The Ammo Shortage’s impact on today’s trip to the range

[bushmaster1313]

Upside for me: During my hour at the 12 stall indoor range which often has a 45 minute wait on a Sunday, there were never more than 3 stalls in use at any one time.

Down side for the sport and the 2A: During my hour at the 12 stall indoor range which often has a 45 minute wait on a Sunday, there were never more than 3 stalls in use at any one time.

To relate this thread directly to “Ammo,” because of the current high replacement for ammo that I bought when prices were much lower, I only shot half as many rounds as I would on a pre ammo shortage trip to the range.

 

[luvsmiths]

But I keep reading on here how all the ammo has come back.

I don't understand.

You mean it hasn't?

 

[Pef]

The prices are coming down, and likely will continue to do so unless the Dems really make a serious gun control push.

Fortunately I bought a lot when it was down at historic lows and before the Covid scare. Once it comes back down, say in the $0.23 range for 9mm (if it ever gets that low, it was about $0.16 before covid), I'm going to resume bulk buys. I probably have enough right now for many years in 9mm and .45, and probably a lifetime supply of .22. But I'll probably buy more and "stack deep when it's cheap."

 

[cmj8591]

Range demand is definitely down. Like I've said before, most people I know can't afford to spend a couple of hundred bucks on a week end just to shoot up the sand banks. Supply around me is starting to pick up a lot. Just about all the LGS have ammo and no limit. Prices have dropped about 25% from their peak but are still way higher than pre covid. I think what will happen is that the demand has flattened so as the supply chain catches up, the prices will drop even more. The 800 pound elephant is the looming inflation. It's anyone's guess how it will play out but when it hits, it will affect more than ammo.

 

[Greyman50]

Reload. Easiest solution unless you have to start from scratch. Completely understand those that do not reload due to circumstances. Hard to beat casting bullets and developing a load.

 

[scoobysnacker]

To relate this thread directly to “Ammo,” because of the current high replacement for ammo that I bought when prices were much lower, I only shot half as many rounds as I would on a pre ammo shortage trip to the range.

I can definitely relate. I used to shoot maybe 200 rds, easily, in each caliber I would bring. Often more. And I'd go a lot, because it's fun and rewarding to watch your groups tighten.

I have plenty of ammo stored up, but I really only go to function-test something new now, and I just bring enough to "check", not to play.

For example- I recently put together an AR pistol. I brought 60 rds; a box of IMI brass, a box of Silver Bear, and a box of Tula. I sighted the gun in at 25 yds, with the IMI (while confirming the IMI worked). Then finished off that box, and tested the other two types.

I noted that yes, the gun will eat steel, and at that distance there was no discernable (to me) difference in perceived accuracy.
A couple years ago, I'd have burned up a lot more, just having fun. And I've have taken a pistol or 2, and maybe another rifle. Not now, not until I can afford to replace what I shoot.

 

[Doug44]

Was at a gun shop Saturday and there was a line waiting to get into the range. I ask salesman if they had ammo for them and he said yes. Did not ask price.

 

[gwpercle]

No ammo = No shooting
I'm glad I started casting bullets and reloading in 1967 .
All my equipment is paid for , I would hate to start now .
When I told my Dad that if he loaned me $20.00 I could buy a Lee Loader and load all our ammo ... he looked at me kinda funny and said " why would you do that , you can buy all you want at the store !" Reloading was something crazy people did ... He gave me two $20.00's and said " Don't tell your Mamma ." Thanks Dad !!!

There wasn't a wait at our local indoor range , fairly crowded ... I noticed all the shooters picking up and keeping their brass ... I guess their Dad's gave them money for a Lee Loader Too !
Gary

 

[bushmaster1313]

A couple years ago, I'd have burned up a lot more, just having fun. And I've have taken a pistol or 2, and maybe another rifle.

Not now, not until I can afford to replace what I shoot.

^^^Economics 101
Sunk cost should not factor into rational decision making
Except, of course, when it comes to pride and ego
From an economics perspective all that matters is replacement cost

 

[GypsmJim]

I just love playing with Excel. My ammo spreadsheets include inventories of loaded rounds, plus components, plus data on every time I shoot. The calculation pages indicate how long my inventory will last.

When I read in the paper that lead wheel weights were being outlawed (replaced with zinc), I spend a couple afternoons driving from gas station to gas station buying all I could. It took several months to melt it all into ignots. Now I have a lifetime supply.

One day early last year I was watching the noon news and the anchor mentioned the words covid and pandemic. The only other words that came to mind were Obama and Sandy Hook. That afternoon I went online and viewed my favorite component retailer's web site. ALL my stuff was in stock and at regular prices. I reviewed my spreadsheet and ordered a whole bunch.

Powder and brass are now in the lifetime supply mode. My only regret is not ordering more primers. There I'm down to maybe 5 years.

I haven't changed my shooting habits one iota, and I always left some in the store for others to buy.

 

[Geno44]

GypsmJim- Very nice job planning ahead and purchasing when things are quiet! Just what everyone should have been doing.

 

[MyDads38]

In the past 16 months, I've shot a total of 240 rounds of 9mm ammo-all reloads. It's hard for me to enjoy going to the range when I wonder how or when I can replace what I send down range. It's not like I don't have the components, or some factory ammo in reserve, just hard to let it go when things are the way they are.

 

[Muddyboot]

To those who don't, consider getting into black powder, it's fun ,and after the initial purchase of the firearm, a cheap way to enjoy shooting.