Ammo prices.

jim.greenesr · February 10, 2013, 08:44 PM

Was at a small gun show at Elks Hall today. I noticed one dealer had a large selection of Tula Ammo, 7.62x39, 124gr, FMJ, 20/Box. I was, until all this madness started, paying 4 dollars and some change per box at Walmart. This dealer had a price of 15 dollars per box. I have plenty of this ammo already, but I had to bite my tongue because I really wanted to tell him what I thought of him. Was I wrong to be upset.

BIGR · February 10, 2013, 08:55 PM

Nope, let them try and sell their high dollar ammo and price gouge. Just remember who they are and in the future buy from others. Unless I am completely out and need ammo I am not paying ridiculous prices. If someone else needs it and wants to pay top dollar for it then go for it.

It is supply and demand. Hard to get the goods so the price goes up, but I must say there are some ridiculous prices out there.

Sarge · February 10, 2013, 09:12 PM

I have an affinity for the 7.62×39 cartridge and the rifles that shoot it. The cartridge is model of design efficiency that gives near 30-30 performance in a compact, easy-feeding package. For decades, it was widely available at prices so low that reloading was out of the question. I can clearly recall buying 20 round boxes of Norinco Chinese FMJ for under a dime a shot; softpoint was marginally more, but still ridiculously cheap. As a wider variety of FMJ and hunting loads became available the price climbed a little. After the 2009 insanity, the price climbed more and in late 2012 I paid $4.99 for Tula FMJ and grumbled, but only a little because it held under 2 MOA in my Romanian AK clone.

At this moment, you can’t find 7.63×39 Tula locally or online. In January I saw Tula FMJ at the Stover, MO Gun Show priced at TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS per box. I’ve seen Tapco AK mags, which I paid $9.00 for in November, priced at FORTY FIVE DOLLARS each at a stocking retailer in the same area. I love the gun and cartridge, but I will not pay scalper prices to keep shooting it. When the ammo becomes as expensive as 30-30 ammo, I’ll go right back to using my Model 94 for everything.

The Gun & Ammo Famine of 2013

BIGR · February 10, 2013, 09:44 PM

I did see some PMC 20 Rounds of 123 Grain FMJ 7.62x39 Ammunition the other day for $18 or $19 a box. Thats bad.

Heck, I remember years ago buying .223 ammo for around two to three dollars a box for 20 rounds. Never ever again....

Sarge · February 10, 2013, 09:50 PM

The beauty of the steel-case 7.69x39 is that it gave acceptable performance at a great price. Brass case 7.69x39 is just as good and reloadable--assuming you can find your cases--but it isn't substantially cheaper than similar loads in hunting calibers.

If they are able to suppress the import of steel case Rusky, they will effectively suppress the rifles that fire it. And Lawd knows they hate those.

kilimanjaro · February 10, 2013, 10:00 PM

I'm buying 7.62x39 brass right now, no ammo. At recent show, a kid had the remains of a full case of lacquer ammo, 500 rounds, with a $350 price tag on it. Not much else on his table, either. He spent the morning justifying his price to the shoppers, at end of day it wasn't sold, I hope he takes it home with him, little punk wanted to cash in and wasn't.

Onward Allusion · February 10, 2013, 10:08 PM

It's not price gouging if there are people more than willing to pay for it, especially if it is a non-essential item. (yes, I know - there are those who would argue that ammo is an essential good). Are sellers on Gunbroker price gouging if they sell a Mosin Nagant for $300 or a Ruger 10/22 BX-25 mag for $100 a piece?

bustersmaster · February 10, 2013, 10:31 PM

Stopped at a couple shops in the Lansing area friday. I'm not looking for more until and if the prices come down, but one store had Wolf 7.62 for 9.00 a box, the other had the same for 12.00 a box. Still too high for me.

Sarge · February 10, 2013, 10:31 PM

Same applies to gasoline, OA. IF we only drive to work, the doctor and the store then all else is non-essential.

Onward Allusion · February 11, 2013, 08:40 AM

RE: Gasoline - and that is why it is rationed in times of emergencies. Essential use only... Also, one doesn't need ammo or guns (according to the government) to stay alive.

