For the last 17yrs I think most of the people I know thought I was somewhat cooky for buying large quantities of ammo in bulk when it was cheap, asking for ammo for christmas and birthday presents. I was usually the only one picking up all the spent brass when we went shooting. No amount of explaining, reasoning, or even begging could get them to understand. However They sure don't think I was cooky anymore. I am just sitting back watching the madness.
It sure alot easier to stomach $2.75 per box .223, $5.50 per box .308, $6.00 .38 special, $13.25 Gold Dot .45 ACP, and $16.00 .45 Long Colt all brass cased reloadable. That is just a few reciepts I pulled out just now.
I did buy a couple of boxes of .44 mag this year, that hurt.
I think if I did not already have plenty of ammo I would just shoot, .22's and maybe practice up on throwing clay pigeons in the back yard with the shotgun and wait till all of this blows over. I would not pay these prices.
I do feel bad for the really young shooters who have not had a chance to prepare. But, anyone over say 25yrs old who is low on ammo has no one to blame except themselves. Sometimes you have to prioritize, for most everyone who has had ammo stockpiled prior to November 2008 it has long been a top priority.