By John Farnam
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- In talking with friends in the domestic ammunition manufacturing business today, I learned:
Overall demand is slow right now, at least among first-tier manufacturers. Much has been stockpiled over the past decade, both in the public and private sectors. Many garages and basements are filled to the rafters!
In any event, here is what I’ve been told:
In rifle calibers, everything is slow except for 300Blk! Demand for 300Blk (mostly supersonic) is still very high, despite the fact that demand for other popular calibers, 223 (5.56×45), 308 (7.62×51), and 30/Soviet (7.62×39) is down, across the board.
6.8mm Spc, once popular, is also slow. There is still a demand, but nowhere near that for 300Blk.
In pistol calibers, demand for 9mm high-performance is still strong, strongest of all pistol calibers, by far. 380Auto is a close second! Demand for 40S&W is much weaker, and demand for 357SIG is also relatively weak, and progressively growing weaker. 45ACP is also weak. 45GAP is, for all practical purposes, dead!
I suspect the foregoing just represents just a dip in the graph. With instability rampant both domestically and internationally, nervousness on the part of American consumers will instantly translate to high demand for guns and ammunition with the next load of bad news.
Given our weak, bumbling national “leadership,” we probably don’t have long to wait!
What makes most sense for a serious defensive pistol for the foreseeable future, is 9mm, based on ammunition availability alone.
We are all best advised to look squarely at the facts and make plans accordingly, as best we can!
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade… and then find somebody whose life has given them vodka…and have a party!” ~ Ron White
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
I have been unable to get certain ammo or reloading components for either years or months. Am carrying duty ammo (Gold Dot) that is over five years old because there is no replacement Gold Dot available. (Gold Dot is required by agency policy) Certain pistol and rifle powders and rifle brass have not been available or if available have been priced at double or more what they were. I was told by one source that all components are going to ammo production hence the shortage. I can’t buy that explanation as ammunition in certain calibers has also been unavailable or… Read more »
Lots of 22 and 22 mag Ammo at glensoutdoors.com
Haven’t been able to get .22 Mag for 3 years.
So many stories on where what and why on 22 rimfire.
Well, 9mm in a handgun is the way to go? Just have a handgun for each caliber! Be prepared for whatever comes down the road.
I agree on the .22 update. Funny that much of what is available is made overseas. When 22.magnum is up to twice, what 7.62×39 or 9mm costs, something is messed up.
Need a market update on .22 ammo.
Primers and bullets are easy to get, but powder is difficult, and I from what I’ve read it has been getting more difficult.
You lost me. So the demand for 9mm Luger ammo is high so we should choose it due to ‘ammo availability’? Seems to me the caliber choice should be the rounds that are LEAST in favor.