Shoot This Rifle Cartridge, Not That! (2022 Edition)

This is a news video showing how inflation and other pressures have affected the prices of ammunition in the United States. Prices are all averages.

[@johnkaraphillis754]

You will never regret purchasing a nice rifle chambered in 7mm-08. I’m a .280AI junkie but the ‘08 is right on its heels. I hand load and the efficiency of both cartridges is very impressive. I primarily hunt in the SE USA, and it’s hard not picking my ‘08 up all the time loaded with 140gr AB’s with a near max load shooting.5-.75” moa consistently cruising along in mid 2800’s with mild recoil from a 22” pipe. Great cartridge!

[@01nmuskier]

I want to get my kid a 7-08, but I can't find ammo on the shelf. I want to have a rifle that he can buy ammo for in a pinch.

[@Tosh.R]

what powder have you had the most success with?

[@hse785]

I agree. I have a predator in 7-08 that’s a ringer. Hand loading is the best choice.

[@dwayned8932]

I had bought a 7mm-08 for my daughter and really liked it, but sold her and bought her a .308 because I could not find any decent ammo for the 7mm-08. If you hand load it would be great, if you don't I am not sure.

[@Vikingocazar]

Love that round!!

[@gregorypace2641]

I'm glad to hear you have sobered up and seen the advantages of the .308. I have been shooting the .308 for over 40 years, I started with M1As shooting high power competition. I met a guy from Fort Campbell Ky and he gave me 5 gallon buckets full of Lake City brass from their ranges. I hunt with Remington 700s in .308 that I have custom built over the years. I used to shoot about 20 different calibers and had all the reloading dies and brass for all of them. During the Pandemic I decided to sell off everything except my .308s, 7MM Rem Mag, .223, and muzzle loaders. I probably sold everything for way more than I paid for it because people went nuts. I stocked up on reloading components years ago (Clinton era specifically) There really aren't good reasons to have a bunch of calibers that do the same thing, just a small, medium, and large and you got it covered.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I agree. Like many people, the .308 has done everything I have asked of it for a couple decades now. It was always frustrating having some man-bun wearing dork look at me like I was using an atlatl because they had a 6.5 Creedmoor, and some advertisement in a gun magazine told them everything else was obsolete. The .308 Win is a fine cartridge that will outshoot most people. It is efficient, lethal, and available. My Aero M5 would be the last of my long guns for me to let go, as it is just so versatile. I have a Rem M700 in 7mm Rem Mag, which I love, but it admittedly sees less use these days. And of course, the .223 Rem is ubiquitous. But like you, other than these three, everything else has kind of fallen by the wayside for me. I have an M1 Garand I inherited from my grandpa and will never part with, but it has been a few years since I have shot it just because it doesn't do anything better for me than my .308s.

[@mikemortensen4973]

I agree, simpler is wiser....

[@bradhaines3142]

would be interesting to see what the effective differences are between an old gun and new in the same caliber, of course from the same relative price range

[@newerest1]

I just wish 308 AI was better/actually common , those sharper shoulder angles are nice for reloaders to get 10+ reloads on one case

[@denoftools]

I said it before and I'll say it again. 308 is the best choice for the average hunter. I can use it for medium to big game, target, and security. I can get hunting, target and black rifles chambered in it. If you can find rifle ammo it's more often than not going to be 308 and as proven here, it's usually the cheapest.

[@adamb2619]

So glad I was able to get a 308 Ruger Predator not too long ago. Stoked and glad 308 has been steadily available (and still somewhat) affordable.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Red, nice to see you here.

[@denoftools]

@@WrongTimeWatch It's a tool discussion right? 😃

[@WrongTimeWatch]

@@denoftools LOL, yes it is.

[@Randy-1967]

Been seeing a decent bit of 350 legend also

[@semper.fidellis]

This is why I went all in on .308 Win: price and availability. When nothing else was available, I could generally always find it on the shelf.

[@therapinape9757]

I agree. It’s the best. And it’s better than 6.5 creed

[@EmmaHopman]

When I chose my first gun a year and a half ago (savage axis I, super budged lol) I got it in 308 because after looking at all the specs and price I just could rationalize anything else for a budget build. Plus it gave me a good chance to buy a bag of 225 shitty 7.62 range ammo, and it has been nice for just getting a chance to learn how to shoot. I'm the kind of guy who is stuck with school campus law restrictions so I only get to shoot when I'm visiting a few times a year.

