Pappy,
The cost of manufacturing has increased. As far as components are concerned the people I've talked to said social distancing at the manufacturing facilities has made the process less efficient, plus unprecedented demand has meant the manufacturers have have hired significantly more employees and are running shifts 24/7. And the cost of shipping has increased and manufacturers have had to scramble to find enough shipping (which has slowed down for the same reasons) and are paying more for the shipping.
And, the word is shipping of hazmat materials from overseas has seen a substantial increase in cost to the importers/distributors. Throw in rising costs of commodities and it all adds up to an increase in costs BEFORE retailers start adding a bit of extra to their price, because they can.
I think we can figure on a 30% increase of powders, primers, and bullets just for the "normal" price of components before any gouging takes place.
Totally agree, its not the 30% increase that has folks fired up, Most are happy if they can find what they are looking for at a slightly increased price. The stores selling 1000 primers for $450 is more like a 1000% percent increase. Most should agree that is gouging.
