AMMO SHORTAGE GETTING REAL......FOR THE COPS

by Bob Walsh

If various media reports are to be believed the limited availability and high cost of common calibers of ammunition, especially handgun and .223 rifle ammo, are having a negative impact on police training.

It has not gotten so bad yet that legally required ongoing training is being cancelled (unless reports are in error) but the cost is becoming a definite issue for smaller departments that do not buy their ammo on large contracts in advance of need.  

I know I have seen prices of ammo SKYROCKET at gun shows.  In the "old days" (before the palgue) factory new 9mm ammo went for about $13-16 dollars per box of 50, reloads less than that, and premium self-defense ammo $1 to $1.50 per round.  Now generic reloads bought in bulk are going for $1 per round or more, factory ammo for $2 per round and premium self-defense ammo more than that.  I also note the shelves in gun stores are pretty much bare.  People are now buying guns that they can not get ammo for and gun stores are holding back supplies so they can sell somebody one or two boxes when they buy a gun.

I have also noted that reloading equipment is pretty much sold out.  A lot of people are trying to get onto the reloading train (late) and finding that supplies, especially primers, are very hard to get and damn expensive when located.  I used to get primers for $140 per case of 5,000 with no problem.  Prices have gone up 300% to 500% at the retail end (aka gouging).

I am glad I had enough foresight to buy in bulk in advance.

(I wonder what this is doing to the shooting schools?  I expect it is kicking their butts.)