U.S. shooters feel pinch as ammo costs soar

[Negative Creep]

By Tim Gaynor
Mon May 19, 8:12 PM ET



TOMBSTONE, Ariz (*******) - Gunslinger Bob Krueger blasts away at his outlaw rivals at a tourist show in this storied Old West town, although rising ammo costs may force him to choose his shots.

Krueger and his gnarly band of pistoleros are among millions of shooters, hunters and even lawmen across the United States feeling the pinch as sky-high metals prices and demand from wars abroad are driving up the price of bullets.

Ammo prices for many popular guns have more than tripled in the last three years, driven in large part by surging demand for metals in rapidly industrializing China.

As the Asian giant becomes wealthier, millions of tons of copper, lead and zinc, which are also used to make bullets and brass shell-casings, are being snapped up.

Shooters, gun dealers and sheriffs say the impact has been further aggravated by competition for limited ammo stocks with the U.S. military, currently fighting wars on two fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Everybody is feeling it," said Krueger, a Stetson wearing cowboy whose show blasts through hundreds of rounds of blank ammo each week at Six Gun City in Tombstone.

"If things get bad enough, we may all just get one bullet each," he said, to laughter from his grizzled buddies.

HUNTING FOR AMMO

Dealers complain that the cost of rifle ammunition has doubled and even tripled in the past two years, with similar increases for some hand gun ammunition.

Lynn Kartchner, a gun shop owner in nearby Douglas, Arizona, says he now pays $250 for a case of 1,000 rounds of assault rifle ammunition, up from $80 two years ago, while a box of popular 9 mm shells has jumped to $17 from $10.

"Price rises have been accompanied by scarcity for certain kinds of ammo," Kartchner told ******* in his shop, which is packed with rifles, pistols and shooting paraphernalia.

"There isn't as much variety, and a lot of people snap up whatever they can get their hands on," he added.

Increased costs and competition for ammo is also being born by police forces across the United States, among them the sheriff's department in Cochise County on the Arizona-Mexico border, which faces incursions from armed smugglers and even bandits from south of the line.

Last year the department faced a four-month delay acquiring rifle cartridges and had to dip into ammo reserves, rousing the concern of Sheriff Larry Dever.

"We do face people in this environment down here who are heavily armed, sometimes with higher capacity armaments than we carry," Dever said.

"The last thing we want do is find ourselves in a situation where we are not training sufficiently so that (deputies) can maintain those very important proficiencies," he added.

HOARDING, RELOADING

Demand for metals is tipped to stay strong in China for the next decade.

Cowboy shows and lawmen aside, high ammo prices are being shouldered by millions of target shooters and hunters across the United States, many of them working people on a limited budget.

"If you have three of four children, and they all go out on a hunting trip, the cost of ammo can be a bit of a burden," said Luis Hernandez, a keen deer, bird and varmint hunter from Douglas.

To keep costs low, many hobby shooters are now scouring gun shows, gun shops and the Internet in search of cheap ammunition, which some then buy in bulk and hoard against further price rises.

Others either shoot less, switch to smaller caliber ammunition such as .22 which is cheaper, or are increasingly turning to reloading their old shell cases.

"The main saving is in the brass casing, which is the most expensive part," said Hernandez, who reckons on saving up to $20 on a box of some premium rifle cartridges by reloading.

Other shooters and dealers are holding out hope that ammunition manufacturers will develop cheaper alternatives.

"High cost drives innovation," said Kartchner. "There has been some interest in plastic or aluminum cartridge cases in the past, so I'm hopeful they will come up with something. We'll just have to see."

(Reporting by Tim Gaynor; Additional reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Eddie Evans)


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/metals_usa_ammo_dc

[a_very_ex_STAB]

It's not only US shooters! :-(

[T3ngu]

You guys have it easy, i would kill to be able to by ammo for $250 for a case of 1,000 rounds of assault rifle ammunition. Assuming this is say 5.56/223 this is good. I pay around $7.50 or so for 10.