[@theruralrenegade8911]

I love my 308, a solid choice for hunting and long range. Easy to find, not overpriced and I have dropped quite a few deer

[@djl5634]

I like 6.5grendel. And with cheap steel cased ammo. It's very affordable and pretty common. I have also dropped a few deer with it. Anything longer than 300yds my 30 06 does great.

[@therapinape9757]

308 is the best hunting cartridge for sure

[@theruralrenegade8911]

@@therapinape9757 no single cartridge is the best, it depends on what type of hunting you are doing

[@therapinape9757]

@@theruralrenegade8911 308 is the best. Don’t lie to yourself, I use 308 for literally everything

[@sakostwwy1903]

I have never been much of a .308 fan at all. Slow and boring. However, with this ammo shortage, I have seriously been considering one!! I just want to do more shooting.

[@8d4o0c4]

Sage advice on reloading. I live in Europe and love my 6.5x65 RWS hunting rifle. It would NEVER be shot if not for reloading! Good quality brass lasts a nice long while if you manage it right.

[@bobbygreen2291]

I have a lot of rifles that have never had a factory round of ammo shot in them , only my hand loads ,, not stopping today , I have still been able to get what I want in primers ,bullets , and powder.

[@allen_p]

1:40 "6.5 Creedmoor has remained relatively inexpensive.." Chart shows 97% increase. I see .308 ammo everywhere. Even Walmart. The go-to round that gets it done.

[@backfire]

It has increased dramatically as a percentage, but it’s still much cheaper than some similar cartridges.

[@seangagliardo4318]

I would love to have a 6.5PRC but in Northern Virginia it's either always out of stock or expensive. I kid you not a box of 20 rounds of hornady precision hunter $120!!!!!!

[@quinsrugby1411]

The cost of 6.5 PRC absolutely nuts! Found some up in WI for $50 a box 3 months ago. I can’t imagine paying $120 for a box of 20….

[@MyLonewolf25]

Shop online.

[@iamnotpaulavery]

I believe you! You gotta scour the internet for ammo nowadays. And then, you gotta be careful *who* you're buying from! I ordered 4 lower receivers last year from this online seller. I had everything set up with my FFL...and nothing ever arrived, and the website suddenly shut down and is gone forever...including my $$$ !!!

[@rickvang7313]

Thanks for the video. I was just waiting for this topic on my next project.

[@01kilik10]

Great video. I've been watching prices rise and wondered if it was just vendors in my area. I kind of regret getting the 6.5 Creedmoor instead of the 308 at the beginning of the year now.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

Guess I'm lucky I've been stocking up on reloading supplies for the last 10 years.

[@Llyrin]

Ditto.

[@backfire]

That’s the way to do it!

[@bustabass9025]

I've still got powder, primers, cases, and bullets from when I first started handloading some thirty years ago. As a bona-fide Weatherby Magnum aficionado, the first thing I realized when I bought my first Mark V Sporter, in 340 WBY, and saw how big the cartridge was: "...man, this sucker burns a ton of powder. I'll go broke tryin' to feed it factory ammo". My next purchase was an RCBS Rock Chucker II kit from Cabelas. Never looked back!

[@bedlamite42]

20-30 here. I'm still using primers with a $17 price tag. :)

[@bustabass9025]

@@bedlamite42 My first box of 1000 Federal 215 Magnums back then (still have a couple trays left) was marked with $1.50 stickers per tray of 100. Bought the whole box for $13.99! Go figure. 🤔

[@kinjunranger140]

Thank you. I just bought my first rifle. My son hunts, and I just shoot from a bench. Per information on this channel, and a couple others, I went with the Bergara B14 HMR in .308. Right now I have a cheap scope on it, but will be getting the Vortex before hunting season. Again, thanks for all the information. Peace.

[@gregorypace2641]

Good choice!

[@chuckrich6015]

Thank you for all the work.

