I think that more experienced shooters [read those that shoot more then a few boxes a year] are looking at .22 revolvers and pistols to keep their round counts up and costs down.

While I have years of centerfire ammo put back, I've gotten into shooting more .22 lately and have bought more .22 cal firearms [to include revolvers] then anything else lately.

Anything that drive's up interest in certain calibers will also tend to raise the price, classic supply and demand.