now that most online sales sites are also charging sales tax if I buy a lot of ammunition I’ll pay more in tax than shipping. Sales tax is almost as annoying as online merchants charging credit card fees. 99.9 percent of your customers are going to pay with a credit card so at least have the decency to do like Bud’s gun shop and list the credit card price and offer a cash discount.
GHinNH
Member
I did the same thing last week looking for 7.62 NATO brass. I found a really good deal on good looking once fired and cleaned LC. I got to my cart and entered my Zip code. I don't remember exactly what it was because I was in shock... it was around $23 and the only option was FedEx, which is probably why it was so out of line.
danez71
Member
Right now, The best price for brass 9mm on ammoseek is 1000 rounds @ .17 per round.
I can pay .20 per round for what ever qty I want down the street.
Either way I buy it I'm paying taxes.
At 1000 rounds, there a $30 difference in favor of online.... but not including shipping.
If i add shipping and factor in my gas to drive about 12 miles round trip, it's about $15 savings on 1000 rounds.
My local shop didn't receive huge tax credits to open in the 1st place.
At my local shop, I can buy and pick it up today (normal times)
My local shop holds hunting and other classes including fishing (guns & fishing shop).
My local shop promotes ladies night at a cpl shooting ranges with free 1 on 1 instructions/safety for those that want it.
My local shop helps coordinate an annual gun fair with multiple manufacturers showing up. You can demo guns too. It's better than the gun & beef jerky shows on the national circuit.
My local shop donates money to youth shooting activities.
My local shop donates to 2A causes.
All that for $15/1000 rounds.
IMO, in a lot if cases but certainly not all, its incredibly short and narrow sighted to not buy local.
I can pay .20 per round for what ever qty I want down the street.
Either way I buy it I'm paying taxes.
At 1000 rounds, there a $30 difference in favor of online.... but not including shipping.
If i add shipping and factor in my gas to drive about 12 miles round trip, it's about $15 savings on 1000 rounds.
My local shop didn't receive huge tax credits to open in the 1st place.
At my local shop, I can buy and pick it up today (normal times)
My local shop holds hunting and other classes including fishing (guns & fishing shop).
My local shop promotes ladies night at a cpl shooting ranges with free 1 on 1 instructions/safety for those that want it.
My local shop helps coordinate an annual gun fair with multiple manufacturers showing up. You can demo guns too. It's better than the gun & beef jerky shows on the national circuit.
My local shop donates money to youth shooting activities.
My local shop donates to 2A causes.
All that for $15/1000 rounds.
IMO, in a lot if cases but certainly not all, its incredibly short and narrow sighted to not buy local.
DustyGmt
Member
The problem I'm having is 9mm is out of stock, everywhere. The only bulk ammo with free shipping is I think able ammo at 400 a case and well, I'm not doing that. $20/box. Not yet
GunnyUSMC
Member
Then you need to shop around a little more. I just ordered three AR barrels from CDNN Sports and good free shipping.
is it the vendor? or is it FEDEX/UPS/etc? go to their web pages and see what they charge for a one pound package to your zip code.
buck460XVR
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Thing is, there really is no such thing as "free" shipping. You pay for it one way or the other. You either pay for it directly in shipping costs or you pay indirectly thru the cost of the item. The "free" shipping for over X amount of stuff, is motivation, for customers to buy more and the increase in profit of selling more merc, pays the shipping costs. Now absurd Handling charges are where some dubious companies make good profits. Don't cost $9-$10 for a box, a few foam peanuts and a shipping tag.
Final cost is and always has been, the determining factor to me. Many times when buying components like bullets, I break the cost down to per bullet, when all the other costs have been added on. Same with brass. Many times the cost per bullet/case is higher with "free" shipping than it is when you have to pay for shipping and handling. Many times the difference is so small it's a moot point, and then I go with the sellers' customer service/reputation.
HOWARD J
Member
Been reloading close to 50 years--22's are the only ammo I have purchased in many many years.
GBExpat
Member
I will only place online ammo orders when the price for the ammunition is good and the shipping is "free".
GunnyUSMC
Member
But you still have shipping and Haz-Mat fees to deal with if you order online.
I’ve been loading for 35 years and still order ammo when the price is right. I have bought loaded ammo for just a few cents over the cost of Brass and bullets.
Phaedrus/69
Member
Underwood has a flat $7.95 shipping rate no matter how much ammo you order. SGAmmo has very reasonable rates as well.
HOWARD J
Member
I don't reload to save money----it's a time killer
BSA1
member
Actually shipping is not free. You pay for it up front in the form of membership fee.
One big thing I like about Target Sports is the no shipping charge regardless of how small of a order and how many different items ordered. Hopefully the panic will die down soon as I am signed up for notify on a lot of different ammo.
When do they send out the gifts? I signed up last September and they have never rewarded me.
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See, that's reasonable.
I actually just ordered from Underwood last month for the first time. They were quick and helpful in their response to my question.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
S&G has shut down their web site
DustyGmt
Member
Luckily I actually just located and purchased 1k rounds of 9mm for just over $200/free 2 day shipping. That's pretty reasonable considering the "panic" buying. I saw wolf gold .223 go from 28 cents a round to 40 cents a round in a matter of 30 days. On targetsportsusa surprisingly.
(ETA nope my order just got cancelled because apparently at bass pro their warehouse cant keep up with their computers and I purchased ammo they didnt have and wont have for at least 60 days. Wishful thinking, I was actually planning to shoot this ammo too)
(ETA nope my order just got cancelled because apparently at bass pro their warehouse cant keep up with their computers and I purchased ammo they didnt have and wont have for at least 60 days. Wishful thinking, I was actually planning to shoot this ammo too)
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GunnyUSMC
Member
Most often I order bulk and that’s always free without a membership. I got the membership to save 8% on all my orders.
Last year I got my gift at the end of my membership.
daniel craig
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- Dec 23, 2009
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Problem is, no store in my state routinely has the ammo in the caliber and type I want. The downside of being a commie gun lover
. People say to reload but by the time I buy all the stuff I could have bought enough ammo to be swimming in it, plus it's not really that cost effective unless you shoot A LOT.
lionking
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- Jul 6, 2006
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Sometimes it is better to buy local sometimes online especially bulk buying, or online because you are want a variety of choices. I personally will not be buying any more ammo or guns online until prices go back to pre virus pricing. Especially on gun broker and a couple websites where two weeks ago a 1000 rd case of brass 9mm was $170 and now they want twice or triple that and then say they charge a credit card fee on top lol.
Because they way I see it, the person who is willing to buy a case of ammo and current prices is one that already has thousands of rounds and just can't help but panic thinking ammo will never be available again so buys it anyway or it is a shill bidder for the seller driving the auction up.
Because they way I see it, the person who is willing to buy a case of ammo and current prices is one that already has thousands of rounds and just can't help but panic thinking ammo will never be available again so buys it anyway or it is a shill bidder for the seller driving the auction up.
slickracer
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- Jan 4, 2013
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That's why you buy it by the case.
Bulk buys are best in the final per-round tally. And always be alert for deals. I kick myself for passing up $20 per brick for 8 bricks of CCI SV .22LR. Didn't need it at the time (last year), but several friends could have used it. Just wasn't thinking. So, I almost always grab deals when I see them. And I never seem to build up an excess of ammo, but have run low on ammo and reloading components. The shooter's creed should be "BUY A LOT AND BUY OFTEN".
Gumby0961
Member
Atleast you have the option to go online....
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