[@bustabass9025]

Oh the joys of handloading. I own several Weatherby rifles chambered in various Weatherby cartridges. I spend a fraction of what you show here, per hundred rounds. Same thing with my 28 Nosler. Add that to cartridges specifically tailored for my rifles and yes, life IS good.

[@keithprinn720]

and the barrel life of those magnums and nosler lol

[@bustabass9025]

@@keithprinn720 All that hand-wringing, wailing, and gnashing of teeth over barrel life in high velocity rifles, is pretty much a non-starter discussion for me. It's kinda like the logic some KZbin commentators argue, for opting not to own certain caliber rifles; high velocity or otherwise. For fear that, "...the airline may lose your ammo, and the mom-and-pop gas station in the one-horse town where you'll be hunting, is more likely to have .270 Win cartridges on the shelf, than they are 27 Nosler." ...uhhhh, yeah...

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Great content/subject, and well done on the charting. Provides needed perspectives to selections, availability, cost... and appreciation for the good times before poor availability and price craziness.

[@sumguywithagun8092]

Man your the best gun scientists or whatever you are but keep doing what you are doing

[@ElderGuy729]

Eye-popping increases! Thanks for putting this together. I do wish you had included the 6.5 Grendel....

[@tylerkessler7630]

I am glad that you touched on the quality control issues that major manufacturers are having. I bought four boxes of nosler trophy grade ammunition in 6.5 PRC loaded with 140 grain Accu bonds and when I chronographed them they were 400 ft./s slower than the advertised velocity on the box. Which I understand The advertised velocities are just a general number out of their specific test rifle but 400 ft./s is unacceptable. I had a 6.5 PRC that was shooting 200 ft./s slower than my 6.5 Creedmoor

[@mot0rhe4d40]

In my state 7-08 ammo has been a nightmare to find. And when you luck into some local or an online source. It is only one option and the prices are very unreasonable. 243 was like this up till the last couple weeks. Three local shops just got in 243 from Hornady and Winchester.

[@greiner7414]

Agree, price is one thing, but availability trumps that...308 is everywhere tho

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@greiner7414 Yes sir. While I am not happy about lack of availability of some of the calibers I run for hunting. Having 12ga, 20ga, 223/556 and 308/ 762 NATO. Sure helps in a pinch. When others are slim Pickens 308 is a great choice for a "One and done" gun owner

[@quevas93]

This video alone has made me a subscriber. Thank you for such a informative video. 👍🏽

[@RevHiker]

Yet another reason I love my 308. Best overall cartridge out there. Price, availability, performance, versatility, and barrel/brass longevity. I reload, and have great loads for everything from woodchuck to Elk and 1000 yard target.

[@riverrat7318]

Wow! Eye popping info. Seeing the hard numbers is a hard pill to swallow. Thanks for doing this research.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Good thoughts on solid information. Thank you. Son, I have been reloading a handful of rifle rounds and handgun since the mid 80s. I still have dies & brass for some of these. In fact, I still have a couple hundred 7mm Rem Mag rounds I loaded from virgin brass in the 90s that I haven't even shot the first time yet. Reloading is a good option.

[@stevendrake7818]

It's taken me 2 years to find 6 boxes of basic 7mag bullets. I've been to gun stores, Cabela's, and bass pro. Only place that has had them has been a random Walmart in the suburbs of Chicago.. 308s though. They're everywhere. Makes me wish I had one.

[@HB-kp6rl]

New to the channel but really enjoying to content. Thanks

[@blackbear65]

I’m very happy with .308 and part of the reason is that I am very familiar with it from all of my time in the service. I trained with it a lot and I know the capabilities of this particular cartridge. I know what it can do and what it struggles with. It’s just like an old friend.

[@mrmaphousa4349]

Another excellent comparison. Still happy with my 30-06, a great hunting round. Of course prices are crazy like everything else but still competitive generally.