ScottRiqui · February 11, 2013, 09:30 AM

Starting to see ammo show up again at the local Marine Corps Exchange. After being dry for weeks, they have Magtech 5.56 ammo, $22 per 50. There's a three-box limit, but that's still 150 rounds, which is nice.

arch308 · February 11, 2013, 10:42 AM

Around here .223 is almost $1 a round, if you can find it! Now that's scarry. I'm glad I still have a good stock from many years ago of both .223 & 7.62x39. I must admit I don't shoot much of it, mostly my own reloads.

**Tom Servo** · February 11, 2013, 02:08 PM

Sarge, your explanation of social factors is dead-on. Gun owners are creating and perpetuating the problem.

YankeeSpirit76 · February 11, 2013, 02:29 PM

Price gouging, or, free market Capitalism? I see no harm in what some people do. Why is it any different than the stock market game, you know, buy low sell high? Something is only worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for it.
If they are asking too much, not many people will buy it, causing him to lower his price. Supply and demand in action.

Sarge · February 11, 2013, 06:16 PM

Thank you, Tom.

Today I rationed myself 30 rounds of Tula .40 FMJ for some skill maintenance with the Glock 23, at 15 and 25 yards. The targets were a particularly unreliable old range stapler, an empty shaving cream can (Old Spice Original, of course) and some 6" falling plates. I only missed the plates once, a product of 'riding the reset' too hard and a too short front sight I should have replaced sooner. With the price and scarcity of ammo these days, a man has to make every shot count.

oldgunsmith · February 11, 2013, 11:37 PM

Still not sure I understand the logic behind waiting for a panic to start worrying about how much ammo you have.

Dr Big Bird PhD · February 11, 2013, 11:49 PM

Hahaha ^^ great point.

I just think most people dont realize whats going on, or how much they need ammo, until the panic happens.

spacecoast · February 12, 2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

I noticed one dealer had a large selection of Tula Ammo, 7.62x39, 124gr, FMJ, 20/Box. I was, until all this madness started, paying 4 dollars and some change per box at Walmart. This dealer had a price of 15 dollars per box.

I guess that 200 rounds of 7.62x39 we shot last weekend was worth $150.

I think there is still hope that supply and demand setting a fair price will still prevail in the long run. I don't understand how people are willing or can continue to ask/pay these ridiculous prices. However, my local range was more crowded than I have ever seen it on Saturday. Maybe the LGS is accepting food stamps.

February 10, 2013, 08:44 PM	#1
jim.greenesr Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 30	Ammo prices. Was at a small gun show at Elks Hall today. I noticed one dealer had a large selection of Tula Ammo, 7.62x39, 124gr, FMJ, 20/Box. I was, until all this madness started, paying 4 dollars and some change per box at Walmart. This dealer had a price of 15 dollars per box. I have plenty of this ammo already, but I had to bite my tongue because I really wanted to tell him what I thought of him. Was I wrong to be upset.

February 10, 2013, 09:12 PM	#3
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	I have an affinity for the 7.62×39 cartridge and the rifles that shoot it. The cartridge is model of design efficiency that gives near 30-30 performance in a compact, easy-feeding package. For decades, it was widely available at prices so low that reloading was out of the question. I can clearly recall buying 20 round boxes of Norinco Chinese FMJ for under a dime a shot; softpoint was marginally more, but still ridiculously cheap. As a wider variety of FMJ and hunting loads became available the price climbed a little. After the 2009 insanity, the price climbed more and in late 2012 I paid $4.99 for Tula FMJ and grumbled, but only a little because it held under 2 MOA in my Romanian AK clone. At this moment, you can’t find 7.63×39 Tula locally or online. In January I saw Tula FMJ at the Stover, MO Gun Show priced at TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS per box. I’ve seen Tapco AK mags, which I paid $9.00 for in November, priced at FORTY FIVE DOLLARS each at a stocking retailer in the same area. I love the gun and cartridge, but I will not pay scalper prices to keep shooting it. When the ammo becomes as expensive as 30-30 ammo, I’ll go right back to using my Model 94 for everything. The Gun & Ammo Famine of 2013 __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

February 10, 2013, 09:50 PM	#5
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	The beauty of the steel-case 7.69x39 is that it gave acceptable performance at a great price. Brass case 7.69x39 is just as good and reloadable--assuming you can find your cases--but it isn't substantially cheaper than similar loads in hunting calibers. If they are able to suppress the import of steel case Rusky, they will effectively suppress the rifles that fire it. And Lawd knows they hate those. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

