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.
I can believe all or most of that. Not sure that it adds up to 30%, but whatever. If the new normal is higher, so be it. Lately though, I’ve purchased brass, bullets, and some ammo, including 500 Velociters my son found this week, all current production, and all at normal prices, so your notion doesn’t hold up across the board. I’m well supplied, so I can ride this out as long as it lasts, with no restrictions on my shooting or hunting, and definitely without paying grossly inflated prices, regardless of why they’re high. Eventually, the dust will settle, and then we’ll see where we are price-wise.
