CRISIS Ammo shortage about to get even worse

[Thinwater]

I was in GA doing some CNC programming for a gun parts manufacturer earlier this week. One of the employees there was on the PX with a "Mid size" ammo maker speaking to his salesman. When the call was over he told me that the ammo maker was getting very low on primers and the had been told that their next shipment of primers will be in 9 months. There are not many manufacturers of primers and they are all going to be used by the manufacturers in their own ammo.

When the primers run out they are done. He asked me not to name the company involved. Many AR manufacturers cant get forgings at all and others have had their monthly amount cut in half. High sales volumes in the gun business can often lead to many going out of business. My former company is transitioning to billet instead of forgings for several of their machines. They just got a new 5 axis mill and have two more vertical 4 axis mills ordered.

 

[The Snack Artist]

Darn it. I have none! Zero, zip, nada.

 

[BeeMan]

Maybe some “smart” folks here in the good-ole-USofA will open a primer factory.
Bet the return on investment would be excellent.
Maybe the NRA could “Sponsor” establishing a factory, after they move to Texas.
I’d recommend Raines county, or close.
And, No, I don’t live in Raines county.

 

[SmithJ]

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage

A local gun store owner cited the lack of primer, the chemical or device responsible for making the bullet combust, as being a major factor in the ammunition shortage.

abc11.com

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina, many gun shops are dealing with an ammo shortage.

Tony Jacobs, a Gun Range Manager at Jim's Gun Jobbery in Fayetteville, says they're seeing droves of people coming in and wanting to learn how to shoot a gun.

He's also a state-licensed concealed carry handgun instructor, "I have 50, 60 people every week in a class."

However, the double-edged sword is that they're running out of ammo. Jim's Gun Jobbery, along Yadkin Road, is having trouble finding immediate suppliers and distributors.

Jacobs tells ABC11 that his friends in the ammunition industry cite the shortage of primer as being a major factor. The primer is the chemical or device that is responsible for making the bullet combust, according to Jacobs. This key ingredient is manufactured in Italy, a country devastated by COVID-19in recent months.

"That created this huge backlog in the need for primers," Jacobs said.

As a result, many shops are needing to raise ammo prices. Jim's Gun Jobbery has had to raise theirs by 100 percent.

"The manufacturer or distributor has, you know, increased the price, and so, we have to turn around and market up, in order to not lose money," Jacobs explained.

On top of the shortage, gun sales keep climbing statewide. The FBI released new data that shows more than 173,000 North Carolinians sought background checks for weapons in June and July, a significant increase to the previous year.

"People are coming in. They're wanting firearms training, they're wanting the one-on-one training," Jacobs said.

Jacobs attributes the rise in sales to a wide array of factors: the recent protests, the upcoming presidential election, and the recent lawsuits filed against the NRA. He says people are wanting to protect their property and also fear that gun laws may change.

In addition, companies are having to prioritize who gets new shipments of ammo, creating longer wait lists for businesses.

"There are certain manufactures that are only distributing to military and law enforcement. As far as the civilian market is concerned, that is only going to push the availability back," Jacobs said.

According to Jacobs, he's hearing through the grapevine that this ammo shortage may last several years. He encourages gun owners to become more frugal with their ammo.

 

[Dennis Olson]

had been told that their next shipment of primers will be in 9 months.

 

[Dozdoats]

Thanks for the heads up.


Dammit ....

 

[Shooter]

very lucky I stocked up on primers years ago

 

[mbabulldog]

spoke to my local firearms rep this afternoon; he just got a call from a NATIONAL manufacturer of shotgun ammo, and they stated they would pay full retail price for any primers anyone had in stock. The rep stated he had 30,000 shotgun primers they could have at $1/each, he was placed on hold while his offer ran up the chain of command.
I'm not sure he got the $1/primer (I had to get back to work while he was on hold), but the fact they were even entertaining it makes me wonder WTF is going on.

 

[Shooter]

just remembered. I have a book somewhere here on how to reload primers, ill try and find it

 

[Millwright]

just remembered. I have a book somewhere here on how to reload primers, ill try and find it

It was discussed in a thread here, within the last coupla years.

IIRC, someone also came up with a kit for repriming 22 rimfire in that thread.

 

[Shooter]

I have that die set to reload 22LR, its more of a just in case thing,

 

[Millwright]

Made a quick lap through PSA & SG....things are looking pretty grim out there.

 

[Groucho]

Was told that Cheaper than Dirt had ammo. How do you feel about a dollar or so a round for 5.56? Maybe 9mm at close to a buck a round?
I hope you got your stuff now including training ammunition.

 

[Groucho]

It's getting problematic to go out and train anymore.

 

[Squib]

Yeah, training time is about over with...

 

[bw]

Newbies are going to have trouble training at all. Gun clubs are closed to visitors, largely. For a new owner in town with a new gun, their very first use is going to be facing a threat.

 

[Walrus]

Maybe somebody can talk the My Pillow guy into building a primer factory for a side bidness.

 

[1911user]

22 pistols are going to get scarce. If you were thinking about one, or a 22 conversion kit for something, buy asap.
22LR is still available, not cheap though. SGA has it at 9 cents per round and I've seen some on the shelves at wal-mart.

Fiocchi just released some 12 guage slug and buck ammo into the supply chain in the last few days. I had some midway notifications set and they were out by the time I received the email. SGA has Fiocchi 12 guage 00 buck and slugs in stock for $1 and $1.12 per round, respectively, in 250 round cases. It's close to full power and not the low recoil versions. I'm not desperate, but would like to get 100 rounds of Fiocchi low-recoil, nickle-plated 00 buckshot for elderly and recoil-shy relatives.

https://www.sgammo.com/catalog/shotgun-ammunition/12-gauge-ammo

 

[Doc1]

OK. Understand this: I am NOT giving advice. What follows is strictly what I do:

Small rifle primers and small pistol primers are dimensionally almost identical. Some say that small rifle primers are stronger and have harder cups. Some say not. I reload pistol rounds all the time with small rifle primers and have never had a failure. These days I don't even (generally) buy small pistol primers. I only use use small rifle primers for both my small rifle and small pistol cases.

Best
Doc

 

[1911user]

It's getting problematic to go out and train anymore.

Proper dry fire practice requires no ammo and works for both rifle and pistol.....
You can also practice draws, movement, and reloading during dry fire practice.

A story: When I stopped competive pistol shooting due to gas and ammo component prices, I went 18 months without firing a live round in any rifle/pistol caliber. I did some dryfire during that time, but not hours per week like in the time before that. For fun, I went into a match cold (18 months later) and still placed in the top 1/3 of my division.

One thing to remember about any practice is good or bad habits are being reinforced. Make sure to practice good techniques.

 

[BeeMan]

Maybe somebody can talk the My Pillow guy into building a primer factory for a side bidness.

He might need to sleep on it.

 

[Dozdoats]

Not just shortages but PRICES.

.223 Wolf steel $500/1000????

.223 Privi $600/1000????

That used to be the cheap stuff.

The .300AAC that I ordered from Classic on 28 Jul which shipped yesterday? Sold out now.

And it is going to get crazier than this ......

 

[Sicario]

Maybe somebody can talk the My Pillow guy into building a primer factory for a side bidness.

He might need to sleep on it.

And he can call the place My Primers.

 

[dvo]

A smaller specialty manufacturer of ammo sent their customers a email yesterday offering to buy primers from customers. Preferably large quantities, but open to smaller as well. Crazy times. You can get good practice with airsoft, BB guns and dry fire. The days of burning ammo at the range are over for a while.

 

[kytom]

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage

A local gun store owner cited the lack of primer, the chemical or device responsible for making the bullet combust, as being a major factor in the ammunition shortage.

abc11.com

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina, many gun shops are dealing with an ammo shortage.

Tony Jacobs, a Gun Range Manager at Jim's Gun Jobbery in Fayetteville, says they're seeing droves of people coming in and wanting to learn how to shoot a gun.

