This was well before the Chinese had ramped up demand for lead and other raw materials. Frankly, I'm somewhat surprised that it's taken this long for the prices to rise to this level, as I recall buying a Beretta 682 around 1994 for $2K; the equivalent gun today (694) is double that.
The influx of Euro loads going back to Victory and Kemen probably had something to do with it, but I'm pretty certain that the days of quality ammo for $6/box or less are done.
Rio stopped production at it's new Texas plant. They couldn't compete with US shell companies. They said it's cheaper to make shells overseas and export them to the US. That says a lot.
Rio stopped production at it's new Texas plant. They couldn't compete with US shell companies. They said it's cheaper to make shells overseas and export them to the US. That says a lot.
I agree that says a ton indeed, labor rates i'm assuming are the cause to that decision, but if a company can save .3 cents per shell, if you think about the overall volume, it does make sense on a spread sheet to make that decision.
And I'm sure there was someone right behind you who grabbed as many as they could, aint profit great? it's not a dirty word. Right now there are too many people buying at the high prices, and not enough passing on them for the message to be sent to lower the MSRP.
The average weekend warrior aint shooting alot right now, and that's what hurts the sport.
And I'm sure there was someone right behind you who grabbed as many as they could, aint profit great? it's not a dirty word. Right now there are too many people buying at the high prices, and not enough passing on them for the message to be sent to lower the MSRP.
The average weekend warrior aint shooting alot right now, and that's what hurts the sport.
All I can say is our country is in a sad state currently, hopefully people wake T.F.U and see Biden and the democrats are ruining everything our country is founded upon and use their voting power to expel the disgrace and move forward.
Yep, as a "weekend warrior " who is glad he stocked up when Gun Clubs could be had for $50 a flat, I`ve stopped shooting skeet to conserve ammo for dove season
The prices have gone up, at the wholesale level, 2 or 3 times this year, and the shelves are still bare.
Target shotshells are BY FAR the lowest level of priority for manufacturers. Why on earth would you make a box of 12ga that retails for 7 bucks when you can take the same materials and make 4 boxes of 9mm that retail for $80+? The same powder that's used for shotgun shells can go into handgun ammo, the same lead, copper, and brass as well, and I suspect the priming compound too.
I'll say it again, ammo manufacturers don't care about target shotshells in tough times, lowest profit margin product they produce. I know everyone wants there to be a grand conspiracy that manufacturers and dealers are just licking their chops to release Federal Top Guns @ 15 bucks a box and open the floodgates, but it's time to face reality, when the going gets tough the mfgs don't GAF about clay target shooters.
The prices have gone up, at the wholesale level, 2 or 3 times this year, and the shelves are still bare.
Target shotshells are BY FAR the lowest level of priority for manufacturers. Why on earth would you make a box of 12ga that retails for 7 bucks when you can take the same materials and make 4 boxes of 9mm that retail for $80+? The same powder that's used for shotgun shells can go into handgun ammo, the same lead, copper, and brass as well, and I suspect the priming compound too.
I'll say it again, ammo manufacturers don't care about target shotshells in tough times, lowest profit margin product they produce. I know everyone wants there to be a grand conspiracy that manufacturers and dealers are just licking their chops to release Federal Top Guns @ 15 bucks a box and open the floodgates, but it's time to face reality, when the going gets tough the mfgs don't GAF about clay target shooters.
As much as I didn't want to, I started reloading about 5 years ago, due to the CA ammo law. Now, I'm glad I did and I stocked up on components. Shells are nowhere to be found at reasonable prices. Components are in the same boat, but I have enough to last several years and load 12ga at about $5.00 a box. It's clear the current situation is having an affect on local shoots. Shoots that used to have 100+ participants regularly are down to maybe 60 or so. I hope this crap ends soon, or we won't have anyplace to shoot.
All I can say is, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB, if you can...
I agree on the local clubs around here, it’s the only thing that has kept us shooting thankfully. It seems that you can find stuff on the net but many of the prices are very steep, more than I would want to pay.
And what are they charging? One club within two hours has several brands of shells in the club house, with Gun CLubs (NOT Nitro Golds) selling for $10+ per box and the lower quality (if that's possible) going for $8-$9. One nearby gun store has Winchester 28 ga sporting clays ammo - Winchester list price is $13.99/box. Their special deal? $18.99/box; but they have it.
Because of the low life politicians threatening gun control, many people have purchased guns that did not even own them in prior years. Because of all the new rifle and pistol sales the demand for ammo has skyrocketed. Right now its very profitable for the ammo companies to make rifle and pistol ammo, everybody seems to be purchasing it as they purchase a new rifle or pistol. This leads to a shortage of shotgun shells because these same companies make them, simply because the ammo supplies are making more rifle and pistol ammo and letting the shotgun shell orders pile up. This even goes for the components for making shells, they are pretty lean right now. I hope in the near future the ammo manufacturers start making shogun shells once again. I have picked up a few boxes of Winchester super Target loads in 20 gauge, from Midway on line. Not a bad price even with the shipping, however Larry will only let us purchase 3 boxes at a time, when I wanted a case.
Fortunately I have enough 16, 28 & 12 gauge shells to last me for quite a while. I have cut back on shooting clays because shells are harder to get, and the price has gone up for repurchasing them. Right now RST and Poly have only a few shells on their web sights. The last I checked Poly has none. I usually restock my hunting shells at this time thru Lion County Supply, and get free shipping ordering $100.00 worth of shells or more, for the up coming bird seasons. Real glad I purchased the cases of shotgun shells from Lion Country for my business, prior to our current political mess. Lion Country has only a few shells right now also.
Right now RST and Poly have only a few shells on their web sights. The last I checked Poly has none. I usually restock my hunting shells at this time thru Lion County Supply, and get free shipping ordering $100.00 worth of shells or more, for the up coming bird seasons. Real glad I purchased the cases of shotgun shells from Lion Country for my business, prior to our current political mess. Lion Country has only a few shells right now also.
The Vintage Gunners posted they will have plenty of RST shells at the Vintage Cup held later this month. I am skeptical given availability on their website. I'll let you know when I get back from there.
And what are they charging? One club within two hours has several brands of shells in the club house, with Gun CLubs (NOT Nitro Golds) selling for $10+ per box and the lower quality (if that's possible) going for $8-$9. One nearby gun store has Winchester 28 ga sporting clays ammo - Winchester list price is $13.99/box. Their special deal? $18.99/box; but they have it.
A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!