my insight on prices on ammo

[scout777]

just bought another thousand bullets from midway (224) that give me 7000 that I have on hand. not because I want to hoard but because I want to shoot 3 years from now, when prices go up that I can not afford to buy. I have been keeping eye on prices at midway they have nothing but go up. $144 per 1000 by win $133 for rem per 1000 . seeing same price for fmj when they use to be lower than soft point no longer.
already there are less people at my gun range because the people who have lower income find they can no longer shoot like they use too. sorry to people who are hoping that prices go down when supplies catches up just don't see that happening

 

[oneounceload]

sorry to people who are hoping that prices go down when supplies catches up just don't see that happening

And if enough folks do like you, the shortage just keeps on going on and on

 

[Agsalaska]

Scout in a sense I am right there with you. I am not a big shooter and have always just bought on demand. Before last year my typical inventory would be whatever deer rifle cartridges were left over from the year before, a half box of heavy dove 12 gauge, a loaded Taurus 85 with one speed loader, a couple of loaded mags for a Glock, and half a box of 22lr. If I knew I was going to go shoot I would just go buy it.

After not listening to you guys for years I had to learn the hard way. Now, I probably have 10,000 rounds or so and will continue to buy for the foreseeable future. Hell I buy ammo for guns I do not even shoot.

 

[scout777]

sorry if it makes me a hoarder don't want to be just looking at the reality of thing I am 60 now be retiring in five years have the money now to stock up while prices are what I can afford now wont be able to buy five years for now that it in a nut shell

 

[candr44]

already there are less people at my gun range because the people who have lower income find they can no longer shoot like they use too.

You may not be able to see it but this is a bad trend for supporters of the second amendment. I can't see people who can't afford to own a gun caring much about a right to bear arms when it only means something to the wealthy. That may not be the case yet but as you stated, so far its heading that way.

The ammo shortage as I see it is a bunch of small minded paranoid people started buying up all the ammo they could find creating a shortage. Then came the people who want to profit from the shortage, buying up all the ammo they could get their hands on. Then selling it at higher prices to the paranoid people, who are too scared to wait for prices and supply to come back to normal.

Fortunately not every ammo buyer and seller thinks like that but the ones who do are the cause of the shortage and to a large degree the higher prices.

 

[sappyg]

I don't have any more.... But maybe less ammo, than I had before all this mess started. I think Christmas put another dent in the current ammo supply so I'll just wait it out a bit longer.
I shoot as much or more as ever but I have had to rely on reloading to have enough ammo on hand to make my weekly range trip worthwhile.
I don't hoard ammo. Prices on everything go up. The fact that the price of ammo has gone up is not a reason to buy when the price is high.
If I recall gold was near $1800 and ounce a year ago..... What is it now? $1300? You can say the same about ARs for that matter.
Take a deep breath and relax.

 

[holdover]

remember when you could not get primers a few years ago, I did not have enough so there was no shooting till they became available, same thing happened to me with 22LR this past year. I practice for competition with 22LR to the tune of about 5K a year, no ammo no practice. When it becomes available again I will buy all that I can get up to 15-20k. And then buy to keep that inventory. I also have grandbabies to feed ammo to. Never again will I be caught short!!! In the last year I have been able to only buy 500 rounds of 22LR, every week I try 3 different Walmarts, a Sportsmans Warehouse, a Dick's Sporting goods and a Gander Mtn, I will not wait on line for the store to open on ammo day. All stores are in the Roanoke VA vicinity, and I will not pay 75 a brick at gun shows

 

[phil dirt]

Well, you guys who are hoarding all the ammo ........ I hope you will know how to put it to good use if and when the time comes.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

The ammo shortage as I see it is a bunch of small minded paranoid people started buying up all the ammo they could find creating a shortage. Then came the people who want to profit from the shortage, buying up all the ammo they could get their hands on. Then selling it at higher prices to the paranoid people, who are too scared to wait for prices and supply to come back to normal.

Fortunately not every ammo buyer and seller thinks like that but the ones who do are the cause of the shortage and to a large degree the higher prices.

candr44, I disagree. The reason a shortage exists is because production cannot meet current demand at the normal prices. The only way to combat a shortage like this one, were production will not increase for a while, is to raise prices. That way, only the buyers who REALLY want it can get their hands on it. Eventually, a stock will build up and prices may fall slightly as an economic equilibrium is reached.

The things is, is that pretty much every shooter's outlook on ammo has changed since the shortage. All of us will now jump on the next cheap brick of ammo, primers, powder, etc. that we see. Until we "forget" this, the increased market demand for ammo and components has now been increased *permanently*.

 

[Mike1234567]

Once those who wish to stockpile (new stockpilers) have done so to their satisfaction then the shortage will end.

