SmallCaliberCentral

Does anyone out there have any "inside" information on where bullet prices are going? Lead shot has gone nuts and bullets are somewhat higher than last year. I would like to know if someone knows anyone from one of the major bullet manufactures who might know if material prices have stabilized or are we looking at price increases in the near future again? Once they go up, I doubt if they will come back. Is it time to stock-pile if one hasn't already? I have been watching Midsouth Shooters Supply and they have held the line on Hornady bullets (V-max anyway)since their 2007 catalog was published(I think some of the best prices around-better than Midway).

http://wrzwaldo.org/reloading/public/Bullet_Prices.html

Not sure where they are going...


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Midway 39SBK $17.79 per box

Order 2 boxes to avoid the "Special Handling Charge"

$35.58 + $9.00 shipping = $44.58
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Midsouth 39SBK $15.44 per box (if they ever have any in stock)

Order 2 boxes to avoid the "Surcharge"

$30.88 + $10.64 shipping = $41.52
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Graf & Sons 39SBK $17.99 per box

They require a $30.00 minimum order (2 boxes)

$39.93 + $3.95 (Handling & Insurance) = $43.88
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The problem I have with MidSouth is every time I want to order something it is on backorder!

Like right now. 32 V-Max (On Order), 39 SBK (On Order), 40 Berger (On Order), Nosler 32 BT (On Order)...


Just my observations...

KO

i used to trade commodities a few years ago, and i watch some of the markets still. i no longer trade though. the price of copper has gone thru the roof. the prices are so high, that a lot of theft of copper from the power companies and the phone companies is a really big problem. people are stealing for the money involved in the scrap market. and with the war in iraq and afganistan going on, i think the prices will keep going up and up. now might be a good time to stock up, if you can find the product.

I monitor the market on a regular basis, and won't get into a lengthly discussion here, but you only need to look to our polluting neighbors across the Pacific for the sharp increase in semi-precious metal prices such as copper and brass, not to mention many others.

The booming industrial complex of emerging China is one of the primary reasons we're paying so much for components such as bullets. The price graph for copper alone since 1995 would blow your socks off. If I had a crystal ball, I could answer your question, but then it I did have one, I'd also be rich. No one really knows when this will stabilize, but my theory is that if you buy now, you may be glad later that you did.

I've got boxes of bullets I purchased back in the early '70's when I moved up into the woods in B.C. that have price stickers on a box of 130gr Sierra BT's of $5.49 if that tells you anything.......

I have been buying for a couple of months now. I had a good poke of .204 bullets before. I have a great one now. I love to shoot rimfire also, both at paper and live targets. The price of .22 ammo has gone over the top also. I have even been buying some less desirable rimfire ammo as a fail safe measure. I think it is going to get to the point that a regular guy is going to be priced out. A case of Eley is now over $1400 dollars and there is much talk on the benchrest forums of guys pulling out of the sport due to the cost which is aggravated by many factors of which ammo costs is just one. I saw just yesterday at Cabelas (no deals there) a 100 tray of WW Power Points for $7.99. With tax that is 8.5 cents per round. This leads to another another factor which I believe is going on and that is over charging. My back up .22 round is Federal 510 which can be purchaced at Walmart for $1.17 per box. Cabelas charges $2.49.
Bottom line for me is that I am going to try to get enough of what I need to shoot for another 10 years or so while I am still working and have some money. Nice rifles are just oars if you have nothing to feed them.

Thanks for your thoughts guys, I now have 2200 Hornady Vmax pills coming from MSSS, (204, 224, 243 & 257), half are on backorder, but I'm not in a hurry and my price is locked in. These will last me 2-3 years, maybe more, unless I can locate better (non-poisoned) prairie dog towns in South Dakota. It seemed like a pile when I ordered but $300 doesn't seem to go as far as it used to!! I guess I'll watch for sales & gun shows and snag any bargins I can find. China was mentioned as a country using the copper, I think lately the have been a huge consumer of lead for the paint they use on our children's toys!

Midway has Bergers on sale!

30 Grain
Product #: 796980
Manufacturer #: 204030
Our Price: $17.79 Sale!
Compare at: $19.79 You save $2.00!
Sale Expires: Oct. 31, 2007


35 Grain
Product #: 584073
Manufacturer #: 204035
Our Price: $17.79 Sale!
Compare at: $19.79 You save $2.00!
Sale Expires: Oct. 31, 2007


40 Grain
Product #: 339016
Manufacturer #: 204040T
Our Price: $17.79 Sale!
Compare at: $19.79 You save $2.00!
Sale Expires: Oct. 31, 2007

I saw it about a year ago but some site had a bigger discount if you ordered by the x1000. Was wondering if any of you guys knew of any sites that do this. I am looking to get a few for my .204 and my girlfriends dad is looking to pick up about 4000 rounds for his two .223 Rem. 700's for next years PD hunting. I am looking for about 1000 40gr Vmaxs and he is looking for the 50 gr. Vmax's. Thanks alot guys -dan

Danny - good luck. About the best deal on VMax - midway by the 250 count boxes.

For the 223, may I recommend the 50 and 55 gr SP sold by midsouthshooterssupply? They are priced ..$35/500 for the 50 gr and $120/2000 for the 55 grain.

I am using them in my 223 AI...3600 fps is FUN with a 55 gr bullet. PD's don't seem to mind either...because they never saw it before it hit them.