February 10, 2013, 10:08 PM	#7
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	It's not price gouging if there are people more than willing to pay for it, especially if it is a non-essential item. (yes, I know - there are those who would argue that ammo is an essential good). Are sellers on Gunbroker price gouging if they sell a Mosin Nagant for $300 or a Ruger 10/22 BX-25 mag for $100 a piece? __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

February 10, 2013, 10:31 PM	#9
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	Same applies to gasoline, OA. IF we only drive to work, the doctor and the store then all else is non-essential. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

February 10, 2013, 08:55 PM	#2
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	Nope, let them try and sell their high dollar ammo and price gouge. Just remember who they are and in the future buy from others. Unless I am completely out and need ammo I am not paying ridiculous prices. If someone else needs it and wants to pay top dollar for it then go for it. It is supply and demand. Hard to get the goods so the price goes up, but I must say there are some ridiculous prices out there.

February 10, 2013, 09:44 PM	#4
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	I did see some PMC 20 Rounds of 123 Grain FMJ 7.62x39 Ammunition the other day for $18 or $19 a box. Thats bad. Heck, I remember years ago buying .223 ammo for around two to three dollars a box for 20 rounds. Never ever again....

February 10, 2013, 10:00 PM	#6
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	I'm buying 7.62x39 brass right now, no ammo. At recent show, a kid had the remains of a full case of lacquer ammo, 500 rounds, with a $350 price tag on it. Not much else on his table, either. He spent the morning justifying his price to the shoppers, at end of day it wasn't sold, I hope he takes it home with him, little punk wanted to cash in and wasn't.

February 10, 2013, 10:31 PM	#8
bustersmaster Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2006 Posts: 182	Stopped at a couple shops in the Lansing area friday. I'm not looking for more until and if the prices come down, but one store had Wolf 7.62 for 9.00 a box, the other had the same for 12.00 a box. Still too high for me.

February 11, 2013, 08:40 AM	#10
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	RE: Gasoline - and that is why it is rationed in times of emergencies. Essential use only... Also, one doesn't need ammo or guns (according to the government) to stay alive. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

February 11, 2013, 09:30 AM	#11
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	Starting to see ammo show up again at the local Marine Corps Exchange. After being dry for weeks, they have Magtech 5.56 ammo, $22 per 50. There's a three-box limit, but that's still 150 rounds, which is nice.

February 11, 2013, 10:42 AM	#12
arch308 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 876	Around here .223 is almost $1 a round, if you can find it! Now that's scarry. I'm glad I still have a good stock from many years ago of both .223 & 7.62x39. I must admit I don't shoot much of it, mostly my own reloads.

February 11, 2013, 02:08 PM	#13
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	Sarge, your explanation of social factors is dead-on. Gun owners are creating and perpetuating the problem. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

February 11, 2013, 02:29 PM	#14
YankeeSpirit76 Member Join Date: January 30, 2013 Location: Bradley County, Tennessee Posts: 24	Price gouging, or, free market Capitalism? I see no harm in what some people do. Why is it any different than the stock market game, you know, buy low sell high? Something is only worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for it. If they are asking too much, not many people will buy it, causing him to lower his price. Supply and demand in action. __________________ .".....that whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force....." -Thomas Jefferson,Kentucky Resolutions of 1798

February 11, 2013, 06:16 PM	#15
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	Thank you, Tom. Today I rationed myself 30 rounds of Tula .40 FMJ for some skill maintenance with the Glock 23, at 15 and 25 yards. The targets were a particularly unreliable old range stapler, an empty shaving cream can (Old Spice Original, of course) and some 6" falling plates. I only missed the plates once, a product of 'riding the reset' too hard and a too short front sight I should have replaced sooner. With the price and scarcity of ammo these days, a man has to make every shot count. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

February 11, 2013, 11:37 PM	#16
oldgunsmith Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2013 Posts: 278	Still not sure I understand the logic behind waiting for a panic to start worrying about how much ammo you have.

February 11, 2013, 11:49 PM	#17
Dr Big Bird PhD Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 779	Hahaha ^^ great point. I just think most people dont realize whats going on, or how much they need ammo, until the panic happens. __________________ I told the new me, "Meet me at the bus station and hold a sign that reads: 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life.'" But the old me met me with a sign that read: "Welcome back." Who you are is not a function of where you are. -Off Minor