Ammo prices have gone up. This should be a big market for suppliers of reloading gear.

Reuse and save.

[cbreedon]

You guys have it easy, i would kill to be able to by ammo for $250 for a case of 1,000 rounds of assault rifle ammunition. Assuming this is say 5.56/223 this is good. I pay around $7.50 or so for 10.

Ammo prices have gone up. This should be a big market for suppliers of reloading gear.

Reuse and save.

My guess is that is for Wolf 7.62 Russian. .223 is way more. I buy fairly inexpensive ammo and it is about 38 cents a round. The really good stuff is way more than that. About 3 years ago I was buying a box of 20 for about $3 now it's around $8.

[BloodDiamondPants]

Greetings All,


The price increases for sporting ammo (read ball) is patently ridiculous in my humble opinion; especially when it comes to target shooters. I understand the metals, and war arguments well enough, but here is the catch: "The vast majority of what target shooters purchase is surplus ammo." (I.e. It's ammo that is not only already out there, but it has been produced and sitting "out there" for months, years, and decades.) Some might say: "Well, the competition for said ammo is high, and even the US Military has been sucking up vast stocks of surplus ammo, so that is the reason why." I will give some credence to such a statement, but here again is the catch: "Do you realize that there are literally BILLIONS of surplus rounds floating around out there on just the U.S. market alone; BILLIONS? (and ammunition manufacturers are still pumping the stuff out as fast as the machines will work)"

Also, and I will use .308 (7.62x51) as an example here; Winchester--who has the Federal Contract for .308--is releasing brand new production over-runs of vaccume-sealed, cased, .308 for sale to the general public, at prices that not bad considering the current state of the market; check Sportsman's Guide for proof-positive. Sure it will say "limited quantities" on the site, but only until next month when they get a new over-run from Winchester; LOL. There is no shortage folks. The brass used in ammunition is not high grade, and is not suitable for the kinds of uses that would make it a rarity; even by Chinese standards.

The short explanation, for me, is this: Greed. There is no shortage of brass cased, re-loadable ammo, only a shortage of people who refuse to get ripped off, and an internet that can start a chicken-little rumor faster than Al Gore. I'm telling you, stop buying, the price will "magically" go back down. I have a friend who works for Cabela's who has told me personally that it is already starting to happen, and they (Cabela's) are going to start lowering their prices soon because of it. The sky is not falling. Prices on ammo will soon though. Chin-up everybody, everything is going to be fine. Happy Shooting!




Regards,


BDP

[Connaught Ranger]

Gunslinger Bob Krueger blasts away at his outlaw rivals at a tourist show. . . .

yeah pity about the shortage of BLANK ammo:roll:

time to practice the BANG! BANG! shout.:)

Connaught Ranger:)

[Herrmannek]

There is one good thing about that... ammo produced now will pour back when war is over...

[Createdeemcee]

There is one good thing about that... ammo produced now will pour back when war is over...


True that, I hope its cheap too.

[StukaJr]

"Shooters" need to chill the feck out and pay the tab...

It was not until influx of cheap foreign manufactured ammo first started by PMC, that US saw bargain ammo - shooting in the mid 80's was even more expensive, price sticker wise, as it is today and back in the 80's money could buy you a lot more stuff...

Amerikanz also need to remember that US is involved in two Wars - so making the choice between recreation and feeding their
children should be an easy one... Jeez, sometimes I wish another Depression would put things into perspective to the MTV generation p-) rant over

[BloodDiamondPants]

That's just it. You can still get ammo at reasonable prices so long as you don't rely major retailers, and the Internet as your primary source. Besides, this is all artificial to begin with. There is no shortage. We have way more than enough to fight a war on 3 fronts and still have plenty for everyone to hit the range any time they like. Look for prices to take a steep dive soon. It's the new guys to the sport that are sweating, and getting taken. Mom & Pop Guns Stores, Gun Shows, and individual people with extra to get rid of are your best sources.

