New ammo shortage over the horizon?

[ladyT]

I see the present situation getting worse. I see higher taxes on ammo as well as higher prices. This is the "calm" before the storm. The new period of cheap available ammo. And guns.

 

[Kilibreaux]

When the majority of the people start believing "everything" is a conspiracy, the Government need no longer worry about creating a cover story.
Powder manufacturers want to sell product. IF their product is not being bought up by someone at bulk prices on the front end, said powder IS GOING to find its way to the public market. All conspiracies aside, I find it ridiculous to believe the companies who make smokeless POWDER would be in bed with the government to insure the private citizen has no access to powder...but hey, I may have missed something in the grand, over-arching conspiracy against all mankind.

 

[jimbo728]

All I can say is that ammo and supply was always there before and it is hard to get now. Primers, powder and even caps for Cap and ball and muzzle loaders. This makes me suspicious. Also, I understand our last lead producer has been shut down.
The problem is systemic and it was not before 2004.
I hope we can resolve this in 2016.
Jim

 

[LostintheOzone]

I've never stopped buying brass, powder, bullets and primers. When I see a deal I buy it. Just bought another 3K of primers and 1K bullets, both discounted. The shortage of one item may disappear but something else will become impossible to get. Right now I'm waiting for brass and 22LR to show up again at pre panic prices. If it does I will buy enough to last me a very long time.

I'm betting the shortage won't end. I'm selling guns to buy ammo now.

 

[ladyT]

All I can say is that ammo and supply was always there before and it is hard to get now. Primers, powder and even caps for Cap and ball and muzzle loaders. This makes me suspicious. Also, I understand our last lead producer has been shut down.
The problem is systemic and it was not before 2004.
I hope we can resolve this in 2016.
Jim

Our problem is a very simple one. Its DEMAND. Manufactures have not increased production capacity anywhere near the level to handle the over 20 million new gun owners. A number that increases every day.

They like many of us got caught flatfooted at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. By this point in time there was no way to catch up. Its now June of 2014 and calibers in 22S,22L,22LR and 22WMR cannot be found and when they are available purchases are limited. Regular CF pistol ammo is really one or two deliveries away from empty shelves. Of course prices have increased all around with no change in sight. Yea I know there is the occasional reduction even if its a momentary reduction but the trend on prices is continuing upwards.

 

[JohnSW]

Our problem is a very simple one. Its DEMAND. Manufactures have not increased production capacity anywhere near the level to handle the over 20 million new gun owners. A number that increases every day.

I suspect that ammo companies are reluctant to invest in new production capacity, because they don't want to be stuck with (unprofitable) excess capacity in the future.

[Febuary 2014] "Cabela's Inc., an outdoor gear retailer, cited a sharp drop-off in sales of guns and ammunition when it reported Thursday a 10.1% decline in fourth-quarter sales, excluding newly opened or closed stores. Its shares dropped by as much as 13%."The surge in firearms and ammunition is clearly winding down," Chief Executive Thomas Millner said, referring to the sales run-up as "a bubble."

Cabela's Says U.S. Gun Purchases Are Slowing, Hitting Fourth Quarter Same-Store Sales - WSJ.com

 

[R*E]

I'm not so much into hoarding, but I'm trying to replace everything I shoot up.

 

[Mcwsky09]

I'm waiting for the day when the hoarders are so hard up for cash they have to sell at below market prices

I've got my reloading down to about 10¢ a round using total metal jacket projectiles. Could drop it lower if I start casting my own projectiles.

I suspect we are going to see hoarding for a long time after whatever latest atrocity has been committed.

I suspect that some folks don't get upset about DUI for a number of reasons, in the back of their minds they know it could be them behind the wheel after drinking someday, or aren't afraid they could be victims of a drunk driver believing they can avoid the drunk driver more easily than a speeding bullet, the 24 hour news doesn't have minute by minute of coverage of motor vehicle accidents or pundits claiming that the drunk driver was racists or a terrorist etc, and perhaps a little bit of thinking that if I don't "need" a gun then no one else should either.

 

[PatriotX]

There's a lot of talk about the anti-gun folks acting out of fear or panic, but that's PRECISELY what's driving the ammo (and component) shortage among gun owners.

Fear that someone is coming for their guns or ammo.

Panic about non-issues, such as the closing of the last domestic primary lead smelter.

I have see the enemy, and he is us.