Sunday, March 9, 2014

Bob Owens: "Think the ammo market is about to get better? Think again."

The real issue this year is the ”ongoing” powder shortage. It is going to be worse this year then the last two previous years. I have spoken to executives from the three major powder manufacturers in the US. And it is bad, I am talking really bad. I am not trying to scare anyone. Or cause an arbitrage in the market. I am simply telling you what I have been told.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where is the powder going?

Anonymous said...

I get a kick out of people saying that's telling the truth about runs on ammo causes runs on ammo.

Look, Americans are arming up, of this there is no doubt, but the reality here is simple. Politicos were told that gun control is dead - and the Heller decision was the exclamation point on that. Thus, they had to shift their efforts to ammo control.

Whether it was the forced mutilation of once fired brass or the willing concession of rare earths production to the Chinese, anyone who doesn't see the direct attempt to limit supply ( and purposely drive up price to limit availability) ISNT LOOKING.

I see various pro gun authors crying about how folks buy up ammo with the sole purpose of reselling it at a profit. FFS, that's called the FREE market! There is no choice but to witness that play out for folks who take PRINCIPAL seriously.

The decision to pay increased prices should be viewed in this way - Americans view ammo purchasing as a serious endeavor and thus place it high on the priority list. Government - especially the dedicated controllers -ought to take note, their efforts are futile.

And the effect on the overall economy is as hard hitting as gasoline prices. Example - rather than buy a toilet and sink for a bathroom remodel, I instead grabbed up another 1000 rds of 5.56. It certainly wasn't because I didn't want the durable goods, it's because of this simple scenario - what good do more durable goods do me if I cannot defend them? And really, I don't see toilets and sinks being tough to come by in the coming months and years (while ammo IS demonstrating its own transition to measured durable goods).

If the controllers had any sense, they would remove all blockages imposed by government (EPA , mining minerals and all other executive "rules" included). The ammo market would calm and some of that money now spent in that arena would return to other durable goods. Sadly though, like gasoline, the zealots FAIL to understand that their own arbitrary attempted strangulation of supply only brings net harm to this country and her people. But then, that is exactly what they want, huh.

Maybe those "chamber of commerce" folks oughta rethink their playing both ends against the middle strategy. Meh. Maybe certain other "advocacy groups" has better recognize that too.

Bob no more causes this than the average joe buyer - or even the tactical resellers. It's a product of an out if control government operating WELL OUTSIDE it's Constituted and Declared parameters.
Solution???? Easy. Put government BACK inside the box it was always intended to operate within to start with.

My prediction for 2014 and 2015 is more dire. Center fire will tighten as new shooters practice with their new rifles but the worst will be in the reloading department.
Look for more lead restrictions both in acquisition and use.

If I were you, is buy ammo every chance you get.
You ARE going to need it.

Anonymous said...

Was in a store yesterday. Plenty of primers, brass and bullets. But powder inventory was scarce. Thanks for posting validation of my observation.

SWIFT said...

"There is currently a glut in the market on .223/5.56 NATO......" Oh? I see improved availability over last year, but to describe it as a glut, is really a stretch. But, to be fair, perhaps .223 is more available in certain sections of the country, than it is in others. I happen to live in one of the "others".

Anonymous said...

"primers, brass and bullets"

Funny thing is that it's just the opposite here and has been for over a year now. 20$ for 100 rounds of cci .22's.

Anonymous said...

Much of the powder is imported from Australia made by Australian Defence Industries (Thales).

If Obammy Boy pisses off the Aussies ... that could put a crimp in availability.

... perhaps he will 'O'pose Tasmanian succession!

Kiwi III