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Investing in Ammo....wise?

TXBRASS

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 23, 2009
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Shiner, TEXAS
My LEO tactical shooting is 100% with match grade 168gr ammo. I use CorBon X 168 for hunting applications with my 308's so these two rounds are all I use personally. With the recent ammo shortage I was wondering how smart it would be (return on my investment) to buy up any 308 ammo I can get. I have a connection at the local Walmart who calls when ammo arrives. Most of the 308 is the 150gr soft point but at $18 a box is this a wise investment to stock up on? Your thoughts plz...
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

In my opinion (you will find other opinions opposite mine), you should only buy up what you will personally use, offsetting your future costs. Investment wise, I think it could be a crap shoot, if there was ever a ban on lead core ammo, it could hit your investment pretty hard. How likely is that, I really have no idea? On the other hand if you have a stockpile of stuff you can actually use, then you are at least partially covered if weird things happen.

just my $.02
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Yeah....150gr .308 is not ideal for me, but I own 5 .308's and have 4 sons and we all hunt so if worse came to worse, it could be utilized by my family. Just wondering if $18 a box is something I could potentially profit off if in the years to come. Guess it's a gamble....for some reason ammo makes better sense to me right now than gold or stocks....
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

well it certainly is crazy right now, so if a similar situation happens in the future, yeah, good investment. That, and ammo always moves upward in price, and is a consumable...
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Ammo will hold value even if its banned, restricted, taxed, etc.

The price will probably skyrocket in the months before the effective date of any legislation that may be passed.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

in the grand scheme of things, it could not hurt to pick up a few boxes each payday. You can use that ammo for years to come, hunting with the kids, grandkids. Also good fodder for barter and trade. The value will not go down, and with inflation and cost of metal it should be a sound investment. That is if you are paying normal prices for the ammo now.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

I always buy 2 boxes to shoot one box to save. This lets me slowly build up a reserve for times such as these. I go to the range these days and there is one or two lanes being used. Back a few months it would be a 30-45 minutes wait. I'm still shooting while others aren't. Sucks this has to happen wish there was enough ammo for everyone to shoot everyday!
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Factory ammo is expensive. Invest in reloading equipment and reload.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXBRASS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah....150gr .308 is not ideal for me, but I own 5 .308's and have 4 sons and we all hunt so if worse came to worse, it could be utilized by my family. </div></div>

I'd suggest you spend the money on reloading gear and learn roll your own, then learn to cast your own bullets. Then if you want to go farther(primers and powder of your own brew) you will have a solid base to work from.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gunfighter14e2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXBRASS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah....150gr .308 is not ideal for me, but I own 5 .308's and have 4 sons and we all hunt so if worse came to worse, it could be utilized by my family. </div></div>

I'd suggest you spend the money on reloading gear and learn roll your own, then learn to cast your own bullets. Then if you want to go farther(primers and powder of your own brew) you will have a solid base to work from.</div></div>

This!
Spend that money on ammo, but make it components instead of factory rounds. You'll get better ammo and stretch those dollars further. You can tailor a load for each of those 308s.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

YUP...reload!!!
wink.gif
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

So, you don't need it? You don't really want it?? It's hard as hell for people that do need it to get it? You have a connection which could probably get this person fired?
I guess my main question here is are you going to use this ammo yourself when supplies are down or are you going to sell it for profit to fellow shooters like me when supplies are down?
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

To use... yes.... To have for any other reason.... No

Seems like a pretty cut and dry question and deserves suck an answer.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: melloyello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, you don't need it? You don't really want it?? It's hard as hell for people that do need it to get it? You have a connection which could probably get this person fired?
I guess my main question here is are you going to use this ammo yourself when supplies are down or are you going to sell it for profit to fellow shooters like me when supplies are down? </div></div>

This post was made to ask about "investing" in ammo that is available cheap when compared to today's market price. Don't know where the "could get the guy fired" idea came from but that's not the case at all either. I find in funny how some think that turning a profit from something like ammo or gun parts is somehow a sin... Just wanted people's opinion on whether they think its worth the investment. Thanks for all the replies....
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

TXBRASS,

For the last couple years, every time I went to the grocery store, I'd pick up a box of 9mm for $10 or a brick of .22 for $15.

I wasn't hurting anybody's ability to get ammo. Most guys were buying fake boobs for their girl or a new boat, and weren't interested in ammo -- The shelves were full.

