Ammo shortage

[alpha]

The ammo shortage problem is very serious. Due to the shortage, this police department is now using "paintball" for training officers because they can't get the regular ammo.

http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=10308597

[crokett]

This would be a good time to invest in companies that make the reloading kits, methinks.

[cobob]

Some news items say that the primers & casings are in short supply as well. Black powder is available so dust off the muskets.

[germdoc]

The ammo shortage problem is very serious. Due to the shortage, this police department is now using "paintball" for training officers because they can't get the regular ammo.

http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=10308597

I hope they're using high-vis yellow paint. That way, if the police shoot a crook, it may not stop him but at least we can identify him easily afterward...

[dbhost]

Ammo shortage? No ammo shortage here.

[turkeywire]

I live in Pearland. Where are you buying your ammo?

[dbhost]

I didn't say I was buying any. Just not experiencing any shortages personally... :-). I don't shoot much, and have plenty for the next 2 hunting seasons...

It all depends on the caliber / gauge. I have no trouble finding .270, or 12ga at Academy, Carters Country, or even Walmart. I am however having trouble finding 7.62x39mm for my old SKS... That thing is far from accurate, but sure is fun to beat up cans with...

I have a buddy that pistol hunts, he is having trouble with .45 ACP, and 9mm. I think the biggest problem is with pistol ammo.. Not sure.

What is causing the ammo shortage anyway?

[Tom Slick]

What is causing the ammo shortage anyway?

paranoia about the new administration.

[shoottx]

paranoia about the new administration.

Don't go there We will be pushed down the sidewalk again!

Reality is a lack of availability of new ammunition and reloading components in most markets today.

One reason was DRMO (Defense Reutilzaton & Marketing Service) attempted to change the demilitarization code on spent cartridge brass to a a required shred or destruct. Much of the brass is purchased by commercial re-loaders and supplied to police departments. Before the code was changed back to sale for reuse there was a serious drain on regular commercially available ammo. This temporary change also caused a price increase to many departments, thus limiting their ability to practice and stay profiecent.

Having identified the shortage any body got a good lead on; 45 , 9mm 308, 357, rifle, handgun and shotgun primers.

[Tom Slick]

That only explains the shortage in Military rounds. What explains the shortage of the other rounds, especially something like 7.62x39? Why is there hysteria buying everything up and cleaning out walmarts? This shortage just "happened" to coincide with last November? just like the last shortage just happened to be in 1994/95?

It's paranoia causing the shortage whether or not there is a logical reason for some of it. I could see a shortage of .223 and 9mm being interpreted as the sky falling causing and overreaction and blaming it the on new and unknown being from the other side.

[Shep]

I talked recently with a gun shop owner who said that the shortage was mainly due to paranoia. He said that many people who are looking for ammo are afraid for different reasons, but everyone wants to stock up none the less.

[dbhost]

That only explains the shortage in Military rounds. What explains the shortage of the other rounds, especially something like 7.62x39? Why is there hysteria buying everything up and cleaning out walmarts? This shortage just "happened" to coincide with last November? just like the last shortage just happened to be in 1994/95?

It's paranoia causing the shortage whether or not there is a logical reason for some of it. I could see a shortage of .223 and 9mm being interpreted as the sky falling causing and overreaction and blaming it the on new and unknown being from the other side.

7.62x39mm is the round used by a good number of "Military style" or "Assault Rifles". Particularly the SKS, and AK-47 rifles. I understand the fears of renewed legislation against such rifles and their associated cartridges. Particularly with the change in management. It just seems that this time it is MUCH worse than the last time this came up...

[Tom Slick]

I'm also an SKS shooter. My point was if these new DRMO regulations are driving the shortage then why is a round such as the 7.62x39 in short supply? They are not based on anything the military is discarding in large numbers. It is because folks are afraid of what might happen.

[Woody]

.380 Auto shortage

.380 Auto has been hard to find here. Ruger has a conceal & carry .380 auto that is selling like hot cakes right now the LCP .380 I have a .380 Makarov and have had issues finding ammo and also how expensive it is getting.

[shoottx]

I'm also an SKS shooter. My point was if these new DRMO regulations are driving the shortage then why is a round such as the 7.62x39 in short supply? They are not based on anything the military is discarding in large numbers. It is because folks are afraid of what might happen.

The military demil policy may have added to the paranoia. Another administration policy gone crazy.