[-Church-]

There is one good thing about that... ammo produced now will pour back when war is over...

Looks like we got something to look forward to in the next 100 years apart from the end of the energy crisis and hot weather 24/7.

[AOCBravo2004]

You guys have it easy, i would kill to be able to by ammo for $250 for a case of 1,000 rounds of assault rifle ammunition. Assuming this is say 5.56/223 this is good. I pay around $7.50 or so for 10.

Ammo prices have gone up. This should be a big market for suppliers of reloading gear.

Reuse and save.

I can get 1000rd of 62 or 55 grain 223/5.56 for $260. It's also about getting together with people and buying in large bulk which is what I am doing. I don't stockpile like some people do. I'm waiting on my ammo, right now I only have about 500 rds laying around, 55gr. I only shoot when I have the time for it, the range I go to is only open on the weekends which sucks since my duty hours are on the weekend. I don't like using the departments range.

[BloodDiamondPants]

AOCBravo2004, you really are one of the lucky ones in this scenario. Since you are shooting .223, then all you have to do is upgrade to a real round like 7.62x39. You save money, and get to shoot a round that doesn't get deflected by blades of grass. This "ammo crisis" may very well be the best thing that ever happened to you. p-) (You know this is just a good natured .223 man vs. 7.62x39 man ribbing; ya?)

[SBL]

http://www.youtube.com/v/juLQBeZXmPU

[Hollis]

AOCBravo2004, you really are one of the lucky ones in this scenario. Since you are shooting .223, then all you have to do is upgrade to a real round like 7.62x39. You save money, and get to shoot a round that doesn't get deflected by blades of grass. This "ammo crisis" may very well be the best thing that ever happened to you. p-) (You know this is just a good natured .223 man vs. 7.62x39 man ribbing; ya?)


Man bum information 5.45x39 is even less in cost than that old stuff. AK 74 is the wave of the future.


Daughter, "Dad how come you switch to a cheaper beer."

Dad, "honey I need to save so I can afford ammo."

Daughter, " you need more ammo?"

Dad, "yes, honey, there might be a Zombie invasion soon."

Daughter, "Where are you going to put it? There isn't room in the shop sence the last ammo shipment."

Dad, " I'll build a bigger shop."

Daughter, "so drinking cheaper beer will actually help you afford a new shop?"

Dad, "naw, lessen the pain, when mom finds out."

[BloodDiamondPants]

I can get 1,000rds. of 7.62x39 Brown Bear for 165 bucks. I shoot on a private range, and it does a good job on paper, iron-pigs, and beer cans through un-mowed buffalo grass. I used to have an AR-15 chambered for .223, and since selling that rifle and buying a VZ.58 I can't go back. I'm satiated. :)


P.S. HOLLIS, no truer words were ever spoken. LOL.


Errata: I'm sure you've all seen the California Bill about serializing ammo. Can you imagine the logistical nightmare of serializing, or even using up the BILLIONS of cartridges already freely available in this country. I talked about this one with my local Sheriff--who is a friend of mine--and we both a good laugh. 5,000 dollar bullets? Not in this, or the next 2 lifetimes.

[Hollis]

I can get 1,000rds. of 7.62x39 Brown Bear for 165 bucks. I


Is the source in the states? Right now, it is hitting over $200.

I am glad I started hoarding before all of this came up. OOOPS switched to cheaper beer.

[BloodDiamondPants]

It pays to have friends (at Cabela's). p-) I'm not a rich man, but no zombie is ever going to take food out of my family's mouth. I just wish I had become a Blacksmith when I was younger; good fall-back job ya' know. LOL.


P.S. Can you get cheaper than Coors Light mixed with spicey V8 (perhaps a dash of Tobasco for "umph")?