 

[Agsalaska]

candr44, I disagree. The reason a shortage exists is because production cannot meet current demand at the normal prices. The only way to combat a shortage like this one, were production will not increase for a while, is to raise prices. That way, only the buyers who REALLY want it can get their hands on it. Eventually, a stock will build up and prices may fall slightly as an economic equilibrium is reached.

The things is, is that pretty much every shooter's outlook on ammo has changed since the shortage. All of us will now jump on the next cheap brick of ammo, primers, powder, etc. that we see. Until we "forget" this, the increased market demand for ammo and components has now been increased *permanently*.

I totally agree with this.

 

[Agsalaska]

Once those who wish to stockpile (new stockpilers) have done so to their satisfaction then the shortage will end.

Nope. The shortage will end when retailers reach market demand for prices. Some will say it will end when production increases but that type of mobilization and capital spend takes years. Prices will normalize before that. It just takes industries like this a while.

 

[bracer]

Copper is now over $ 3 per pound and expected to go up. In the early 1960 it was 22 cents per pound. The good old day are gone. Ammo prices my go down somewhat but don't expect a lot. I started reloading ammo in 1953 and 100 ea Hornady 130 Gr bullets was a bit over $ 3 . Over the years whenever I d see reloading supplies on sale I would get some so I haven't purchased much during the past few years.

 

[candr44]

candr44, I disagree. The reason a shortage exists is because production cannot meet current demand at the normal prices.

I don't disagree with what you are saying but I don't see how you disagree either. You stated the effect of the shortage while I stated the cause. The root cause of the ammo shortage and higher prices are the paranoid people who are so afraid of not getting ammo they buy all they can find. The effect is a shortage and higher prices.

I agree that prices won't come back down until stocks build up. However, its also a matter of the paranoid buyers stocks building up to the point they finally say I have enough. Around here that is just beginning to happen on all calibers except .22. Although, .22 is coming in every week or two but it usually won't stay on the shelf more than a day.

 

[Agsalaska]

candre44, for what its worth, and I agreed with The Next Generation's objection, I agree with you too. I did need clarification or explanation, but I more or less agree with both of you. I think the paranoid are the prevailing cause as well although I think there are also other big factors including a rise in gun ownership and guys like me(see post 3). But the hoarders are probably the biggest issue. And that wont go away until the retailers finally raise prices.

 

[Mike1234567]

You may not be able to see it but this is a bad trend for supporters of the second amendment. I can't see people who can't afford to own a gun caring much about a right to bear arms when it only means something to the wealthy. That may not be the case yet but as you stated, so far its heading that way.

The ammo shortage as I see it is a bunch of small minded paranoid people started buying up all the ammo they could find creating a shortage. Then came the people who want to profit from the shortage, buying up all the ammo they could get their hands on. Then selling it at higher prices to the paranoid people, who are too scared to wait for prices and supply to come back to normal.

Fortunately not every ammo buyer and seller thinks like that but the ones who do are the cause of the shortage and to a large degree the higher prices.

I completely disagree with your statement that I bolded. People who buy when demand is low are keeping the manufacturing wheels greased during those times. When demand is high, and prices skyrocket, then we stop buying which leaves more for those who didn't stock up when the getting was good. Furthermore, I've helped my neighbors by either gifting or selling at "fair pre-panic prices" ammo they couldn't get and that decreases public demand too.

Please don't blame us "paranoid small-minded" people who were cognizant and self-disciplined enough to plan for the future. IMHO, it's not us who are small-minded. I feel for those who didn't or couldn't stock up. But I have no remorse for those who are bitter about their own lack of discipline and blame others for the same.

EDIT: I have three months food and water supply too. If you haven't already then I recommend you do the same. I do NOT agree that taking advantage during a shortage by buying up and scalping of any important commodity is a good thing in any way except to line pockets of a greedy few. Those people should be horse-whipped, IMO.

 

[cfullgraf]

After the component shortages of 2009, I figured there will be another shortage in 2013. It is unusual that an incumbent president does not get re-elected.

So, in 2010, I started buying a little extra here and there so that I could shoot for a year without the urgent need to resupply.

I call that planning.

Unfortunately, I feel the times are past where we can allow Walmart, internet vendors and the local gun stores to be out warehouses.

 

[Mike1234567]

After the component shortages of 2009, I figured there will be another shortage in 2013. It is unusual that an incumbent president does not get re-elected.

So, in 2010, I started buying a little extra here and there so that I could shoot for a year without the urgent need to resupply.

I call that planning.

Unfortunately, I feel the times are past where we can allow Walmart, internet vendors and the local gun stores to be out warehouses.

No more than we can expect our local grocers... even the huge ones... to keep enough stock to supply us during a disaster. Their shelves will be empty. I advocate stocking up now with everything you need. Do this while prices and demand are low so you're not caught with your pants down. Do this so you'll be part of the solution rather than part of the problem when that emergency arises.

In this regard, ammo is no different than food, water, fuel, clothing, shelter, toiletries, etc. I'm not talking about SHTF or apocalyptic events. I'm talking about real-world disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc.

