an excellent assumption, since prices haven't gone up in several places, it's just that they sell out quickly. If those retailers didn't raise prices because of panic buying, then they aren't going to raise prices after the panic passes. This is the biggest hole in any theory about where prices are headed or why they've gone up. They haven't gone up everywhere, so there is no single source or justification of a price increase. I can't imagine what Beanie Babies would cost these days if the same line of thinking was applied to them when they were collectibles.
The realities of high cost of ammo
- Thread starter nathan
- Start date
- Status
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
I'm OK on 9mm but I'd buy a couple boxes of Tula .223 at $12, if I could find any locally...
This is a big reason why prices are *not* going to come down to pre-2013 prices anytime soon. Tens of millions of gun owners (including a whole bunch of new owners) have learned this lesson and are going to want to stock up a little more than previously. Eventually people will feel "caught up" and sales will settle back down to an equilibrium of 10-15 billion rounds/year, but that could take half a year or more.
Add to that the inflation in metals prices, and rumors of milsurp 5.56mm brass being destroyed instead of sold to recyclers, and I think it is clear that hopes of a quick return to pre-rush prices are wishful thinking.
Queen_of_Thunder
member
You guys don't get it do you. Ammo is scarce,very scarce and if you are waiting and expecting it to be better in a few months then you should reconsider your position. What ammo thats coming off the line is being sold as soon as it hits the shelf. It is not getting better and won't for a long time. Prices will continue to rise.
Now people have been saying things will be better in the June-July time frame and what do you suppose is going to happen when here is no improvement. If you think things are crazy now wait ill hen.
SabbathWolf
member
Prices on ammo will most likely NEVER go back down to pre-panic days levels.
I assume this as just a simple "given."
Every single year, prices go up on every single thing I can randomly think of off the top of my head (except for gasoline now and then if we are lucky.) Not just ammo.
There is no shortage of cows in this country, but when was the last time you saw the price for a gallon of milk actually go "down" instead of staying the same or going up?
On the other hand however....there is absolutely NO frickin' WAY I would ever pay over $400+ for a case of 1000 rounds of Wolf 7.62x39....EVER!!!! ROFLMFAO.
The last time I bought the stuff, it was $89 for a 1000 rounds!
Expecting to see $89 per 1000 rounds again these days is just unrealistic though. It's just never gonna happen.
But....I might be willing to go double. $180 - $200 per 1000 case is still too high actually, but I'd consider it.
The problem is the doomsday freaked out people who keep the prices insane.
I assume this as just a simple "given."
Every single year, prices go up on every single thing I can randomly think of off the top of my head (except for gasoline now and then if we are lucky.) Not just ammo.
There is no shortage of cows in this country, but when was the last time you saw the price for a gallon of milk actually go "down" instead of staying the same or going up?
On the other hand however....there is absolutely NO frickin' WAY I would ever pay over $400+ for a case of 1000 rounds of Wolf 7.62x39....EVER!!!! ROFLMFAO.
The last time I bought the stuff, it was $89 for a 1000 rounds!
Expecting to see $89 per 1000 rounds again these days is just unrealistic though. It's just never gonna happen.
But....I might be willing to go double. $180 - $200 per 1000 case is still too high actually, but I'd consider it.
The problem is the doomsday freaked out people who keep the prices insane.
SabbathWolf
member
@ Queen of Thunder.......
There is no way prices can continue to rise in my opinion.
Level out....maybe.
Go down....maybe.
But if they go "up" yet again, a lot of these businesses will in fact go "out" of business because NOBODY except of few eccentric billionaires will be buying ammo.
There is no way prices can continue to rise in my opinion.
Level out....maybe.
Go down....maybe.
But if they go "up" yet again, a lot of these businesses will in fact go "out" of business because NOBODY except of few eccentric billionaires will be buying ammo.
Ignition Override
Member
Queen of Thunder:
One factor which could moderate actual ammo consumption this summer, for many of us-at least down south-will be the heat/humidity when wearing hearing protectors. Shooting the .22 LR in a rifle requires little hearing protection.
leadcounsel: Some people wonder why many of us stocked up since mid-'08.
