Anti-Gun Lunacy Triggers Explosion In Ammo Prices

Vista Outdoor, a parent company with over three dozen companies, including significant names in the firearms industry, announced a significant increase in ammunition and gunpowder prices. This move is largely attributed to the combination of unprecedented domestic demand and a global shortage of gunpowder.

Key players in the ammunition manufacturing industry under Vista Outdoor’s umbrella include Federal Ammunition, Remington, Speer, Alliant Powder, and others. These companies are not only involved in manufacturing ammunition but also produce essential components for hand-loaded ammunition such as gunpowder, primers, bullets, and cases.

Over the past two decades, prices for ammunition and reloading supplies have seen a substantial increase. For instance, the cost per round of 5.56mm ammunition was around 15 to 20 cents in the mid-2000s, but it has escalated to between 60 and 70 cents in recent times. The rise in costs is generally linked to supply and demand dynamics, inflation, and increased prices during periods of political turmoil or in the aftermath of mass shootings due to panic buying.

The period from 2000 to 2022 witnessed a dramatic increase of 157% in small arms ammunition prices, significantly outstripping the rate of inflation. The most significant yearly spikes were recorded in 2008 (23% increase) and 2007 (14% increase). Between 2004 and 2015, the prices more than doubled, with substantial price hikes also occurring in 2021 and 2022.

The popularity of reloading ammunition has also surged, paralleling the rise in ammunition costs. While the practice of reloading has long existed, it gained immense popularity in the early 2000s primarily due to its cost-effectiveness compared to purchasing factory ammunition. Despite the rising costs of reloading components due to political factors and panic buying, the cost of hand-loading ammunition remains significantly lower than buying pre-made rounds.

However, current global conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Israel, have led to a critical shortage of gunpowder, affecting both ammunition production and the availability of reloading supplies. Rumors and misinformation, such as the alleged shutdown of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant for commercial production, have further fueled panic buying, exacerbating the issue.

Vista Outdoor’s announcement signals another potential surge in ammunition prices, unlikely to subside anytime soon. This situation often triggers a cycle of panic buying among firearms enthusiasts, further inflating prices and exacerbating supply shortages.

Author: Steven Sinclaire