Primer Whiny Rant

[moxie]

The primer "shortage" seems to be abating with shelves filling up in gun shops and "in stock" appearing on the various websites. This is good news. The bad news is that the big price jumps we hoped might be temporary...aren't. I bought a 1000 each CCI large and small pistol the other day at a local gun shop. They were $33.95 apiece plus 8.25% Texas sales tax. Pretty good price compared to the internet. As an example, Natchez, which is usually pretty reasonable on most things, wants $34.68 for Winchester LP and $33.43 for CCI SP. To those prices, of course, one must add the big hazmat fee plus shipping. So no joy on the internet. The kicker came when I was putting the primers away. I found two boxes of primers I bought in 2003 at a local shop in Virginia. They were Winchester LP and SP, at $13.95 each. So there you have it, over 150% increase in price in 7 years. You'll hear lots of yada about higher fuel prices and lead prices blah blah. A 150%+ increase in 7 years on any product pure and simple shows gouging at one or more points along the line. I hope that people in the ammo business don't kill their golden goose. When reloading becomes nearly as expensive as the ridiculously overpriced (often 300%+ compared to 3-4 years ago) factory ammo we find today, it might be time to take up a new hobby.

 

[NKJ nut]

I'll stick with the hobby I have. It's still far cheaper than most of the others.

Besides it does fill my NEED for ammo. Gambling or chasing wimen wouldn't and would cost more money. tic-tac-toe, pattycake or croquet would be cheap but I would still NEED my ammo

 

[magnum12pm]

My range still wants 39.99 K for Federal SP and LP, even though they have had thousands on the shelf for the last six months. I went to another gun store to buy a Pro series compact 45 1911. I noticed they had Federal Primers for 29.95. I bought two of them, found myself back a week later and the price had fallen to 27.95. The price is set by whatever they can get the customer to pay at some stores.

 

[Fkimble]

I was at a local(Atlanta) gun show this afternoon and walked past an ammo(reloads) seller. At the end of his ammo was 10-12 cases of Wolf small and large rifle primers. I was 2 aisles away before the price registered with me. $90.00 a case of 5k. Thats about $16.90 plus tax. Still not sure why I didn't take them all home with me. Now GA Arms was selling primers for low 30's and another seller had his marked $36.xx.

 

[Beaver]

My pushers in Central Oregon get around $35./1000.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My local gun shop had CCI primers for $28.95/1000 and he has very little buying power. Makes me wonder why large stores with good buying power are still charging $39.99/1000 around here.

 

[Baldy]

I have used Winchester for years, but can't get any around here. Life long loader told me to get Wolf's. So far I have no regrets at $27.00@ 1,000.

 

[Fishslayer]

Haven't really looked lately but the ONE shop that had 'em awhile back had CCI LP for $42/1K...

I didn't even get a kiss on the back of the neck, either...

 

[novalty]

Was in my local Cabelas yesterday, and they had CCI LP for $32.99, and Remington LP for $34.99.

 

[LAH]

32-34 around here.........Creeker

 

[Harrison]

Some of it may be that when the stores bought their primers the price was really high because of the shortage. It may have taken months waiting on back order, and when they were finally delieverd the primers were delivered at the going price a year ago and not todays price. Then again it may be attempted price gougning. Then again it may be the sly hand of the government is involved somehow. This administration is anti-gun, or pro common sense gun laws. One way of limiting shooting is to make ammo and components scarce and blame it on big business or George Bush.

 

[johngalt]

Of course, some of the increase in price is due to the increase in demand and shortages last year. But I also believe inflation is part of it. I ride a bicycle, and I would bike guess parts are up over 50% from 3 years ago. I keep reading claims that inflation is low, but I don't believe it.

What's been going on is companies keep moving plants to Asia and cutting corners trying to contain costs. When production costs can't be cut any further, it's going to all hit the fan.

 

[TSQUARED]

As long as people are willing to pay $40/M some stores will charge that much. Locally one supplier charges $30/M with a 2M limit per transaction while another is charging $40/M with no limit. They both pay the same cst for their primers.

 

[kev74]

They both pay the same cst for their primers.

They might not, depending on supplier and quantity ordered.

 

[sjmjax]

Here in NE Floriduh, we're still seeing a lot of price variation. Local gun club carries a decent selection of reloading supplies. When available, Winchester primers are 27.95/K and Federal 34.95/K. Availability has been improving markedly in recent months.

On the other hand, some local gun shops still have any brand primer priced at $50-60/K. At a small gun show recently, Winchester primers were available in abundance.... at $40/K!

After the crisis / shortage we've experienced, it will take a while for market forces to re-level the price structure.

 

[n4zov]

There is absolutely no reason for manufacturers to reduce their "new" prices for primers. They are using all they can manufacture in new ammunition due largely to government contracts. What manufacturing capacity is left over churns out primers for reloaders and we are still buying them at whatever price they set. Imported primers may be the only force that somewhat mitigates the prices of domestic makers. Otherwise we would probably be paying $50+ a box.

 

[just for fun]

when midway had them at 31-32 per 1k for federal sp, hasmat didn't even enter the picture! It's been almost 2 yrs since There have been any for sale in my aera. was happy to find a source!

 

[Frank237]

Under $30 most place in central MT. Saw some for $24.99 per K as a matter of fact a few days ago. Couldn't imagine $40+ !!

FN in MT

 

[Willyboy]

Primers

The local Cabela's had Rem SP 1 1/2's for $35/m, and the local gun shop was $37/m. Both had sveral bricks so I bought from the LGS. It was the first time all year I saw the Rem SP's.

 

[LAH]

Under $30 most place in central MT. Saw some for $24.99 per K as a matter of fact a few days ago. Couldn't imagine $40+ !!

FN in MT

Craig, Montana. I've been to Helena & Great Falls, but never between. I lived in Missoula [mid 70s] & drove RT. 12 or 200 but never I-15 north of I-90...........Creeker