My 2,000 rds. of .22 LR will come in handy when the 7.62x39 soon dips down to my 1,800-2,000 round reserve.
Imagine what the "run" on the CMP's M2 Ball ammo must be like! How much longer can the price remain stable?
On Gunbroker, Armslist etc, does most of the ammo with the largest price increases even sell?
One factor which could moderate actual ammo consumption this summer, for many of us-at least down south-will be the heat/humidity when wearing hearing protectors. Shooting the .22 LR in a rifle requires little hearing protection.
leadcounsel: Some people wonder why many of us stocked up since mid-'08.
My 2,000 rds. of .22 LR will come in handy when the 7.62x39 soon dips down to my 1,800-2,000 round reserve.
Imagine what the "run" on the CMP's M2 Ball ammo must be like! How much longer can the price remain stable?
On Gunbroker, Armslist etc, does most of the ammo with the largest price increases even sell?
Last edited:
TwoEyedJack
Member
I did a pretty good job stocking up before the panic. I have around 8K rounds of .22 LR, 4K of .223, about a thousand .30-06, etc. Plus reloading components for several thousand .45 ACP, .357 and .41 Mag, and enough hunting ammo for many years. That said, it is very difficult to go shoot it with the uncertainty of re-supply timing and cost. So I have been shooting a cap and ball revolver most, with home made balls and black powder. Thank goodness percussion caps are still available from time to time.
Queen_of_Thunder
member
The heat? I'm in the West Texas Desert and in the summer its easly 90degrees by the time the match starts and reaching 100 degrees + before it ends. It sure gets warm out here. Thank goodness we shoot in the mornings.Queen of Thunder:
One factor which could moderate actual ammo consumption this summer, for many of us-at least down south-will be the heat/humidity when wearing hearing protectors. Shooting the .22 LR in a rifle requires little hearing protection.
leadcounsel: Some people wonder why many of us stocked up since mid-'08.
My 2,000 rds. of .22 LR will come in handy when the 7.62x39 soon dips down to my 1,800-2,000 round reserve.
Imagine what the "run" on the CMP's M2 Ball ammo must be like! How much longer can the price remain stable?
On Gunbroker, Armslist etc, does most of the ammo with the largest price increases even sell?
medalguy
Member
Can't find ammo? Reload. It's that simple. I reload .223 for around .17 a round and .45 for under a nickel a round. This is possible because I remembered 2008 and bought supplies when they were plentiful and components were on sale. Examples: Wolf/Tula primers for around $13 per thousand, not hundred. Russian Unique powder for under $8 a pound. Brass when it was left on the ground by other shooters. Result is I'm set for many years for really cheap ammo.
I have a feeling that the people that are convinced prices will never come down are simply trying to justify waiting in early morning lines and paying these inflated prices. In '08 people were saying the same thing, the sky is falling! Guess what? Availabity and prices returned to normal and in some cases, even better.
BisleyBlackhawk45
Member
A good setup for reloading for what you shoot as well as maintaining a stock of powder, primers and bullets (or the ability to cast your own) is an investment in your shooting future.
It's not as inexpensive as it was even a year ago...it would not be hard to put $600-$800 into a Dillon 550 with dies and conversions plus accessories...less with other brands and types of presses...but paying the current local rate of $400 for 500 .223 or $25-35 for 50 rounds of 9MM or .40 is not inexpensive either.
It has been a puzzlement to me why many of my fellow shooting friends (except cowboy action shooters...they ALL reload) have taken the view that it is too expensive or difficult to get into. They are the ones now asking if I will reload for them so they can have ammo...I do not reload for anyone and will not shoot anyone's reloads...but I will show and help someone to learn.
Sheepdog1968
Member
I just shoot more 22 LR now. Even at current prices, getting a couple of mags for home defense, even rifle mags is possible. I assume it will take two years to settle down. Then again, look at gas prices and how tthey have been for the last four years or so.
