From a purely economic standpoint it is simply finding that point where the supply and demand curves meet.
But as with most things, there are unintended consequences. During the last shortage when you couldn't find powder or much less primers for love nor money, a certain store in town had piles of each at $30/pound for powder (which had sold just prior for $18-$19/lb) and primers for $60/brick.
I remember that and will never, ever buy anything from that store. My personal boycott won't cost them their business but I believe my feelings are shared with at least some other folks.
Gouging Drastic price hikes in response to unexpected demand are good for the short term profit, which is what concerns most business people in America. Long term good will does not seem to be regarded as a valuable business asset, possibly because the losses suffered by its lack are impossible to quantify.
Gunnery, gunnery, gunnery. Hit the target, all else is twaddle!
