Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

US Shooters Hit By Soaring Bullet Prices

Demand for metals triggers ammo price hikes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 2:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Gun users across the US are having to tighten their ammo belts as bullet prices soar, Reuters reports. Sky-high worldwide demand for copper, lead and zinc means the price of most bullets has shot up two to three times in the last couple of years. Add to that competition for ammo from the US military, engaged in two wars. Budget-conscious shooters are having to bargain hunt, reload less often, and reuse old casings.

Manufacturers may soon try making ammo out of something cheaper. "High cost drives innovation," said one gun shop owner. "There has been some interest in plastic or aluminum cartridge cases in the past, so I'm hopeful they will come up with something." 

The price of many kinds of ammo has doubled or even tripled in the last two years in step with steep rises in the price of metals.
The price of many kinds of ammo has doubled or even tripled in the last two years in step with steep rises in the price of metals.   ((c) kcdsTM)
Gun owners are having to shop around and bulk-buy to deal with the rising cost of ammunition.
Gun owners are having to shop around and bulk-buy to deal with the rising cost of ammunition.   ((c) Vironevaeh)
High demand for metals from China and other industrializing countries has pushed the price of bullets up sharply.
High demand for metals from China and other industrializing countries has pushed the price of bullets up sharply.   ((c) muppetspanker)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Gang Members Use 'Community Guns'

Teacher Uses Robber, Gun to Teach Kids Spelling

Bachmann Gushes Over Her Favorite Semi-Automatic

Tot, 3, Shoots Boy, 5, to Death

Hollywood Gunman Opens Fire on Motorists


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne