Why is there a 22LR ammo shortage?

First topic message reminder :

I know that there have been at least two sustained periods of ammo shortage in recent years. OK, it is perfectly understandable that the COVID lockdown in many countries (and some US States) has disrupted supply chains and led to the inevitable panic buying and hoarding of toilet paper, etc. But, in Oregon at least, most of those shortages of basic consumer products are easing. It is evident that some cheap imported products (typically from China) like plastic storage boxes for example are still in short supply. But the Dollar Trees have mostly re-stocked with all of their imported tat.

I guess that Aguila in Mexico and CCI/Winchester/Federal in USA must have quite substantial production capacity for 22LR. There is a massive demand and many online vendors are now gouging whatever inflated price they can for the small remaining stocks of ammo.

So, why haven't those big producers ramped up production to meet the demand (and possibly apply a temporary surcharge to compensate for increased production/overtime costs)?

I read on this forum that Remington is in trouble - is that an indicator of just how badly the corporate raiders have hurt this industry? During a period when demand for guns and ammo has soared!

rkittine wrote:We have new members applying even at the private clubs I belong to. A few months ago we did a special class of new members in so as to allow Donald Junior get in without the normal wait time. Now we have to shoot while being watched by the secret service team.

Today was productive though too as I picked up 8 pounds of WST and 8 Pounds of Bullseye. I have enough Titewad to last me as I use a lot of it for shotgun loading.

Bob

I thought Jr waved his SS protection.

The SS has changed over the last 36 years. The 1984 Steel Challenge match North of LA had about 300 competitors and range rules had everyone wearing their rig with loaded magazines in the pouches. Pistols were in the range bag but at hand. A Central/South American President (I forget who) had visited the WH and the guy was a IPSC shooter back home . He insisted on watching the match. The SS escorted him to the range entrance and parked on the side of the road. They would not enter the property. He had is personal security team, but there were 300 armed people walking around. When we exited for the day, there was a line of SS SUV's setting at the entrance.

As has mentioned above higher quality .22 seems available. I shoot a little informal benchrest .22 and haven't had any trouble obtaining it at the same price as in the past. That being said it costs more than I spend for pistol ammo especially in the quantities required.

Ron Habegger

I don't know if he tried to wave off the SS detail or not, but what ever he did it DIDN'T work. They do keep out of the way. Though maybe this is something new as I haven't seen him there in the past month or two.

Imagine the primer/ammo shortage if all the gun clubs were open, and regular matches were being held!

There closed up your way? Not here. 90 degree Temps slow some down.

If you're struggling to get 22 ammo, and if you belong to a club that is affiliated with the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) you can buy this ammo -  I have a case on the way, and the cost is the same as it was in 2019.  I had to send them a copy of my membership card with Hollywood Rifle and Pistol Club.

https://estore.thecmp.org/Catalog/Item/4C22ELYSTD-5000


"ELEY CMP standard ELEY in conjunction with the CMP developed an accurate round packaged in a bulk pak. ELEY CMP standard features a paraffin wax coating to allow proper functioning through multiple .22LR firearm platforms. It will still be incredibly accurate compared to other ammo at this price point. ELEY CMP standard is available exclusively through the CMP. 40 grain 1090 fps Must be a member of an affiliated club. **Limit 2 cases per individual per year. Free S&H to all contiguous US states HI and AK call for S&H rates."

I got my 1st case this year, 2 weeks ago Mike. This is my 3rd case, the first 2 cases reminded me of cci standard velocity. I can count the duds on 1 hand for 2 cases of them and maybe 2 of em were from a bad fire pin I had to fix. They are wax lubed, but shouldn't be a problem in Florida heat.
Stan

That sounds like a good practice ammo at 1/2 the cost of my match ammo. I need to look into that. Thanks.