[Spok]

As a handloader, I don’t understand why the manufacturers can’t meet the demand for bullets (projectiles), especially lead bullets. It’s the simplest component to make, isn’t it?

[Lurkinanloomin]

The only lead smelter in the US was shut down.

[ChildOfThe60s]

I don’t know if it’s a factor here, but the United States no longer has working lead mines.
Thanks to the EnviroTards all our lead is either recycled or purchased from foreign suppliers.

[sasquatch]

Hodgdon and IMR are scarce...

[unclebankster]

“As a handloader, I don’t understand why the manufacturers can’t meet the demand for bullets (projectiles), especially lead bullets. It’s the simplest component to make, isn’t it?”

I’m a manufacturer, although we aren’t specifically firearms oriented at the moment. Material pricing and time of delivery have been inconsistent,ever since the covid hysteria started.

Lead and brass distributors are dependent on foreign suppliers. Those foreign suppliers are facing extreme pressure to maintain current or even increased production schedules.My guess is labor shortages plus lack of domestic producers is playing a part.

Keep reloading your brass shells because that material is getting harder and more expensive to get.

Aluminum is next. You should be reading articles about supply problems within 3-6 months.

Aren’t environmental and free trade zealots a wonderful bunch?

[Eagles6]

Bullets are readily available.

Powder is available, if you aren't picky.

Primers are hard to get and are 2-3x what they were 2 years ago.

I learned 25 years ago to stock deep, so no worries here.

[Bonemaker]

Obama killed our last lead mine.

[Myrddin]

Primers and powder (in that order) are the scarcest components. 22 years ago, I would budget $20 for a sleeve of 1000 small pistol primers, $20 for a can of Win236 and $55 for a box of 1000 .357 cal 48 gr DEWC from West Coast Bullet. That met my needs for target shooting on Tuesday nights with the 686+. Same powder and sleeve of 1000 large pistol primers and 1000 230 gr FMJ .45 cal put me in good shape to feed the 1911.

I haven't been doing much reloading since moving to Idaho. Mainly a lack of time with 55 to 80 work weeks and a need to match good weather to time off to use the outdoor range. The indoor range cost $500 per year for couple. Last year I paid for a membership at the range, but only went twice (instead of every week) due to ammo shortages. I didn't renew this year. Ammo shortages and $4/gallon gas with a 106 mile round trip to the indoor range have made it fiscally unreasonable.

My local FFL has been able to cough up a few good deals of late. 500 rd boxes of 9mm 115 gr and 1,000 rd boxes of 7.62x39. Satisfactory coverage for personal defense and food harvesting.

[Alas Babylon!]

You could cast your own.

Buy lead fishing sinkers in bulk here, pretty cheap:

https://www.leadheadsfishing.com/store/c2/Sinkers.html#/