You're gonna want ammo during those kinds of events. But stock up when demand and prices are low. And, please folks, don't take advantage of others by buying all you can during lean times so you can scalp others in that time of need.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

You know this name calling needs to stop. Scout you are behaving and acting in a logical and rational manner. People who call you names are just flat out wrong.

 

[Mike1234567]

^^^ FWIW, I for one wasn't calling Scout any names. If he can afford to buy for his own use when prices are high that's up to him. My only concern is for those who buy only to re-sell (scalp) during extremely lean times thereby taking advantage of a situation and making matters worse for those in need. There are many folks who need certain ammo and can't get it. It's just the scalpers who I dislike.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

The ammo shortage as I see it is a bunch of small minded paranoid people started buying up all the ammo they could find creating a shortage. Then came the people who want to profit from the shortage, buying up all the ammo they could get their hands on. Then selling it at higher prices to the paranoid people, who are too scared to wait for prices and supply to come back to normal.

Fortunately not every ammo buyer and seller thinks like that but the ones who do are the cause of the shortage and to a large degree the higher prices.

What we don't need are people calling others paranoid, small minded, hoarder or any other derogatory name. Now I must point out to you that for the last year there have been purchase limits on all ammo when it was in stock which for most of 2013 it wasn't. Only recently have limits been lifted on centerfire ammo. Rimfire (22lr) still has limits when and if it is in stock. Stock to the big retailers is severely limited and all of your heart burn needs to go to those big distributors running shadow internet sites to profit from high prices while avoiding the backlash of their customers.

BTW my local walmart has raised the prices on the 20 round (brown)box of 5.56 to $10.47 which is a $1.48 above what they were selling it for.

 

[I6turbo]

The whole thing is based upon the laws of supply and demand, and what people choose to spend their money on. Some people get it, and some whine about it when it doesn't go the way they like. It doesn't matter if we're talking about ammo, Super Bowl tickets, groceries, gold, or anything else that is bought, sold, consumed or collected. Throw into that normal supply/demand mix the very real possibility that the new lawlessness being practiced by Washington could at virtually any moment trigger a whole new panic on ammo, and the deck is shuffled beyond what anyone can predict with certainty. If people feel that they need to stock up, hoard, or whatever words one might use to describe the act of laying in some supply while it's possible to do so, it is their prerogative. I haven't purchased any ammo at inflated prices, and I don't plan to, but at the same time I would not be surprised to wake up one day and realize that I SHOULD have been.

 

[I6turbo]

just bought another thousand bullets from midway (224) that give me 7000 that I have on hand. not because I want to hoard but because I want to shoot 3 years from now, when prices go up that I can not afford to buy. I have been keeping eye on prices at midway they have nothing but go up. $144 per 1000 by win $133 for rem per 1000 . seeing same price for fmj when they use to be lower than soft point no longer.

Somewhat related to this, the last lead smelter in the U.S. has succumbed to the EPA (10x tighter regs than previously) and will be closing its doors in 4 days. All new lead for ammo will now have to be imported.

 

[candr44]

Please don't blame us "paranoid small-minded" people who were cognizant and self-disciplined enough to plan for the future. IMHO, it's not us who are small-minded. I feel for those who didn't or couldn't stock up. But I have no remorse for those who are bitter about their own lack of discipline and blame others for the same.

It seems like I can never give an opinion without having to write a book to explain it to the people who misunderstand it and by the way I also had stocked up long before the panic.

Stocked up or not I also despise the scalpers and will not give them one penny of my money. I also set a limit on how much ammo I need and when I reach that limit I will stop buying. I have often left ammo for someone else because I felt I have enough for now.

Queen of Thunder, I was not talking about Scout only the small minded people who are so paranoid of the government that they went out and started buying up all the ammo after Newtown happened. They are the ones who started the whole ammo shortage and set things into motion. They are the root cause of the ammo shortage.

 

[444]

Some of us have been around this game for a lot longer than others. We have been though this multiple times before. Every time there was a call for sweeping anti-gun legislation, every time a liberal got elected, every time there was a mass shooting, the 1986 pre and post ban...........
Some of us learned after the first couple times and we stepped up our buying and stockpiled during the good times. We were called hoarders, some people thought we were being ridiculous.............. But, the next time it happened (as it always does) we were prepared.
Each time this happened, we had numerous threads about the ammo shortage/primer shortage/magazine ban/rifle ban............... Names were called, people blamed each other for the problem,..........................

The point is this: these shortages happen periodically. Things are going to be banned. There are going to be threats to our rights. Lefties are going to continue to be elected. If you want to participate in this hobby you are going to have to learn this lesson and do something about it. If you are the guy that buys ammo on the way to the range, or you buy a box of ammo before hunting season........ You are going to be doing without now and then. The guys that stacked it high and stacked it deep will just keep on like nothing happened. If you make that choice, don't put down those of us who didn't.