I know at least one local store kept cases of .22 rimfire ammo in the back room for regular customers who actually needed some, rather than put it out on the shelves where everybody who came in would buy a brick--and text all their buddies about where to find it. Same deal with one local Wal-Mart: They kept it hidden until somebody actually asked, rather than out in the open where word got out immediately and swarms of buyers showed up.
Also know of at least one American rimfire manufacturer who tried to keep up with demand during the first year or so of the "shortage" by manufacturing .22 Long Rifles 24/7. But they had to pay overtime to do it, and many workers eventually grew weary and quit. It also didn't seem to make any difference: As soon as they shipped out ammo, stores were clamoring for more. So they went back to their regular manufacturing schedule.
Meanwhile there was plenty of higher-priced .22 ammo available, and the supply of .223's and handgun ammo rebounded within a year or two. If the government was hoarding ammo, why were they hoarding cheap Long Rifles? Are people with squirrel rifles more of a threat to the government than people with AR-15's and semiauto handguns?
Are you then saying that after Trump was elected, masses of Americans immediately quit buying 22 ammo, primers, and powders--and thus the shelves could suddenly have vast supplies within two weeks that no one wants to buy?
