Shell Shock Over Skyrocketing Ammunition Prices (one billion bullets a year in Iraq/Afghanistan)

[The Straight Story]

Shell Shock Over Skyrocketing Ammunition Prices

A nationwide ammunition shortage is raising prices and forcing law enforcement agencies and gun shops to bite the bullet.

"I think a lot of people coming in to buy shells are going to be shocked because they are going to realize how much the price has gone up," said
Chris Fulster of Broadway Bait, Rod and Gun in Sacramento.

Fulster said bullet prices across the board have gone up at least 40 percent.

"We were selling these things pretty cheap like $12 a box but now they've gone up about $18 to $19 dollars a box," said Fulster.

The demand for ammunition is on the rise partly because of conflicts in the Middle East. According to The Associated Press, U.S. soldiers are firing more than one billion bullets a year in Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31968

[spinbaby]

1. It's been in short supply for quite some time

And it's not just that it's expensive--often it's just unavailable.

[Mojorabbit]

2. Hubby sstarted

making his own bullets. I was nervous about it at first but he got some good mentoring and is having a great time doing it.

[SteveM]

3. Even re-loads are going up. I get a baggy of .38s for $9, up $2 from 3 mos. ago.

For my deer rifle I buy Monarch brand .270s for the same price as Remington rounds -- a year ago. Fortunately, the Monarchs are accurate; but they do have to be chambered in my bolt-action with more force. And in my Ruger .357 revolver the mild target loads will cause the cylinder to lock on occasion, requiring a little wiggle. I think the cartridge rim is cut a little differently and they snag on the concave swale in the recoil shield. Also, the primer seems to be a little tough as the firing pin makes a noticeably smaller indention when compared with other brands/reloads.

For the field, I stick with domestic brands.