In the last month I've sold all that ammo on the evil GB auction site for tripple (9mm) and quadruple (.22) what I paid.

When all this crap dies down, I will put all that money right back into ammo and do this all over again the next time, so every time there is a panic, I'll start with 3X more ammo than I had the last time.

By buying <span style="text-decoration: underline">when things are normal</span> and selling when there is a panic, I am part of the <span style="font-weight: bold">solution</span> to the supply/demand problem, and I get well paid to be part of that solution. If that bothers anybody, they simply don't know how to think.

I have no problem with you buying now through a special connection, but be aware that you won't have the same claim to being part of the solution because you waited to buy till everyone else did. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but you would be viewed as part of the "problem" in that case.

In answer to the title of the thread, YES, investing in ammo is wise. I might not make it my biggest investment, but you certainly won't regret buying some extra here and there.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

I always buy more than I need. I have always stocked up on things and you will always benefit if you can store it. I think it is a great investment and prices are only going up. I would love to see America embrace the gun rights and make all of my collection a worthless pile of shit but I fear that it is only going up. My thoughts. Good luck.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Unless you're buying it at pre Lanza, sorry for the capitol, prices, it wouldn't be worth it. Reloading equipment yes. Prices will rebound, maybe not to where we were, but it will come down.

If things were to ever go that far south, selling outlawed ammo wouldn't be worth the risk.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

I'd get what I can, when I can. I just paid $2/rd for Federal GMM online as I couldn't find it anywhere else. I stupidly sold off the 200 rounds of it I had months ago when I sold my bolt gun. Now that I got one again I had to shell the money to play again.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Evolution 9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TXBRASS,

For the last couple years, every time I went to the grocery store, I'd pick up a box of 9mm for $10 or a brick of .22 for $15.

I wasn't hurting anybody's ability to get ammo. Most guys were buying fake boobs for their girl or a new boat, and weren't interested in ammo -- The shelves were full.

In the last month I've sold all that ammo on the evil GB auction site for tripple (9mm) and quadruple (.22) what I paid.

When all this crap dies down, I will put all that money right back into ammo and do this all over again the next time, so every time there is a panic, I'll start with 3X more ammo than I had the last time.

By buying <span style="text-decoration: underline">when things are normal</span> and selling when there is a panic, I am part of the <span style="font-weight: bold">solution</span> to the supply/demand problem, and I get well paid to be part of that solution. If that bothers anybody, they simply don't know how to think.

I have no problem with you buying now through a special connection, but be aware that you won't have the same claim to being part of the solution because you waited to buy till everyone else did. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but you would be viewed as part of the "problem" in that case.

In answer to the title of the thread, YES, investing in ammo is wise. I might not make it my biggest investment, but you certainly won't regret buying some extra here and there.

</div></div>

You are not the solution. You can keep telling yourself that if you want but you are part of the problem. But, I don't blame you as much as the idiots that are paying the high prices for it. Of course there is profit to be made and it would be so easy but I just don't see it as an ethical choice to profit off a fellow shooter. Every democrat out there wants to attack guns, magazines and ammo and here we are taking advantage of one another. It just doesn't make any sense. If we can't help our fellow shooter then why not just join the other side?
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Factory ammo is expensive. Invest in reloading equipment and reload. </div></div>

+1 on this!
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Just sold 850 9mm rounds for the precision rifle fund. Had most of it for years, since before I started to reload. Honestly, I didn't really know what to do with it since I always shoot my hand-loads. This craziness was a great opportunity to tipple my money. I may also sell off some of my bulk .22lr stash and add the cash to my match .22 ammo fund. Wouldn't it be great to trade Wildcat for Eley. I wish .223 would go up some more. I think I might part with some xm193 for $1.00/round.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: melloyello</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Evolution 9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TXBRASS,

For the last couple years, every time I went to the grocery store, I'd pick up a box of 9mm for $10 or a brick of .22 for $15.

I wasn't hurting anybody's ability to get ammo. Most guys were buying fake boobs for their girl or a new boat, and weren't interested in ammo -- The shelves were full.

In the last month I've sold all that ammo on the evil GB auction site for tripple (9mm) and quadruple (.22) what I paid.

When all this crap dies down, I will put all that money right back into ammo and do this all over again the next time, so every time there is a panic, I'll start with 3X more ammo than I had the last time.

