Ammunition prices are about to explode. Here’s why.

A perfect storm is forming in the ammunition market—one that will likely hit the U.S. civilian sector hard in the coming months. The American consumer is about to feel the pain of dramatically rising ammunition costs and availability.

I’ve been speaking with several manufacturers across the industry, and a consistent message is emerging: the supply of gunpowder is critically low, and where it’s available, the costs are staggering compared to just a few years ago.

Gunpowder that once cost $8 per pound is now being offered at $30 per pound and going to $40—if you can even find it. Some manufacturers I’ve spoken with are refusing to buy at those prices, choosing instead to shut down production lines for low-margin calibers like 9mm, citing concerns that the civilian market demand won’t support the required retail pricing.

This is a serious problem for the American consumer, particularly for those who rely on affordable target and self-defense rounds. And unfortunately, gunpowder is just one part of the equation.

We're also seeing major price pressures across ammunition components due to a combination of:

·      Newly implemented tariffs on imported materials
·      Rising global copper demand, particularly driven by electric vehicles, data centers, and energy infrastructure
·      A looming supply gap in domestic copper availability

To put this in perspective: brass, which is 70% copper, has become significantly more expensive. Copper prices have jumped from $2.20 /lb in 2020 to $5.74/lb (post-tariff), raising the material cost of every brass case.

The U.S. is expected to import an additional 1 million tons of copper by 2026, straining the supply chain and leaving ammo manufacturers asking: Will there be enough copper left for brass cases?

The ammunition industry is now being forced to rethink everything—from materials to manufacturing priorities—and explore new ways to keep products in stock and prices sustainable.

This isn’t just about inflation. It’s about access, availability, and the long-term resilience of the civilian ammunition supply chain.

If you’re seeing similar trends or have thoughts on where this is heading, I’d welcome the discussion.
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Haven't been away from the yard much as we are calving out 130 hfrs so stay fairly close doing chores and checking hfrs.
We have had a couple different coyotes right in the pens eating afterbirth but they seemed to be getting bolder. Yesterday I had picked the Vanguard 223 out of the side x side on my way by but no coyotes. Had a couple shed huters from Montana stayed a couple nights and they busted them just before I got out for 6am check. Today I didn't take the 223 and sure enough there was a coyote staring down a hfr with a very fresh calf. I turned around and grabbed the 17hmr out of the tractor and stuck the barrel through the wind break boards and dropped him with a nice head shot at about 30 yards. Never moved,  One less to worry about.
 The shed hunters found a few Elk spikes and couple nice elk sheds but not real big and a handful of Muley and Whitetail sheds.
The one guy was hoping for the grand slam of Whitetail, Muley, Elk and Moose but the other guy found the Moose dead head which they left where it was. They can't keep them attached to the head, plus it was heavy and he was a long way from the house,
 They can only take 2 pair home across the border unless they make an appointment to have a Wildlife Bologist meet at the border which unle tey were a very special set of horn wouldn't be worth it.
 They don't ell their finds so are happy just to have ground to walk.

Is was a cold clear fairly calm afternoon.
I went out about 5 pm and tried to call for a bit, I just have a Primos Turbo dawg caller.
I started with the female invitation call and tried a few other, Nothing showed. Usually you can see a coyote out on the flats but nothing there, nothing cam out of the coulee's to the north.

How long would you call in one spot before moving on?

Looks like Wayne's lifestyle caught up with hm.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/national-rifle-association-and-wayne-lapierre-are-found-liable-in-lawsuit-over-lavish-spending/ar-BB1iN0NV?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=689d4796097d4245a0726a1a2db76952&ei=81

So what would you do?
Elk season starts here September 15th. We have three houses/cabins we rent out for a nominal charge of $40/ person/ night. Those that rent a bed also get permission to hunt here. It's on foot but for Elk or Moose they can retrieve with an ATV and quite often I have helped.
We can't charge to hunt in Saskatchewan but we do control access on our crown lease land. I stop the bow hunters for the two weeks of Elk as it's a very tough tag to draw. Don't want guys hiding in camo out there with guys with high powered rifles looking for something hiding.
My question is I get calls from others wanting to hunt that aren't staying here.
They are all someone's grandson or so and so's best friend. Their is only 15 tags drawn in our zone and I have had 13 of them wanting to hunt the ranch the same day.
It it wrong to give preference to those staying here?

https://freerangeamerican.us/marlin-336-is-back/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=owned-social&utm_campaign=2023q1shoot&utm_content=418830_2023q1shoot_inform_nap_vis_art_shoot_owned_social_linkedin_nap_875983_the-marlin-336-is-back!-ruger-reintroduces-a-classic-lever-gun_art_nap_inf_nap_nap_nap_nap_o1_v1_nap

Did you here about the new movie called Constipation?

It hasn't come out yet?