[AOCBravo2004]

AOCBravo2004, you really are one of the lucky ones in this scenario. Since you are shooting .223, then all you have to do is upgrade to a real round like 7.62x39. You save money, and get to shoot a round that doesn't get deflected by blades of grass. This "ammo crisis" may very well be the best thing that ever happened to you. p-) (You know this is just a good natured .223 man vs. 7.62x39 man ribbing; ya?)

Well if my agency would only allow me to carry an SR-25 Carbine then I would ;)

[Flagg]

Man bum information 5.45x39 is even less in cost than that old stuff. AK 74 is the wave of the future.


Daughter, "Dad how come you switch to a cheaper beer."

Dad, "honey I need to save so I can afford ammo."

Daughter, " you need more ammo?"

Dad, "yes, honey, there might be a Zombie invasion soon."

Daughter, "Where are you going to put it? There isn't room in the shop sence the last ammo shipment."

Dad, " I'll build a bigger shop."

Daughter, "so drinking cheaper beer will actually help you afford a new shop?"

Dad, "naw, lessen the pain, when mom finds out."

I managed to find a REALLY sharp deal on South African 7.62 for service rifle shooting and target shooting......so sharp that when I went to pick it up from the dealer/gunsmith I procured it through he was selling heaps of cases to OTHER customers.......how dare he.....now the secret stash is gone! I should have bought more.

On a related note........does having chest pains and panic attacks from opening up a fresh case of ammunition make me a zombie fearing ammo hoarder, or just too cheap to even shoot the stuff?

[Hollis]

I managed to find a REALLY sharp deal on South African 7.62 for service rifle shooting and target shooting......so sharp that when I went to pick it up from the dealer/gunsmith I procured it through he was selling heaps of cases to OTHER customers.......how dare he.....now the secret stash is gone! I should have bought more.

On a related note........does having chest pains and panic attacks from opening up a fresh case of ammunition make me a zombie fearing ammo hoarder, or just too cheap to even shoot the stuff?


No kidding, I had a source $120 for 1,000 7.62 Nato SA battle packs, So I only bought 2,000 rds.

On the other note, yep, I think people or hoarding more and shooting less.

[mohawkALSE]

Man bum information 5.45x39 is even less in cost than that old stuff. AK 74 is the wave of the future.

Alot of surplus 5.45x39 has come in the past few years and yes the price of that has dropped and I hope if drops more. I have a SLR-105 and its no problem feeding it, as well as a demilled Bulgarian AK-74 kit to be built. The only problem I see is its eventually gonna dry up and isn't really a wave of the future, I think its more the here and now. All the Russian ammo is either Tula Cartridge Works (539) or Lugansk State Arsenal (270) and both were dated 1976, then you have the Bulgarian (10) ammo thats 1989-1991 dated and there was a little bit of Polish late 80s dated ammo that was around. The Polish seems to have dried up leaving the Russian/Ukrainian and Bulgarian ammo. Its all dated so its not like its a never ending supply. If we were able to get more current production Russian surplus or more stockpiles are found and released elsewhere in the former Soviet bloc states then we could be in damn fine shape. I'm sure more stockpiles will be released but from where and how much is uncertain. Ive heard rumors of East German surplus coming in soon but who knows. As for commercial 5.45 its pretty expensive there days, between like 175-200ish for a case of 1k vs the old days where Wolf black box was 89 bucks a case. It was nice paying 3 bucks for a 30 round box of Barnaul 60gr FMJ in 2004.

[BloodDiamondPants]

Unfortunately HOLLIS I think you are right about people shooting less, and hoarding more these days. The thing is...it's a self defeating cycle. There is no shortage of ammo; it's a myth. People hoarding plays right into the hands of said myth, and therefore makes it temporarily true. I personally keep 3K of ammo per rifle in reserve. When I shoot, I buy new stock equal to what I am about to practice with, and then draw my shooting rounds for that day from the reserve. However, I still shoot at least 1K of rounds per rifle, per year, and with just a little sourcing; I am not going broke. I wish more people would ride this out in this fashion. It covers all bets well enough, and "this too shall pass." This "sky is falling" shineola isn't helping anyone. I blame the youngin's, with more money than sense. There is plenty for everyone to protect the frontier, and have fun, so long as a medocium of logic is presented in the decisions made.