By buying <span style="text-decoration: underline">when things are normal</span> and selling when there is a panic, I am part of the <span style="font-weight: bold">solution</span> to the supply/demand problem, and I get well paid to be part of that solution. If that bothers anybody, they simply don't know how to think.

I have no problem with you buying now through a special connection, but be aware that you won't have the same claim to being part of the solution because you waited to buy till everyone else did. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but you would be viewed as part of the "problem" in that case.

In answer to the title of the thread, YES, investing in ammo is wise. I might not make it my biggest investment, but you certainly won't regret buying some extra here and there.

</div></div>

You are not the solution. You can keep telling yourself that if you want but you are part of the problem. But, I don't blame you as much as the idiots that are paying the high prices for it. Of course there is profit to be made and it would be so easy but I just don't see it as an ethical choice to profit off a fellow shooter. Every democrat out there wants to attack guns, magazines and ammo and here we are taking advantage of one another. It just doesn't make any sense. If we can't help our fellow shooter then why not just join the other side? </div></div>

Yes, liberal F-tards caused the buying panic, but the reason prices are high is because <span style="font-weight: bold">demand</span> is higher than <span style="font-weight: bold">supply</span>. I am increasing the supply which lowers prices and fills demand. That's a mathematical and economic equation that can't be argued with.

Could I do the same thing and make zero profit? Sure, but there's no incentive for me to do that when I could be buying fake boobs an boats like many guys did while I was buying ammo. That's also an economic rule (people do what they have incentive to do).

Additionally, if I made zero "profit" I could only afford to increase the supply by the same amount next time there is a panic. Since I sold the ammo for 3-4 times what I paid, next time I'll increase the supply by 3-4 times as much.

Speaking of incentive, If all of us guys that think past next week and are prepared are willing to sell all our ammo for what we paid during normal times, that gives the morons who don't prepare for anything no incentive to be prepared, thus exacerbating the supply/demand problem.

Our freedoms will continue to be attacked until they are gone. Anyone who does not maintain a significant stock of ammunition for their guns lacks an ounce of foresight, and deserves to pay through the nose for not doing their part to secure our freedoms. Yes, I will happily make a fellow shooter pay for not pulling their weight.

It's a <span style="font-weight: bold">win, win, win</span>. The moron learns a lesson, I end up with more ammo, and there is more supply next time there is unusually high demand.

Would you prefer I bought fake boobs and boats and that ammo wasn't available <span style="font-weight: bold">at any price</span> next time?
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXBRASS</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: melloyello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, you don't need it? You don't really want it?? It's hard as hell for people that do need it to get it? You have a connection which could probably get this person fired?
I guess my main question here is are you going to use this ammo yourself when supplies are down or are you going to sell it for profit to fellow shooters like me when supplies are down? </div></div>

This post was made to ask about "investing" in ammo that is available cheap when compared to today's market price. Don't know where the "could get the guy fired" idea came from but that's not the case at all either. I find in funny how some think that turning a profit from something like ammo or gun parts is somehow a sin... Just wanted people's opinion on whether they think its worth the investment. Thanks for all the replies....</div></div>

I think it is worth the investment to get a single stage press kit and stock up on components. Hell, you can get much of the brass for free if you are savvy. That way you have all the ammo you need, fresh when you need it.

I keep a couple of cases of M855 around and some boxes of pistol ammo, but everything else is mostly components until I need it. I was forced into reloading though, it was that or start robbing banks to pay for it.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

I have trouble seeing it as a poor investment. If naught else, it pretty much doesn't have a shelf life. In addition to that:
- Part A, it literally is precious metals - more or less.
- Part B, if you buy it at a sane price, odds are it'll only go up in value over time.
- Part C, even if it's stuff you don't personally use right now, circumstances could change so that it would make sense to use it. Whether it be to hunt, teach others to shoot, use as a trading commodity, etc.
- Part D, in extremis, you can take it apart & sell the components. And or use some of them to reload to your own specs. Like say, sell the slugs, but use the primed brass for your own reloads.

