Four or so years ago, the price of ammo went through the roof and things just haven’t been the same since.
Actually, originally, it wasn’t just that prices went up, but you just couldn’t even buy the stuff. The runs on gun shops were so severe that shelves were empty for months at a time.
Now, if you’re noticing an increase in 9mm bulk ammo prices – again – you aren’t going crazy. It’s really happening, and here are some of the main reasons why.
Increased Demand (and Not Just from Civilians)
Well, you’re looking to buy 9mm bulk ammo right now, aren’t you? There’s a portion of the demand. But it isn’t just you. Gun ownership has surged in the past five years and as one of the most popular calibers, literally ever, demand for 9mm has gone through the roof.
But demand doesn’t just come from civilians. If you haven’t noticed, there have been some serious high profile global conflicts going on right now, and 9mm is a very popular service caliber. Demand from government buyers also increases the price of ammo.
Since many producers prioritize government contracts, that leaves less ammo for the rest of the market, mostly civilians, to buy up.
Labor Demand and Costs
Ammo isn’t the only thing that’s short. Labor is short, and what’s worse, labor is more expensive. That has a ripple effect on literally everything in the economy, and ammunition is no different.
Increases in wages and production costs naturally get rolled into the price of ammo, which squeezes the end buyer.
Increases in Shipping Costs
Energy costs have soared in the past several years. This makes everything, not just ammo, more expensive.
Think about it for a second. Is there an ammunition manufacturing facility in your town? We didn’t think so.
So it’s made somewhere and has to get to you – therefore the price of energy (gas, oil, and so on) directly impacts the cost of ammo.
Supply Chain Shortages
This is probably the biggest culprit behind the high cost of ammo, and the reason it hasn’t come down much in the past five years – if anything, it’s gone up.
Demand, labor and energy costs are all variables that can fluctuate, and when they go down the price of ammo can too – but with high elevated constituent prices, there isn’t much recourse.
Take copper for instance. A copper deficit is looming, fueled by unrest in some of the world’s major copper producing countries, like Chile and Peru.
There’s also been a boom in the housing market, and copper is in high demand for construction, in plumbing, electrical wiring, and elsewhere.
Copper is one of the main elements used in the manufacture of ammo – used in the production of most bullet jackets and casings, since copper is the main constituent in brass – and not just in 9mm ammo.
Copper is not alone here. Lead is also in short supply and has been more expensive as of late. The chemicals in powder and primer have also risen recently, and this has led to rises in ammo costs, too.
Bucking Horse Outpost: Hope on the Horizon
While the price of 9mm bulk ammo has gone up, and for the time being there’s nothing to be done about it, at least there is still ammo available to buy and shortages aren’t as bad as they were in 2020 and 2021.
If you’re looking for 9mm bulk ammo, you can still get it online at Bucking Horse Outpost. They represent the top brands, the most in-demand ammo, and offer competitive prices. Check out their collection today.
