Post by goomba on Jun 6, 2009 19:09:03 GMT -5
Where Have All The Primers Gone?
American Rifleman explores the current phenomenon of the great demand for ammunition.
By Mark A. Keefe IV
We have heard all sorts of theories ranging from dramatically increased military demand to a secret department of the government buying up all the primers on the market so they are unavailable to handloaders. None of those theories could be substantiated. In conversations with the major makers of primers and ammunition (ammunition availability shortages seem to begat primer shortages) it appears to be simple supply and demand, with demand reaching record levels and far exceeding supply and production capacity of both primers and ammunition.
Military demand is up with some makers, but not radically so when compared to 2007 and 2008. We have been told that availability of raw materials and powder delivery have affected production to some extent, but virtually every ammunition maker, large and small, is making as many cartridges as it can for sale to consumers. Production has been expanded everywhere possible, but conservatively. Major firms have been hesitant to purchase additional new tooling or add permanent employees out of uncertainty over future legislative issues from the current administration and Congress-and this is true of many firearm manufacturers with record backlogs as well.
American Rifleman explores the current phenomenon of the great demand for ammunition.
By Mark A. Keefe IV
We have heard all sorts of theories ranging from dramatically increased military demand to a secret department of the government buying up all the primers on the market so they are unavailable to handloaders. None of those theories could be substantiated. In conversations with the major makers of primers and ammunition (ammunition availability shortages seem to begat primer shortages) it appears to be simple supply and demand, with demand reaching record levels and far exceeding supply and production capacity of both primers and ammunition.
Military demand is up with some makers, but not radically so when compared to 2007 and 2008. We have been told that availability of raw materials and powder delivery have affected production to some extent, but virtually every ammunition maker, large and small, is making as many cartridges as it can for sale to consumers. Production has been expanded everywhere possible, but conservatively. Major firms have been hesitant to purchase additional new tooling or add permanent employees out of uncertainty over future legislative issues from the current administration and Congress-and this is true of many firearm manufacturers with record backlogs as well.