And it's a guess, but I doubt that there are few of us on here who wouldn't mind having a few thousand extra rounds salted away right now, or as of 2 months ago. I mean not to encourage gouging, but one could make a tidy profit selling their excesses of late.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Shelves are empty across the country. Media is now reporting 2x and more price increases on ammo, and limitations imposed by retailers on the purchase of ammo. Manufacturers running at- or spooling up to run at- capacity cannot keep up with demand. Reloading componnts are exausted in popular calibers. People are coming here to post the availability of nonexistent ammo. "Notify me" lists sell out before emails are sent. We are in a full on panic. Ammo and gun parts sure seem to look like a good investment. But, around me factory ammo prices have been flat for years. Remington (green box) core-loc ammo was $18.99 in hunting calibers fifteen years ago. It is the same price today. At that time, economists said the Dow industrial average could never sustain a valuation above 4000. Since then, the Dow has tripled in valuation, but factory ammo is the same price. If it is something you can use and you can get it at "normal" price then it 'may' be worth the investment- an a hedge against future ammo shortages. As a money making proposition, ammo hasn't kept up with inflation, much less with more conventional investment strategies. The current pricing anomaly is an anomaly caused by panic.

No ones' stash of ammo, bought before the panic and released now, is easing the shortage. The demand pressure will lessen as supply catches up. Once ammo is back on the shelves the panic will subside and demand will further decline. Prices will normalize at pre panic levels without the pressure of panic to sustain them. Selling off 1000 or even 10,000 rounds has no positive effect on prices. On the contrary, it fuels the panic as people see the prices, get caught up in bid wars, and the media prints the outlandish prices as the new norm. It is possible to make a profit in 'this' economy. If you bought early and are cashing in now, good for you. You should see a reasonable return on investment, tempered by the amount of time you have been holding it and inflation over that time- and I do not fault you for your foresight or your decision to sell. But, you are not the solution, you are not easing the demand, and you are not helping the situation. You are fueling the panic and profiteering.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

I dont think Ammo will ever be a bad investment.

Copper doesnt drop in price, nor does the cost of the workforce.

If say, you had invested heavily in 8mm ammo ten years ago, and you sold it all today for market price, you'd be a cash millionaire.

Reloading is a good way to collect large amounts of ammunition, and it is definitely cheaper than buying .308, but things like 5.56mm and 9mm, its still cheaper buying pre-made ammo. And it always rises in price.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

No ones' stash of ammo, bought before the panic and released now, is easing the shortage. The demand pressure will lessen as supply catches up. </div></div>

Re-read your own statement. Your first sentence is patently false/incorrect, and your second sentence directly contradicts the first.

How in the world would extra supply not ease a shortage???

Your second sentence is correct. "The demand pressure will lessen as supply catches up." How in the world would people selling not contribute to that supply catching up???

This is all Econ 101, first day of class kind of stuff. I only say that to point out that this has been debated, and then definitively decided, by far greater minds than yours and mine. It's really not up for debate.

We are all free to like it or not like it, but it is what it is.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

Too much emotion into this subject, the fact is OP wanted to know if ammo is a wise investment.

Reloading aside, factory ammo is a finished good that can be purchased, sold and shipped to a majority of other states and municipalities. An $18 box of Remmy Core-Lokts will still have a market value of $18 next year and can be used, sold, traded for the same or more. It also has an intrinsic value of loaded ammo, and liability of quality remains with the manufacture not OP.

I reload and still pick up a few boxes here and there. Just because loaded ammo can be traded in times like this if there are no components or other parts that are needed. It is no different than purchasing Gasoline the week before a holiday weekend, or buying feed if you feel the prices may go up. If OP or anyone picks up ammo instead of spending the money on garbage electronics, or at the bar, then good for them. It is a little different than quitting your job and hitting every wlamart in the state and buying up all the ammo, then posting in here on the hide.

We went through this drought four years ago, and if the avg shooter did not learn their lesson then, they will not in the future. I feel the biggest issue is not the availability of ammo, rather the consumers need for instant gratification. They need it NOW and will pay excessive prices, well in any industry, NOW cost money.
 
Re: Investing in Ammo....wise?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: melloyello</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just don't see it as an ethical choice to profit off a fellow shooter. </div></div>

I guess George Gardner is going to start doing all his gunsmith work for cost? Otherwise, it would be unethical, right? I guess MidwayUSA should only charge at a rate that doesn't allow profit, right?

I guess Frank here should sell his DVDs for costs and eliminate paid advertisers because its unethical to profit off shooters.



WRONG! You use your resources and talent to earn a living. That's what capitalism is all about.
 
