Where Have All The Primers Gone?

by
posted on May 27, 2009
2009527143650-ammo_fs.jpg

We have heard all sorts of theories ranging from dramatically increased military demand to a secret department of the government buying up all the primers on the market so they are unavailable to handloaders. None of those theories could be substantiated. In conversations with the major makers of primers and ammunition (ammunition availability shortages seem to begat primer shortages) it appears to be simple supply and demand, with demand reaching record levels and far exceeding supply and production capacity of both primers and ammunition.

Military demand is up with some makers, but not radically so when compared to 2007 and 2008. We have been told that availability of raw materials and powder delivery have affected production to some extent, but virtually every ammunition maker, large and small, is making as many cartridges as it can for sale to consumers. Production has been expanded everywhere possible, but conservatively. Major firms have been hesitant to purchase additional new tooling or add permanent employees out of uncertainty over future legislative issues from the current administration and Congress-and this is true of many firearm manufacturers with record backlogs as well.

One maker described demand for primers as "insatiable," and that firm reported record primer production already for 2009 but still can't keep up with demand. Primers are in extreme demand, and it's difficult if not impossible to quickly and radically increase primer production due to the nature of primer manufacture. Trust me, if you have ever seen primers being made, you don't want them to hurry.

In conversations with representatives from various mail order companies that specialize in ammunition, we were told that as soon as they unload a truck (not a box, but a truck), the ammunition is entered into their systems and is, literally, gone, often in mere hours. Ammunition is flowing steadily from makers through commercial channels, and it is being delivered to retail outlets. Some larger storefronts have ample supplies, but that can change in a matter of hours.

One of the most in demand calibers is .380 ACP, for which new firearm designs increased interest exponentially. At the Nation's Gun Show in Chantilly, Va., in April there wasn't a box of .380 to be found by the final day of the show. The surge demand in .380 ACP caught forecasters at the ammunition companies flat-footed. Anecdotes indicate some new firearms buyers have been purchasing a handgun based upon what the dealer had in ammunition on the shelf.

How deep is the current demand and how long will it last? No one knows. At the time of this writing, ammunition was starting to become more available, but primers were being bought in quantity whenever found, and some outlets were "rationing" them to regular customers. One prominent maker of reloading tools told us that on its most expensive progressive press, orders so far for this year are double production last year.

Latest

Browning Xbolt Target Max Gotw 5
Browning Xbolt Target Max Gotw 5

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt Target Max

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week to get a close look at an improved X-Bolt rifle from Browning. The Target Max is the latest iteration of the famed X-Bolt action, and it’s designed for long-range work, thanks to its Target Max customizable stock, adjustable trigger, bull barrel and more.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 1, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Mag-Na-Port Custom Ruger Blackhawk Convertible

The author found the just-right performance and managed recoil balance he was looking for with this fully customized single-action wheel gun.

XS Sights Sponsors 6th Annual Meals On Wheels Clay Shoot

XS Sights steps up to the plate as a Presenting Sponsor of the 6th Annual Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County Clay Shoot. Money raised is already making a difference and providing a boost to those less fortunate at this critical time.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington 700 BDL

After Winchester came out with its iconic Model 70, Remington Arms had catching up to do in the sporting-rifle market. Eventually, its answer was the Model 700, a gun that became one of the most recognized bolt-action designs of all time.

New For 2024: EAA Girsan MC9 Disruptor

European American Armory's latest addition to its MC9 handgun line is aptly named, as the Disruptor is intended to provide an incredible range of features at a price point below other similar options.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.