Primers, and ammo availability now...

[the86d]

It appears that the majority of the ammo on the shelves is currently SD/HD ammo, selling (here in TX) for $$24-$29, for a box of 20...

My theory, and just mine is due to the VAST options of HD/SD ammo on the shelves (again, here in TX) is why would MFRs, probably making $15/box/50, let us have primers if they have contracts with primer MFRs to get to the head of the line, before we even see primers... they can overpay by much and still rake it in, comparing reloading components pre-COVID (again, as they probably have contracts) so we get screwed...

Shelves are STACKED, here, full, with HD/SD ammo, from many MFRs, and they don't seem to be dwindling...
They keep on stacking THOSE on the shelves... no matter how many times I go in, they are always stocked, all the way to the top of the shelf, even if I buy a couple, or a few boxes, full-up next visit.

Would we see more primers, quicker, IF people stopped buying the inflated HD/SD ammo?

Is that the problem right now?

[xMAC1x]

When will things improve?

With all the politics and lack of foreign suppliers Russia isn't coming back in 6 months.

Ammo prices are starting to fall that's a good sign. Target sports was selling primers high but you could get a whole box of 5k, that's a good sign. But getting back to normal before the election? You can buy all the primers you want in California at around $100-$150 per 1k.

[rsrocket1]

I see the same up here in the DFW area. The good thing is no one's buying it so when retailers no longer order that stuff from the distributors and manufacturers, the manufacturers will slow down production of HD/SD ammo and when range fodder demand slows due to full shelves, components will start showing up on shelves.

The sooner the hoarders stop buying ammo they don't need, the sooner the other stuff will show up and the sooner prices will come back down to the new normal.

[rhodesengr]

When I was in Bass Pro last week, they had tons of 9mm: both less-expensive range-rounds and more-expensive and SD-rounds. There has also been tons of 223 and 556. The big buckets of 22LR come and go.

I see zero 38spl or 357mag. I also see zero 12gauge trap rounds. Well I guess they had some WinAA at $13/box. Things like Top gun are listed at $11/box but I never see any on the shelf. Components to reload have been tough to come by but not impossible. You need a lot of diligence checking everyday for powder and primers. Just last week I picked up an 8-pounder of Clays. Balllsitic Products gets Cheddite 209 primers a couple time a month but they do sell out quickly.

[LeadPilot]

[ysr_racer]

Today at Cabelas

[JackEllis]

Couple of thoughts.

First, for anyone who thought the military relied in civilian sources for primers, apparently that is not the case. The military makes their own in factories they control (that are badly in need of modernization).

Second, it's entirely likely that most of the primer supply is going toward finished ammunition. As the retail chain becomes saturated with ammo inventory, primers will be redirected toward reloaders.

Third, whether you're a retailer or a manufacturer, if you see that customers are willing to pay upwards of $100/k for primers, why would you sell them for $40 and let someone else capture the markup. Without a shred of proof to back this up, I think speculators have been buying up primers when they're cheap with the hope of selling them at a handsome profit. When that "supply chain" becomes saturated with inventory, prices will start to fall.

Just like retail stocks of ammunition went from nothing to full, so will components. Russian primers and ammunition may never appear on the shelves in the remainder of my lifetime (imagine crocodile tears right here), but there are plenty of other foreign manufacturers who could fill the gap.

Patience.

[TomReloaded]

There's millions of primers being made and sold retail, as bare primers. They just sell out fast. Every major primer retailer is getting shipments regularly, and they fly off shelves. Local stores get them too, but online is the new game with tons of people refreshing all day and filling carts.

Primers were only gone for a very short period. Weeks to months over the last few years. Past that, they're just selling. Same with fmj bulk ammo, it's *everywhere* now.

The sky isn't falling. It's just routine hoarding, still.

[ysr_racer]

The sky is falling, there's no more ammo !!

[ar15barrels]

The sky is falling, there's no more ammo !!

Is that 200 count or 250 count for $99.99?

[CGZ]

Anyone know if Ginex primers are any good. They are a foreign company (Bosnia) but it's what I'm able to find in stock for decent (~$100/K) prices

[ysr_racer]

Is that 200 count or 250 count for $99.99?

Ha ha, you funny guy Joe.

[xfer42]

Anyone know if Ginex primers are any good. They are a foreign company (Bosnia) but it's what I'm able to find in stock for decent (~$100/K) prices

Went through 10k of Unis Ginex LPP in 45ACP. They worked fine. Powder Valley sold them for a short while back in 2017.

[TomReloaded]

Anyone know if Ginex primers are any good. They are a foreign company (Bosnia) but it's what I'm able to find in stock for decent (~$100/K) prices

Natchez had federals in stock today for $89. Midway often has CCIS for $79.

[Caligula36]

Ha ha, you funny guy Joe.

LOOOOOOOOL!

The Herters 200 pack of 5.56 is $120. It's the same **** as WWB.