Evolution 9, my statements are economically and sociologically sound. However, I did forget to add the word [Factory] to the second statement to make it "Demand will lessen when Factory supply catches up." CCI makes 400,000,000 rounds of 22 rimfire ammunition EVERY DAY and the shelves are empty. No one person's individual stash is doing anything meaningful to reduce the supply/demand deficit. Humans are naturally panicky herd creatures (it is against the law to yell fire in a movie theater because of this FACT). As a result, humans panic at the first sign of panic. When a panic prone herd creature sees another panicky herd creature panic buying at exorbitant prices, his natural instinct is to do the same.

I was not aware that it took upper division econ to see that a one time offering of 10,000 is insignificant compared to a daily offering of 400,000,000...

I found this in a survey course level explanation of demand side economics...

"...bizarre rise of “stagflation” in the US in the 1970s. This situation occurred when inflation continued to rise even in the face of higher taxes and a stagnated business market. Consumers, fearing even more price increases, spent more, which continued to increase demand even in the wake of rising prices and interest rates."

Am I the only one that sees the similarity to our current ammunition and firearms market? And, the overarching theme is FEAR and PANIC. They drive each other and feed on themselves.

Like I said in my earlier post, I don't have a problem with anyone that is cashing in now. I wish I had a wad of cash and a crystal ball 1 year ago. I'd take a wad of cash and a time machine today. But, you are not easing the supply crunch. You'd be better off trying to create Eden by pouring a bottle of water into the Sahara.
 
"Prices will normalize at pre panic levels without the pressure of panic to sustain them."

Eventually, yes but bubbles are immediately followed by crashes not stabilization. There will be a time when the perceived tides turn and ammo will actually sell a little cheaper than per-bubble prices. Perhaps not in actual dollars, because they inflate so quick they are hardly much of a gauge, but certainly when adjusted for real value.

"By buying when things are normal and selling when there is a panic, I am part of the solution to the supply/demand problem, and I get well paid to be part of that solution."

Yup, demand has spiked driving up prices and high prices have resulted in more supply. You may not think a gun guy selling 10k rounds from his stash matters but how about 10k gun guys each selling 10k. It matters, it all adds up. The only thing that stabilized prices on AR's and SCAR's on gunbroker a month or so ago was the huge influx of selling by non-dealers looking to cash in on their spare AR.

"People are coming here to post the availability of nonexistent ammo. "Notify me" lists sell out before emails are sent."

This is a result of a cultural factor that is having a bit of a negative effect on market function. It is wrongly perceived as immoral to sell at market prices when you paid less at a different time. (Strange wonder that it is not perceived as moral or charitable to sell at a loss but rather just stupid, which, it often is not. Walmart based its entire pricing scheme on this truth.) This social pressure is not greatly felt by individuals but the media loves to tun the screws on so called price gougers when they are manufacturers or retail establishments. Because of this, prices are held artificially low relative to demand at traditional points of sale. This creates an incentive to buy purely for resale on the part of the much more anonymous individual. Not quite a black market per say but the function is similar and it causes similar market dislocations, availability shortages, bubbles, and overbuying. It also fuels a psychological panic mentality because the physical shelves are empty when they should be full of higher priced products. Selling is never immoral at any price because a sale involves a voluntary exchange between two free individuals. Pricing schemes may be smart or dumb, advantageous to market function or disadvantageous, but they are not moral or immoral. An immoral exchange of goods and services can only result when force or deception is practiced.
 
Whatever you're trying to do, "buy low, sell high" is always the right thing to do. Buying now as a monetary investment only makes sense if you think that it's going to go up between now and when you want/need to sell it.

Example, I bought gold when the prices were "crazy high", at $525. People said I was nuts. Now, those same people think I was a genius. Neither is/was true, it was just that I thought there was some upside based on my research and invested. It could have gone up, it could have gone down, or the government could have outlawed private ownership of gold again and suddenly my investment could be worthless as anything other than shiny paper weights.

Same holds true for ammo. You pay $2/round for FGMM today (example) and a few years from now it's $4/round, then you've won. If it drops to $1 you lose if you need to get your money out or you hold on to it, or just shoot the stuff. Or the government outlaws lead ammo or the UN says we can't have military calibers and you've got some nice ammo for the black market, or to disassemble for components, or hide for your grandkids.

Another thing to think about when investing in ammo is regulations that may make new ammo more expensive even if demand/supply returns to pre panic ratios. A per-bullet tax or limit on quantities or restrictions on mail-order would all make prices at your LGS jump significantly and never return to today's even crazy prices.

