Why is the cost of Hydra-Shok ammo twice as expensive when sold in 20 round packages?

[JLStorm]

I have been carrying the hyrdashoks I get in the 50 round boxes for a while because it seems accurate and its cheap enough that I can practice with it more than the Hydrashoks that come in the 20 round boxes. The price of the 20 round boxes is about the same as the 50 round boxes, so while a round in the 20 round box costs $0.98 per round, the 50 round box costs only $0.44 per round. I am usually a firm believer in you get what you pay for, but all I see is a difference in packaging, is the quality and dependability actually any different between the rounds that are sold in these respective packages? Both the 20 round and 50 round packages are available in the same weights, as well as at regular pressures and +p, the only notable difference is the packaging, so why is the ammo in the 20 round box over twice the price per round compared to the 50 round box??? I have price shopped around and this seems to be the case no matter where I get the ammo no matter if its a local shop or online.

Here is an example:

20 round box $19.51 http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/68256-6659-207.html
50 round box $21.97 http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM515-18942-207.html

Can someone explain what I am missing here?

 

[Zundfolge]

Same reason that any other product is cheaper when bought in bulk.

Beer by the sixer is a lot more expensive than by the case (or keg).

Same principal.

 

[Jkwas]

One thing I have found about CTD. You can't go by the catalog pricing. You have to call in or use the web. If you punch in the item number, like I did this week, It comes up not available. And it was advertised at a real cheap price. (110gn 38spl hydrashock 50 rnd box). I called them up on it, and they told me that their catalogs are pre-printed so early that the prices, especially on ammo, change constantly. Buyer Beware.

 

[mdao]

None of the local gun shops have 50 rd boxes of premium ammo for sale, only 20/25 rd boxes. My experience mirrors JLStorm's. and cost for the 20/25 rd boxes is roughly the same as the 50 rd boxes for from Streichers.

My guess is that the ammo companies are doing market differentiation. The 20/25 rd packs are commonly available to your average non-LEO, while the 50 rd packs are targeted towards the LEO crowd. That way, they maximize profit from the non-LEO crowd, while staying price competitive in the battle for LEO contracts/usage. The internet kinda blunts this strategy though.

 

[Zoogster]

The 20/25 rd packs are commonly available to your average non-LEO, while the 50 rd packs are targeted towards the LEO crowd. That way, they maximize profit from the non-LEO crowd, while staying price competitive in the battle for LEO contracts/usage. The internet kinda blunts this strategy though.

Essentialy trying to ignore supply and demand by making multiple supply and demand markets. What is worse is that legislation promoting them as Law Enforcement Only would be supported by the manufacturers for the same reason.

LEO are a bulk purchasing very competative market limited by Departmental budget, civilians however will buy whatever is most effective irregardless of cost for defensive purposes. Keeping the two seperate maximizes profit. Legislation forcing the two to remain seperate would be even more ideal for the manufacturers.

It would allow for example something like Black Talons to be marketed to LEO as Law Enforcement Only, while allowing SXT's to be manufactered for civilian purchase. So the Black Talons could be priced competitively for LEOs to be successful, without having to give up profits selling virtualy the same ammo as SXT's to civilians.
However this strategy bites the manufacturers in the end because antis are more successfuly in attacking ammo types not utilized to protect and serve the community. Civilians also tend to be attracted to LEO ammo because even if no more effective than another, allows for better legal defense by an attorney if necessary.

If it is good enough for the police's protection, the jury can see you thinking it was good enough for you and your family's protection is the theory. Of course in a modern police state people see what the police use as justifiable in civilian hands less and less, so that defense is fading fast. After all police also use full auto select fire weapons, and are entirely different people subject to different laws exempt from most firearm legislation, so why should you think using thier ammo is okay just because they do?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It's not only true for Federal but for Speer too. I originally bought the 20 round boxes before I knew there were 50 round boxes. I order them from my local dealer.