Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Bullet supply

Just a curiosity, I have been noticing, since late last year, that Hornady has been the only maker to actually supply bullets. Everyone else is almost non existent. Is it a Hornady thing that has increased production or are the others just not caring about the retail market?

I've gotten Speer, Barnes, Hammer, Sierra, Lightning, Hunter's Supply, and Hornady this year. 🤷‍♂️ Seems a lot easier to find most of them than it was last year.

I haven't noticed to much of problem with projectiles. Primers on the other hand are a whole different story.

Nosler seems to be in the back of the pack. Hornady saved the day for me a few times.

it doesn't seem like Nosler is making crap. Especially in .284 flavor

It seemed to start last fall as I started to see Hornady on the shelves. Mostly 224 but a few others. It continues even today. Lots of Hornady, very little others, especially Nosler. After a couple years, you would think the big names would be able to catch up with most of the demand.

Without question Hornady has had far more bullets on the shelves than other bullet manufacturers. I don't know what their secret is.

Just speculating here, I haven’t counted, but maybe they aren’t spread as thin in terms of the number of specific designs they produce and/or the number used by ammunition manufacturers for loaded ammunition. One thing for sure, recent events have given us the opportunity to learn more than ever about production, marketing and supply chain dynamics. Oh yeah, and gummint conspiracy.

None of these companies, including Hornady are focusing on lower demand calibers (it's business apparently). Unless you shoot the latest popular calibers (6.5 bore seems to be the rage now for example, good luck). Sierra simply is not making even 30 cal stuff in their Game Changer style, not to mention "boutique" calibers like the 200gr 375. Loaded ammo as well.
Try and find 22 Hornet. I emailed Hornady and they replied, it will be available mid November and they have "no plans" to restart the 450NE or the 405 Winchester for example. I fully understand, but I'm not buying "we are busy working ten shifts etc), they are focusing on what sells. That's reality.

Swift A-Frames have been unobtanium in .416-350gr and .338- 250, 275gr for quite awhile. But then these are boutique (except 250gr) weights in those calibers.

The top 2 shelves of the bullet isle at the local SW is all Hornady.

The 3rd shelf has bullets from 5 other brands.

Oh, and that $75 box of 6.5mm Partitions? Still there.

A few Sierras starting to show up, but yeah, Nosler seems to be about as non existent of the bigger brands.

Well, except Speer. They've been scarce for years.

Easiest way to get Speers is direct from Speer, but it'll cost you more than retail.

No Nosler in my little reloading shop, some Barnes and Hornady

myself i am happy using Hammer bullets they seem to have everything i need . Hammer may be a small bullet company but they seem to have all bullets in stock always.

And if they don't, you can call or email them, and they'll let you know when they'll be making more of what you're after. Using the 86gr Shock Hammers in my 327 Federal carbine... pricey, but great little bullets.

I've never seen the Speer or Nosler plants, but Hornady's is several times the size of Sierra's.

Fortunately I have plenty of selection for my 35's, 375 and 405 both brass and bullets. My LGS has VERY few bullets of any kind. Nosler is as scarce as hens teeth as are Sierra. I lucked out and a friend of a friend was getting out of reloading and I got a bunch of Sierra 30 cal bullets. Also picked up 3 boxes of Sierra 25 cal 100grain from the classifieds here.

There was no secret. Missouri (Sierra) got a total lock out during Covid for 30-45 days. Oregon (Nosler) got total lock out for ~ 3 mos. Nebraska (Hornady) 0 days lock out. Production never ceased.

Now is that amazing or what.