So I have no answer, just pointing out some things to think about. You have to decide if you know enough about the economics of ammo investing to make a sound decision. Otherwise, you're gambling. Nothing wrong with gambling, just don't equate it with investing.
 
This whole price increase thing is because the people that work at these gun stores, sporting goods, walmarts or wherever are calling up their buddies and telling them to come in and buy the ammo, holding it behind the counter, whatever way they can, and then selling it for more money and splitting the profits. If your doing this your scum plain and simple. Honest hardworking gun owners are taking it in the shorts so bums and losers can make a quick buck. If this was food than what you would be doing would cause families to starve because they couldn't afford the over inflated prices. This is not normal supply and demand, it's the bottom feeders of society ripping of the general public.
 
79,
The only ones getting " ripped of" are the ones who did not heed the warnings and are now buying into it by choice. Read the post above yours for a better understanding. No one is evil, it is just a free market economy. Think ahead.......
 
Thanks for all the replies.... Very interesting to see how others view this situation...

Personally, I have decided to do this. I'm getting Winchester .308 Win (150 and 180gr soft point) for $18.99 a box. Im not going crazy with it, just 3-6 boxes a week, depending on what my OT spending cash allows. I'm not flipping it now nor do I plan to. If things go back to normal, my kids will have plenty rounds to hunt with out of my 5 .308's. If things go EXTREME, such as a hefty per-round tax, short shelf-life ammo, serial numbered ammo, or any of the other weird/extreme situations that would make current ammo highly valuable, then I will be able to make some cash if I chose to do so. I see it as a win-win for my family either way...
 
All I know is everywhere online selling 5.56 ammo in bulk is charging almost a dollar per round. This is outrageous and God bless America that we are a free market economy and somebody is making money. Be it private ammo stock pile guy or big ammo company it will never be a bad thing in my eyes for ammo and firearm people to have more money to make new product.
 
Ammo is a commodity in many ways due to its' components. Like other commodities governmental interference can affect the price as we have seen. As a pure investment it would be classified as speculative. So to be prudent one would need to determine if and how much as a percentage of one's portfolio this investment would be appropriate. The likely answer for most of us would be that ammo should only be a very small percentage of an investment portfolio if included at all. On the other hand if you want to buy some ammo because you want it, you might be able to rationalize that decision for yourself or your spouse by saying it is a prudent investment that will help secure your financial future.
 
For an investment, I would spend more time and see how ammo prices have trended in the last 5, 10, and 20 years. You should especially note the peak (ammo shortage due to elections/crisis/fear) and the trough, but understand the typical time in between each buy/sell signal. It appears that you are looking to invest in something that your perceive will trend higher, ok, but so what. Since you mentioned investment, have you decided on what percentage return you will be seaking? Have you decided on the maximum amount of time your investment will be given to satisfy the rate of return? Buying today for $18 and selling in 4 years for $20..... does this satisfy your rate of return? Time is money.

I know a little about the commodities world and the timing of cycles, so I would like to leave you with a different perspective. If you are looking to put money to work in a "commodity" that I believe defines your parameters "something to use, something to trade, something that is linked to inflation, and something that carries unknow long term risk due to external forces (change in laws, regulations, taxes, etc...)" why not keep it simple and just buy metal? For example, buy bullion silver. Today, 55 ounces of silver buys one ounce of gold. Buy 100 ounces of silver and stick in your gun safe. When 43 +/- ounces of silver buys one ounce of gold, convert all your silver to gold. Now you own gold and when one ounce of gold buys 63+/- ounces of silver, convert your gold back into silver. In a multi year consolidating market, scale back to 50/1 to 60/1, etc...

With regards to supply, inflation, and events, never invest capital on the soldier's side, ALWAYS invest on the side where the Kings play.
 
"With regards to supply, inflation, and events, never invest capital on the soldier's side, ALWAYS invest on the side where the Kings play."

Clever.
 
I buy about $500 worth of ammo a month. I store it and use it for bartering also its better than cash in my book. Its never going to loose value and if I need some cash you can always sell ammo if you get into it for a fair price the first time around.
 
I don't really see a "problem" although i understand both sides a little.

But..... I will say this. I have never regretted buying ammo and guns and have regretted (especially now) every firearm and every round of ammo I ever sold....lol.