Until backorders get caught up from all the people who bought and paid for ammo in December when the dreaded word "Ban" was bandied about, we aren't going to see surpluses of ammunition coming to store shelves. Someone else back in December and January already bought all the ammo that companies can physically produce for a year. If demand is down after these orders are filled, then ammo may become available. If demand stays strong and availability stays low...then prices will rise. $20 for a box of 7.62X39 or .223 wouldn't surprise me. $60 box of .45ACP 50 count. $50 box of 50 count 9mm Luger. Wouldn't surprise me a bit. Like someone else said, it's not terribly different than what other countries have to pay.
Lj1941
Member
High Cost
I decided back in the mid 80s that factory ammo was becoming far too expensive. It was at that time that I got started in handloading.I can count on both hands the amount of factory loaded ammo excepting rimfire that I have shot in almost 30 years. I increased my stocks of components in the last panic and really haven't saved any money.I have been able to shoot far more and not worry about the cost or the fact that I could run out of what caliber of ammo that I shoot regularly.I now have the capability to hand load 5 rifle and 7 handgun calibers.I know that I haven't saved money but I have the ability to shoot regularly and if I run out,no matter,I can just pick another caliber and go at it.It is a good feeling not to have to worry.
I decided back in the mid 80s that factory ammo was becoming far too expensive. It was at that time that I got started in handloading.I can count on both hands the amount of factory loaded ammo excepting rimfire that I have shot in almost 30 years. I increased my stocks of components in the last panic and really haven't saved any money.I have been able to shoot far more and not worry about the cost or the fact that I could run out of what caliber of ammo that I shoot regularly.I now have the capability to hand load 5 rifle and 7 handgun calibers.I know that I haven't saved money but I have the ability to shoot regularly and if I run out,no matter,I can just pick another caliber and go at it.It is a good feeling not to have to worry.
MagnunJoe
Member
I get sick and tired when people in this forum compare the US to other countries. True some things are more expensive abroad, like gas and bullets, but then again, a college education is free or subsidized & so is medical care. Over here we pay up the a$$ for those things but ammo and gas is just a bit cheaper.
Queen_of_Thunder
member
Its not the same. Don't believe me ask the folks in CO.,Maryland.NY and Ct. Plus the entre distribution chain is void of any ammo. Not a single round in storage. Whatever is coming off the lines is being sold within an hour of it being put on the shelves. Come June and July and its no better than now just what do you think is going to happen? It wont be pretty thats for sure and those saying they were going to wait this out most likely will change their minds.
JFtheGR8
Member
Vote the liberals out and this situation goes away. Too many gun owners don't bother to vote while our opposition is going door to door filling out absentee ballots so they can keep their entitlements.
Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android
Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android
my local dealer here in the Seattle area has 5.56 PMC X-Tac for $11.99 / 20rds
Sure... not a great bargain but at 60cents/rd much cheaper than what I see online or at gun shows.
And the good thing: they have plenty! Thanks to limiting it to 8 packs per customer max.
Sure... not a great bargain but at 60cents/rd much cheaper than what I see online or at gun shows.
And the good thing: they have plenty! Thanks to limiting it to 8 packs per customer max.
helitack32f1
Member
I have been in an online battle with the owners of a store who treated my wife rudely when she didn't appreciate the prices for .22 they had. They had a 100 round box of some type of CCI for $35 and a 325 round pack of Federal bulk for $80. Considering I had just paid $26 for a 525 pack of Federal, I found that to be a bit much. The rude treatment was over the top and as I found out on line later, I am not the only one to get their special treatment.
There are places that will sell without gigantic mark-ups and those are certainly the places I will continue to do business with.
There are places that will sell without gigantic mark-ups and those are certainly the places I will continue to do business with.
When you feel raw about paying higher prices, just pretend for a minute that the box of ammo you are debating buying may be the last box of ammo that you'll see for a very very long time. Then let yourself realize you aren't pretending. It may very well be the last box you'll see for a year or two. Or three. Or five.
If you decide you want to wait on the possibility of getting ammo in the future, then be patient and wait. Perhaps ammunition will be available later at a price you think is acceptable.
