Why is lead shot so expensive?

togliat · August 13, 2007, 09:48 AM

I'm looking for one or two 25lb bags of lead shot to stabilize my Caldwell "DFT Lead Sled." I can't seem to find anything under $50 per 25 lb bag. I don't remember lead costing so much, but then again, it has been quite some time since I did any reloading. What's going on?

Is there a place where one can get lead shot for a more "comfortable price?"

Shooter 973 · August 13, 2007, 04:39 PM

The base price for lead is about $1.50 per pound now on the world markets.
All metals are way up all over the world, huge demands being made by growing countries like China and India. Copper is at all time highs recently also. Ammo prices are thru the roof and will continue to go up for the fore see able future.

James K · August 13, 2007, 05:33 PM

The cost of the metal is only a small part of the cost of shot on the market. The main reasons for the high price are the cost of transportation (the stuff is heavy, you know) and the cost to the processors and handlers of complying with all the environmental regulations.

Jim

August 13, 2007, 09:48 AM	#1
togliat Member Join Date: December 8, 2004 Location: Midland, NC USA Posts: 34	Why is lead shot so expensive? I'm looking for one or two 25lb bags of lead shot to stabilize my Caldwell "DFT Lead Sled." I can't seem to find anything under $50 per 25 lb bag. I don't remember lead costing so much, but then again, it has been quite some time since I did any reloading. What's going on? Is there a place where one can get lead shot for a more "comfortable price?"

August 13, 2007, 04:39 PM	#2
Shooter 973 Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2001 Location: Home town of John M. Browning, Utah Posts: 499	Lead Shot? The base price for lead is about $1.50 per pound now on the world markets. All metals are way up all over the world, huge demands being made by growing countries like China and India. Copper is at all time highs recently also. Ammo prices are thru the roof and will continue to go up for the fore see able future. __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

August 13, 2007, 05:33 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The cost of the metal is only a small part of the cost of shot on the market. The main reasons for the high price are the cost of transportation (the stuff is heavy, you know) and the cost to the processors and handlers of complying with all the environmental regulations. Jim