He's also a state-licensed concealed carry handgun instructor, "I have 50, 60 people every week in a class."

However, the double-edged sword is that they're running out of ammo. Jim's Gun Jobbery, along Yadkin Road, is having trouble finding immediate suppliers and distributors.

Jacobs tells ABC11 that his friends in the ammunition industry cite the shortage of primer as being a major factor. The primer is the chemical or device that is responsible for making the bullet combust, according to Jacobs. This key ingredient is manufactured in Italy, a country devastated by COVID-19in recent months.

"That created this huge backlog in the need for primers," Jacobs said.

As a result, many shops are needing to raise ammo prices. Jim's Gun Jobbery has had to raise theirs by 100 percent.

"The manufacturer or distributor has, you know, increased the price, and so, we have to turn around and market up, in order to not lose money," Jacobs explained.

On top of the shortage, gun sales keep climbing statewide. The FBI released new data that shows more than 173,000 North Carolinians sought background checks for weapons in June and July, a significant increase to the previous year.

"People are coming in. They're wanting firearms training, they're wanting the one-on-one training," Jacobs said.

Jacobs attributes the rise in sales to a wide array of factors: the recent protests, the upcoming presidential election, and the recent lawsuits filed against the NRA. He says people are wanting to protect their property and also fear that gun laws may change.

In addition, companies are having to prioritize who gets new shipments of ammo, creating longer wait lists for businesses.

"There are certain manufactures that are only distributing to military and law enforcement. As far as the civilian market is concerned, that is only going to push the availability back," Jacobs said.

According to Jacobs, he's hearing through the grapevine that this ammo shortage may last several years. He encourages gun owners to become more frugal with their ammo.

as the old man down the street use to say" no ammo? you can use 'em as clubs"!

 

[Hfcomms]

delete

 

[marsofold]

I reload and can confirm that there are NO small rifle primers to be had, with the exception of overpriced limited amounts on Gunbroker.

 

[SmithJ]

Do you have to pay a hazmat fee to ship primers?

 

[Luddite]

Just finished off a batch of primers bought in early 90s. Not one misfire.


Small consolation to newbies.

fwiw

 

[Dennis Olson]

I am SO glad I don’t need anything. That tragic boating accident and all....

 

[Hognutz]

Damn, I feel sorry for people late to the party....

Oh, well, maybe they shoulda bought ammo years ago instead, of jet ski’s , tickets to ball games, etc.

 

[Dennis Olson]

Damn, I feel sorry for people late to the party....

Oh, well, maybe they shoulda bought ammo years ago instead, of jet ski’s , tickets to ball games, etc.

Hell, they didn’t even buy GUNS, cuz you know, guns are evil...

 

[Bones]

Hey friends:

I have an ancient, extremely well stocked, gun shop nearby my ao. If you pm me, I'll go in Monday and see if they have what you need. I'll get prices off him, pm you back, and would be happy to procure and ship to you whatever you're looking for.

Zero mark up. I don't play that with my friends and family.

Just inbox me and I'll be on it come Monday.

Edit to add: of course, I must be shippable is; no reguests for nitroglycerin

 

[Displaced hillbilly]

Going this morning to see if I can find any small or large rifle primers in my area. Will report back.

 

[SmithJ]

Hey friends:

I have an ancient, extremely well stocked, gun shop nearby my ao. If you pm me, I'll go in Monday and see if they have what you need. I'll get prices off him, pm you back, and would be happy to procure and ship to you whatever you're looking for.

Zero mark up. I don't play that with my friends and family.

Just inbox me and I'll be on it come Monday.

Nice of you to offer, but I suspect they won’t be as “extremely well stocked” as they were last time you went. How long ago was that?

 

[Bones]

Nice of you to offer, but I suspect they won’t be as “extremely well stocked” as they were last time you went. How long ago was that?

Thursday. 2 days ago

They had great supply of reloading components, mil surplus, walls and counters full of arms. Ammo. Etc.

This place is overlooked a lot. Old fella who started it back in the 40's is gone and the next gen has the money, and the business is more of a hobby for them now, I think.