[T3ngu]

e hands of said myth, and therefore makes it temporarily true. I personally keep 3K of ammo per rifle in reserve. When I shoot, I buy new stock equal to what I am about to practice with, and then d

I have an issue here, i only have 100 rounds or per rifle. The zombies are going to get me early.

3k, holy smokes batman.

[Hollis]

I have an issue here, i only have 100 rounds or per rifle. The zombies are going to get me early.

3k, holy smokes batman.


That is even worse number if you have only a few firearms.

Hey Zombies, bon appetite.

[T3ngu]

Hey, us stayians dont taste so good. Lucky me.

On the upside, i have plenty of shotgun ammo.

[Hollis]

Hey, us stayians dont taste so good. Lucky me.

On the upside, i have plenty of shotgun ammo.


Shotgun is very good Zombie medicine.

[Engine Mech]

I went to buy some reloading components from my favorite gun store and the man will only sell 200 primers at a time. Some things are running short. I can still get 303 and 7x57 brass because not that many people shoot them.

[T3ngu]

I went to buy some reloading components from my favorite gun store and the man will only sell 200 primers at a time. Some things are running short. I can still get 303 and 7x57 brass because not that many people shoot them.

I saw shotgun brass the other day, didn't know it existed.

[Negative Creep]

My guess is that is for Wolf 7.62 Russian. .223 is way more. I buy fairly inexpensive ammo and it is about 38 cents a round. The really good stuff is way more than that. About 3 years ago I was buying a box of 20 for about $3 now it's around $8.

I'm guessing the "assault rifle ammunition" mentioned it the article is Wolf .223(their was a picture of it with the article) My buddy just paid $260 for a case at the local gunshow last weekend.

When I first bought my SAR-1 in 2003, I paid $60 for a 1,000rds. of Barnaul 7.62x39, last weekend I paid $195 for a case of Golden Tiger.

[playtym]

I managed to find a REALLY sharp deal on South African 7.62 for service rifle shooting and target shooting......

I have it on good authority that ALL of our surplus ammo is seriously defective. For your own benefit I'll PM you my details and you can return it to me here in South Africa for destruction. Because you're a long standing MP.net member, I'm even prepared to offer this service free of charge. p-)

[BloodDiamondPants]

playtym: LMAO! "Like ya' style; Love ya' show!"

P.S. 3K of ammo is not very much ammo (4, 50 cal. Ammo Cans filled with boxed 7.62x39). If you think that's a lot...I've got some people to introduce you to. I know guys with whole ammo rooms, bigger than my house that are just for ammo (rich b-stards, must be nice being millionaires). Gawd Bless America! LOL.

---one last note on this one: Join the NRA guys. It's like McCain, you may not like him, but he's the only game in town now. Ok, sorry for the little plug there, but it's only 25 bucks, and nobody else is standing up for law-biding, honest, hard-working Americans who just want to have what the Constitution already provides (living-document my a**). Ok, rant-off. Sorry.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1339612404_073272cd0e_b.jpg

[stonecutter]

Just bought a box of .44 mag ammo, cost me $40 for 50 rounds!! :( :( last year it was around $27....

[Bia]

bullets should cost 1000 each.

Would see a lot less pointless killings....and we could assume those that did get it.....prob deserved it.


*disclaimer - that is a facetious reply no need for dillusional moralistic brow beating replys*

[AOCBravo2004]

bullets should cost 1000 each.

Would see a lot less pointless killings....and we could assume those that did get it.....prob deserved it.


*disclaimer - that is a facetious reply no need for dillusional moralistic brow beating replys*

As Chris Rock said, if a bullet cost $5,000 there wouldn't be any more innocent bystanders.....