Why Are Bullets for Reloading So Hard to Find?

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Ammunition prices much like everything else have also increased. Long-time owners should adjust to this new pricing since it could stay like that for a while. In this article, I’ll explain why are bullets for reloading so hard to find.

Why Are Bullets for Reloading So Hard to Find?

Since ammunition prices started rising and the following shortage, more people have turned to reload their bullets and use a reliable reloading scale. Hence, why bullets for reloading are so hard to find. Crime rates have also been on the rise so the demand for self-defense has risen.

Three silver bullets

The scarcity of bullets for reloading may last for a couple of years. With the pandemic and skyrocketing rise in crime, it’s no surprise people are buying guns and ammunition for emergencies.

This shortage can be compared to how the toilet-paper shortage came about. Hopefully, it goes back to normal once manufacturing companies adjust and the demand for it goes down. Other than that, all I can do is wait or look for other options.

The Cause of the Bullet Shortage

There are three main reasons that I can attribute to the shortage of bullets and why the price is rising:

  • Demand
  • Supply
  • Hoarding

The current situation has affected every purchasable good on the market and not just ammunition. Therefore, expect that this could go on for months or maybe even years with how things are going.

Rise in Demand

The surge of crime and the uncertainty of current world affairs has prompted most Americans to purchase guns and ammunition. This causes the prices to go up throughout the pandemic. That is why reloading bullets are hard to find.

Demand continues to surge as first-time gun owners are increasing. In 2019, there were around 12.4 million guns sold legally. In 2020, the numbers shot up to 20 million guns sold legally. This may continue to grow within the following years.

Photo inside of an army box full of 7.62 ammunition

Decrease in Production

Because of the pandemic, many companies have been put with so many restrictions. Some businesses have even closed down because they can’t afford to keep the operations running. The same goes for ammunition manufacturers.

Hopefully, restrictions ease up gradually as COVID cases have gone down. The ammunition manufacturers could resume normal operations and have their production numbers back to normal.

Until then, all I can do is get by with the limited supply and make do with them. Make sure you keep your bullets for reloading. I recommend reducing your shooting sessions at the gun range.

This will save you a lot of money and have more ammunition in store for emergencies. Make sure to use a reloading scale for grain accuracy and precision.

Hoarders

As mentioned about how uncertain the world and domestic affairs are, some people have resorted to hoarding much like the toilet-paper shortage. There might also be people who are hoarding the bullets so they can sell them at a higher price.

Brass colored bullets

Related Questions

How Long Will the 2020 Ammo Shortage Last?

The “great ammo shortage” that started in 2020 may not end anytime soon. You should experience a shortage throughout 2021. 2022 is still questionable and I might hear some good news about the shortage.

What Caliber Ammo Is Most Available?

Almost all of the calibers are hard to acquire now. Even the least popular .250 Savage is hard to obtain. If you’re a first-time owner wanting to buy guns and ammunition, you should avoid these calibers for now since they’re so popular and hard to find:

– 9x19mm Parabellum
– .30-30 Winchester
– .308 Winchester
– .40 Smith & Wesson
– .223 Remington
– 5.56x45mm NATO

Conclusion

Bullets for reloading are still hard to find due to the pandemic and the growing number of gun owners. Expect this to last until next year if the pandemic is still around and manufacturing isn’t back to normal.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.