IF i had all of the firearms I want and if I had unlimited supplies of ammo then I could see "investing" in stuff. Maybe I am an idiot and I certainly am shortsighted.....but I don't invest in ammo for the same reason I don't invest in stocks----i'd rather buy guns and ammo to shoot and hunt with and pay for hunting trips and buy a new tent to hunt from and then buy a cool new holster to take hunting and then pay for gas after I pay for a training class in North Dakota and then...............:eek:

as i will explain on my deathbed in my own version of the idea: I spent most of my money on guns, ammo and women---the rest I just wasted
 
I remember buying Black Hills 175s from Tac-Pro for $16. Those days are gone.

@$18 a box might not be a bad buy. You can put it aside for a rainy day, use it for hunting, practice with it, or sell it for a profit.

Find the BC, speed, etc. and bang-out a dope card.

Just thoughts. Good luck with whatever you choice.

-Al
 
I buy all the FGMM I can get at $22 a box when I find it, I won't pay the $40 a box some guys are asking but I shoot an AW308 and a Rem 308 (when hunting). With that said, I always try to have a nice stash of ammo for any gun I own.

I don't buy for investment purposes but have sold some now and then for at least what I paid for it within about 30 minutes from when I decide to do so. Point is, it's very liquid just like gold and silver and you can sell it at anytime, almost anywhere.

There's a coin shop in Oklahoma buying ammo off the street from anyone right now. They see it as a good investment.
 
I probably don't have the popular view on this, but it seems like you probably have this "connection" because you're a LEO? Using that advantage to simply empty the shelves before anyone else has a shot at it with the intent of just adding your own mark-up on it just doesn't seem right. Adding to the panic or the prices right now isn't going to do any good in the long-run for the gun community at a time when you want all the supporters you can IMO.

Originally Posted By: melloyello
I just don't see it as an ethical choice to profit off a fellow shooter.



I guess George Gardner is going to start doing all his gunsmith work for cost? Otherwise, it would be unethical, right? I guess MidwayUSA should only charge at a rate that doesn't allow profit, right?

I guess Frank here should sell his DVDs for costs and eliminate paid advertisers because its unethical to profit off shooters.



WRONG! You use your resources and talent to earn a living. That's what capitalism is all about.

No, see doing smithing work, making instruction DVD's, or hell even being a retailer, is using your skills to add value to something. Using your occupational title to buy-out retail stuff and add your own mark-up to sell to the same people who didn't get a shot at it isn't adding value to it. Your comment reminds me of how many people today refer to businesses as "they exist to make a profit." I'm from the old-school train of though in that "they exist to make a profit, in exchange for a product or a service."

Of all the various hobbies I have, firearms definitely has the most "me me me" community by a long shot. Which is unfortunate because it doesn't make for that tight of a community in the one that could benefit the most from one.
 
The price of ammo really makes reloading a good idea but it is so hard to get the reloading components these days.
 
A bit off topic, but its still cold outside, I am stir crazy, and I'll bite.

Of all the various hobbies I have, firearms definitely has the most "me me me" community by a long shot. Which is unfortunate because it doesn't make for that tight of a community in the one that could benefit the most from one.

You have met some very different people than I have. I have found this to be the most trustworthy and generous community I have ever known. I have received generous aid learning to reload, and shoot 3-position. I have met professional shooters and industry reps who have been cordial and accommodating. I have seen timely and fraud free organizations of aid for community members suffering though hard times. I have never been taken advantage of in an exchange of goods and services despite the large transfers involved. Hell, most of the A-holes I have met have even proven to be more gruff than genuinely unreasonable. If you want somebody to smile at you and than fuck you in the ass try finance, or politics. I've met a lot of good folks here and I'll stand up for them.
 
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Thats an awesome hook up. You wouldnt happen to be able to get your hands on some .338 lapua magnum preferably 250 grain would you?
 
338SGT, I might be able to find some 338, i'll make a call for ya and pm you if I find any.

I too am with BigJimFish, most all my good buddy's are guys I now from shooting and I'm not LE, just a guy who likes to shoot and embraces the 2nd!
 
Ammo is a coin it has certain value and the market dictates that. It's pretty simple. Right now we are seeing how much it's worth in a crisis. Take note cause this is reality. Weather u like it or not there is no argument of its value...just look at how hard to get it isl and how much peeps r paying to get it. If u had plenty when it was worth less noes the time to sell. Same thing happens w gold. Silver real estate. Really any commodity. So is ammo a good investment? Can u trade it for food, guns, or gold... There's ur answer

Night eagle