If you decide that you don't want to wait, then recognize that ammunition is scarce and you are going to have to pay a price you never dreamed would be necessary. That premium price is for the privilege of not having to stand in line and of having ammunition when millions of others who want it can't get it, and also a price that you likely would have paid in gas and wasted time trying to track down the ammo that you might or might not ever find.
The situation is what it is.
If you decide you want to wait on the possibility of getting ammo in the future, then be patient and wait. Perhaps ammunition will be available later at a price you think is acceptable.
If you decide that you don't want to wait, then recognize that ammunition is scarce and you are going to have to pay a price you never dreamed would be necessary. That premium price is for the privilege of not having to stand in line and of having ammunition when millions of others who want it can't get it, and also a price that you likely would have paid in gas and wasted time trying to track down the ammo that you might or might not ever find.
The situation is what it is.
Jason_W
Member
I could barely afford to go shooting before the panic and I really can't now. I'm going to hang on to what I have to make sure I can hunt during the upcoming season. I'm seriously considering buying a crossbow for deer.
I can't help but appreciate the irony of this whole situation, though.
I can't help but appreciate the irony of this whole situation, though.
Ohio Gun Guy
Member
I keep on being surprised by the length of this. I'm in the okay camp. Could use some more, but have enough I'm not paying double or standing in line....yet.
Like was said above, if your reading this here on THR, PLEASE VOTE!
I believe the problem is a "perfect storm" of the following:
1. Fear of Ban/s (State and Federal)
2. Already higher demand (Since 2008, 2012 elections)
3. Gov't purchases (I know, I know)
4. Increased demand from the numerous states passing CCW laws & New shooters.
I just hope we do get a break and have prices come back down. I will not soon forget this and just how much ammo I feel I need to weather such a "Storm" in the future. I need to add to my stock pile the amount I would be comfortable using or selling. Currently, I have some, but no extra.
Like was said above, if your reading this here on THR, PLEASE VOTE!
I believe the problem is a "perfect storm" of the following:
1. Fear of Ban/s (State and Federal)
2. Already higher demand (Since 2008, 2012 elections)
3. Gov't purchases (I know, I know)
4. Increased demand from the numerous states passing CCW laws & New shooters.
I just hope we do get a break and have prices come back down. I will not soon forget this and just how much ammo I feel I need to weather such a "Storm" in the future. I need to add to my stock pile the amount I would be comfortable using or selling. Currently, I have some, but no extra.
Wow! I'm surprised how many really negative people are commenting in this thread. Ammo prices are not up, the wholesale price hasn't gone up much, if at all on most suppliers. Some of the sellers are charging more. I see ammo on the shelf here and there, some is higher, some is normal price or close to it. When wal mart gets ammo in, its the same old price. I paid $13 for a 375 rd box of fed 22's a week or so ao, 40's were $35/100, 9's were $13/50, and I've seen Federal 223 100 packs for about $35.
I totally disagree with many of the comments in this thread. I dont believe it is in fact the end of the world, nor can we see it from here. Prices are not up at wholesale level in most cases. There is tons of ammo on the market, even if you aren't seeing it sitting around, supplies seem to be coming in more regularly, and prices aren't up much, if at all for the sellers that aren't taking advantage of the situation. I've been in a couple local shops with plenty of ammo on the shelves, one shop had a dozen or more ARs and several AKs for near old retail prices. If it costs them more, they have to sell it for more, but when the wholesale price is the same old price they sell for the same old price.
At some point either the freak out mentality will slow down, and/or the saturation point in buying power will catch up with the high level of factory output.
I totally disagree with many of the comments in this thread. I dont believe it is in fact the end of the world, nor can we see it from here. Prices are not up at wholesale level in most cases. There is tons of ammo on the market, even if you aren't seeing it sitting around, supplies seem to be coming in more regularly, and prices aren't up much, if at all for the sellers that aren't taking advantage of the situation. I've been in a couple local shops with plenty of ammo on the shelves, one shop had a dozen or more ARs and several AKs for near old retail prices. If it costs them more, they have to sell it for more, but when the wholesale price is the same old price they sell for the same old price.
At some point either the freak out mentality will slow down, and/or the saturation point in buying power will catch up with the high level of factory output.
- Status
