another one crying about the price of ammo

[feralcatkillr]

Many are claiming supply and demand is what's increasing the prices. That may be true but supply and demand works both ways. If enough of us refuse to pay the inflated prices eventually there will be an excess of supply driving the price back down again.

Now, do I have any faith this will happen, no. Too many people these days have that "hooray for me and the heck with everyone else" attitude so I'm guessing we will be stuck with these higher prices for a good long while. (if they ever come down)

Don't forget your Economics 101, though, and how the demand curve on the chalkboard (before dry erase, for me!) sloped downward to make a triangle. There will always be a few people at the tip of the triangle that will demand some quantity at even very high prices. That's why there *is* a tip to every such triangle. Very few products' demand curves are 100% fully price elastic, so it doesn't help to whinge an moan about the people who live at a different part of the triangle than you do. You can wish all you want that everyone that the same price-vs-quantity opinions as you, but that doesn't change reality.

On the other hand, you are correct that those of us who refuse to buy beyond a certain price point will slowly change the market equilibrium, presuming that supply increases. This latest buying frenzy just proved how slowly a supply curve can shift compared to how far a demand curve can move in just a few hours.

Sorry for the Economics wonk post. Econ still remains one of my favorite subjects for truly explaining the world objectively, and I wish it was taught more / better.

 

[Snowwolfe]

Thanks for the Cabelas tip on 22's. I visited there new store just south of Denver a couple of times and they had some off the wall brand in stock for $40 brick. I have a huge supply already but I know some guys looking for .22's so will pass the info along.
On a side note, does anyone know where I can buy some CCI SV ammo?

 

[ladyT]

I agree as well with the exception much of the ammo the normal person needs is not on the shelf for sale.

On another note I am still waiting to hear back from the gent who says he buys 22LR for 4-5 cents a round online.

I bought 2800 rounds of 22lr yesterday for just under 5 cents a round. This morning I bought 750 rounds @7.2 cents a round though I could have bought some cheaper 22lr but Academy had the CCI AR Tactical ammo that I wanted for my son who just got a Sig522

 

[MichiganScott]

Like others you forget that your time has value, that the space you use in your home has value so that cost must be added in as any utilities, replacement parts for your press, prepping brass for reloading with its associated costs, dies, powder.brass and on and on and on. It's impossible to reload for less than factory ammo.

Some of us consider reloading to be a hobby all by itself, not a means to an end. Your arguments against reloading don't fly any more than if they were applied to any other hobby.

 

[johngalt]

Prices will continue to climb. Not sure how many of you know this but the US government just forced the closing of the last lead smelting operation in the USA. This means lead will now have to be imported and it will cost more due to shipping expenses.
NRA-ILA | End of an Era: Last U.S. Lead Smelter to Close in December

I seriously doubt we will ever see the price of ammo drop unless it goes on sale.

Don't worry, China has plenty of lead. Just get it from pet food and children's toys.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought 2800 rounds of 22lr yesterday for just under 5 cents a round. This morning I bought 750 rounds @7.2 cents a round though I could have bought some cheaper 22lr but Academy had the CCI AR Tactical ammo that I wanted for my son who just got a Sig522

I refuse to pay more than 4 cents a round for 22LR ammo and if that means not buying, I won't buy.

I reload for everything else and I completely disagree you can't save money over factory ammo, even at current component prices. Figuring in your time reloading as a cost is ridiculous because you would never do that for other hobbies. People who skydive don't add in time costs when flying to the drop point as part of the cost of jumping, same concept... how about when fishing? Do you add a charge to the ledger for the 3 hours you stand on the bank waiting for fish to bite? I think not...

 

[smokindog]

IF your claim was you got fish for less than in the grocery store, you better add in the cost of your gas, equipment, and time. However, if your claim was you enjoy your hobby and it has a nice outcome that you get some great fish, no.

We all have different reasons for doing things and it's difficult to state that reloading is necessarily cheaper for everyone. Regardless, I'm not sure that's the prime motivator for many. There are no absolutes.

I refuse to pay more than 4 cents a round for 22LR ammo and if that means not buying, I won't buy.

I reload for everything else and I completely disagree you can't save money over factory ammo, even at current component prices. Figuring in your time reloading as a cost is ridiculous because you would never do that for other hobbies. People who skydive don't add in time costs when flying to the drop point as part of the cost of jumping, same concept... how about when fishing? Do you add a charge to the ledger for the 3 hours you stand on the bank waiting for fish to bite? I think not...

 

[weatherby]

I thought ammo prices were bad when I got serious about shooting 30 years ago.I saved up a few bucks,bought some reloading equipment and never looked back.At today's prices (except 22) most of us couldn't afford enough ammo to learn how to shoot straight.

You are so right .

I grew up shooting......I reload, I stockpile, I hoard.

Why ?

I want my kids to be able to shoot.....and enjoy it.

We are quickly approaching......no we've passed it.

A price point where the average person can not worry about the expenditure.

 

[Smitty357]

IF your claim was you got fish for less than in the grocery store, you better add in the cost of your gas, equipment, and time. However, if your claim was you enjoy your hobby and it has a nice outcome that you get some great fish, no.

We all have different reasons for doing things and it's difficult to state that reloading is necessarily cheaper for everyone. Regardless, I'm not sure that's the prime motivator for many. There are no absolutes.

Amen to this.........

I know one things is for sure. I sure as hell dont drive my 67 Camaro RS around on beautiful weekends because its cheaper on gas mileage........Plain and simple, i do it because i enjoy doing it.

 

[littleriver1]

Ok, you guys got me. I ordered everything I need to start reloading, except components. I can pick up the components this week. I should be reloading by the end of next week. My first round I make will cost me around $475.00. Each round after that will be averaged out while adding more components as needed until the day I die. But as some of you say and I agree, I will be shooting more and never see a $.15 cost per round any way. I am 70 years old and I don't expect to be loading for 50 years as some of you already have. So, cost is out the window and fun is knocking at the door.

 

[kaaskop49]

Please...

Whether we buy factory ammo or 'roll our own,' let's not forget to stay alert and active on the legislative front so we can continue to enjoy our hobby. I feel certain we can expect another push in D.C. in the spring after the ACA furor abates to a degree.