 

[Thinwater]

There is a shop in town that is well stocked with most any gun or ammo that you may want. He keeps over 3K guns on hand and literally TONS of ammo. The guy plays the long game. He has been buying AR's from people at his pawn shop for the last several years at $300 and under. He keeps most of the gold that his pawn shop takes in and has for the 30 years that I have known him. He has a pirate style treasure chest full of gold that I promise you, no four men could carry.

You can get whatever you want there. You WILL pay very well if you do so.

His web site is almost non existent, with just a couple of old outdated poor pictures.
AAA Gun and Pawn Shop

 

[Hfcomms]

It appears that ammunition is becoming yet another precious metal. I've been well stocked for years as I don't burn through very much. Ammo keeps a long, long time.

 

[Sub-Zero]

OK. Understand this: I am NOT giving advice. What follows is strictly what I do:

Small rifle primers and small pistol primers are dimensionally almost identical. Some say that small rifle primers are stronger and have harder cups. Some say not. I reload pistol rounds all the time with small rifle primers and have never had a failure. These days I don't even (generally) buy small pistol primers. I only use use small rifle primers for both my small rifle and small pistol cases.

Best
Doc

Yes, but the reverse cannot be done as the small pistol primers are I st a bit shorter, I believe.

 

[Lone_Hawk]

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage

A local gun store owner cited the lack of primer, the chemical or device responsible for making the bullet combust, as being a major factor in the ammunition shortage.

abc11.com

Gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina amid ammo shortage
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As gun sales continue to skyrocket in North Carolina, many gun shops are dealing with an ammo shortage.

Tony Jacobs, a Gun Range Manager at Jim's Gun Jobbery in Fayetteville, says they're seeing droves of people coming in and wanting to learn how to shoot a gun.

He's also a state-licensed concealed carry handgun instructor, "I have 50, 60 people every week in a class."

However, the double-edged sword is that they're running out of ammo. Jim's Gun Jobbery, along Yadkin Road, is having trouble finding immediate suppliers and distributors.

Jacobs tells ABC11 that his friends in the ammunition industry cite the shortage of primer as being a major factor. The primer is the chemical or device that is responsible for making the bullet combust, according to Jacobs. This key ingredient is manufactured in Italy, a country devastated by COVID-19in recent months.

"That created this huge backlog in the need for primers," Jacobs said.

As a result, many shops are needing to raise ammo prices. Jim's Gun Jobbery has had to raise theirs by 100 percent.

"The manufacturer or distributor has, you know, increased the price, and so, we have to turn around and market up, in order to not lose money," Jacobs explained.

On top of the shortage, gun sales keep climbing statewide. The FBI released new data that shows more than 173,000 North Carolinians sought background checks for weapons in June and July, a significant increase to the previous year.

"People are coming in. They're wanting firearms training, they're wanting the one-on-one training," Jacobs said.

Jacobs attributes the rise in sales to a wide array of factors: the recent protests, the upcoming presidential election, and the recent lawsuits filed against the NRA. He says people are wanting to protect their property and also fear that gun laws may change.

In addition, companies are having to prioritize who gets new shipments of ammo, creating longer wait lists for businesses.

"There are certain manufactures that are only distributing to military and law enforcement. As far as the civilian market is concerned, that is only going to push the availability back," Jacobs said.

According to Jacobs, he's hearing through the grapevine that this ammo shortage may last several years. He encourages gun owners to become more frugal with their ammo.

Jim's is just down the road from me. Their indoor range is closed and has been for a while. They jacked up their prices as soon as the madness happened and the prices jumped in the first couple of weeks from wholesellers, but have leveled out. I got in two cases of 9mm yesterday, the price was the same and I put them out for $15 a box of 50rds.

Yes, the manufacturers are having problems getting components. But I am still getting ammo in every week. We are not jacking up our prices and we are not putting limits on it. We just don't know what we will get day to day.

I talked to Black Hills, and they have a million round backlog on orders. I order 4k of blemished 5.56 and got it in last week. Black Hills ammo is expensive for sure, but match grade, you get what you pay for.