Ammunition Demand Is High / Supply Is Incredibly Low

I am sure everyone is well aware that the US consumer market has been suffering through an 18 month ammunition shortage. This is a general update on what to expect for 2009.  The major ammunition manufacturers ( i.e Federal , Winchester & Remington ) simply have not been able to keep up with production for the consumer market and now law enforcement agencies around the country are feeling the crunch and are scrambling to try acquire ammuntion; the result : higher prices and simply no availability

The major manufacturers face the following constraints

• US Military : soaking up all the 223 & 9mm bulk ammunition in the county
• Gov't Agencies / Law Enforcement : depleting the domestic availability of 223, 9mm, 40 Caliber and in some case 45 ACP
• Foreign Gov'ts : many countries have wiped out the supply of military surplus ammunition; 7.62 x39 & 223 surplus ammunition is more scarce now than it has been in over a decade.  S&B and Wolf have significantly increased prices ~ but they haven't shipped product anyway, so the price really hasn't been a huge issue
• US Consumer Anxiety: war on terror, unrest over immigration, political & legislative "jockey-ing" and the looming possibility of a party change in the White House have fueled the ammo crunch even further

As a result of these issues, we have seen several price increases across the board in the ammo industry, and there will be more coming very soon in regards to 223, 7.62x39, 9mm, 40 Caliber and 45 ACP practice / target ammunition.  Manufacturers will continue to raise prices as raw materials continue to inch up in price and fuel costs continue to soar.

I wish I had better news, but this is what will happen over the course of the next year: Ammunition prices will continue to appreciate ~ and it will be scarce.  You know the situation is bad when law enforcement agencies are buying "off-brand" ammunition just so they will have something to train with.

One positive aspect of the market is that there should be no supply problems with premium ammunition & hunting loads.  We will see slight price increases, but nothing like the bulk / surplus market.  There should be no problems with availability in the hunting markets.  Black Hills & Hornady Anmunition have made huge strides to alleviate any potential supply problems, and they continue to gain a larger customer base every day!

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We will be hold our prices for the short term, but we will be forced to increase prices as product begins to ship at the new pricing.  If you are looking for buy bulk Federal 223 Ammunition, or bulk CCI Blazer Brass 9mm Ammunition, now will be the best time of 2009

Other major ammunition suppliers are expected to introduce price increases immediately