[@derekedgley5074]

A very illuminating video on the ammo scarcity situation. Here in U.K. something similar, but from a hand loading perspective, exacerbated by the imminent adoption of non lead rifle ammo, whereby we have many lead based bullets in stock, which in the not too distant future, may be obsolete and thus confined to scrap

[@jeffreykcarlin518]

Another thumbs up video! I would add a qualifier on the Weatherby and Nosler cartridges. I agree 100% that they are too expensive to be daily bench shooters (in both dollars and shoulder abuse) but hunting is a different story, especially paid hunts. I probably don't have near the experience that you and several of your other viewers have, but on the dozen or so paid hunts I've been on for pronghorn, deer and elk we were usually limited to 300 yard shots. The reasoning was typically something along the lines that if the guide couldn't get you in closer than a quarter mile then he wasn't doing his job. That being said, my 270 Bee pushes the factory loaded 130 Barnes TTSX through the chrono at about 3340 fps. My 6.5-300 pushes the 127 LRX at 3530. With a 300 yard zero on either of these two cartridges I can hold dead on out to 350 yards with the bullet impacting within 3" above or below point of aim removing any need for calculations or guess work. A lot of times if you kick out that mule deer buck he'll lope out there about 400 yards or so then turn to look back at you giving you that nice broadside shot. I get about 7-1/2" drop at 400 so if the guide allows it, I go old school and set the crosshair just below the top of the shoulder. No chance of using the wrong line on your BDC or time lost on dialing in the range. I'm personally not comfortable taking a shot longer than that off bi-pods in the field. So throughout the year I shoot my 7-08, 308 and 270 out to 600 or so. A couple of weeks before the hunt I can grab a Weatherby and head to the range with a couple of boxes of ammo, get used to the trigger on that rifle again, make sure it's on at 300 and verify where its hitting at 200 and 400. I take a couple of more boxes to Wyoming or Montana or wherever. A couple of shots to check zero on the scope and hopefully one more in the field. By the time you pay $4,000 $5,000 or more for the hunt, $600 or more for the license, hundreds more on transportation, tips and taxidermy... a few hundred $ spent on ammo to hedge your bet when you get the shot of a lifetime seems cheap to me. That was my old theory and also how I convinced my wife of all the different calibers that I needed. In the last 40 years of hunting I've only taken 1 shot at an animal past 300 yds and that was a cow elk at 445 yards on a New Mexico meat hunt. Everything else has been within 285 and most of the shots, even in Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska were within 200. So the last couple of years I just take the old 7mag with 160 Accubonds. So far all 1 shot kills usually recovered just a few steps after the shot. Boring but it works. I guess I should just agree with you 100% on everything and just use the 7-08 ; ) Again, good video thanks for making me think.

[@peterschmidt2849]

Walmart has 308 soft points for 24$

[@garyeaton5719]

Well done, good real data. I agree with your assessment of low volume caliber production, hard to justify the effort, when you sell 100% of capacity.

[@wolverinekut]

Thank you Sir 🔥👍

[@sixtofive]

Good analysis! I've been getting into shooting 300 blackout over the past year and even with it being one of the smaller increases reloading has been essential just to make up for availability until fairly recently. Being able to put subsonic loads together for about 28-30 cents per round definitely makes shooting it more enjoyable.

[@MattChat56]

I was in the hunt for a 7mm rem mag to compliment my primary 308 hunting rifle, however, after deciding to begin reloading I have since decided to go with a 300WSM. I know get to keep my powder, bullets and primers all the same. If I need fast and long (drop in a 125-150gr) if I need heavy and hard hitting for larger game (load up a 180-200gr). Just streamlined and simplistic.

[@markp6062]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing

[@roberti76]

What has me perplexed is the ammo development eg from Hornady that is still producing new "interesting" calibres etc but aren't producing enough of the existing ammo we already need? Like 7mm Rem Mag that is super hard to get? Very frustrating.

[@henrydempsey8786]

the whole ammunition shortage thing and the massive price gouging is ridiculous and showing total greed by the manufacturers!!!! the money in most folks pockets nowadays does not come close to justifying the price markups. I mean when you paying 40+ dollars for core lokt 30-06 the world has gone to S#%T . great content and foresight into what's happening in the world of shooting sports 👍👍👍👍

[@Raka-n3t]

It’s not as simple as “greedy manufacturers.” For instance, When something like oil/gas increases, then those delivery trucks have to charge more to deliver those goods. The truck driver doesn’t just swallow those increased fuel prices. The “sender” pays for that additional fuel cost

[@henrydempsey8786]

@@Raka-n3t LOL, I am a truck driver 🤣 anyway, something other than just overhead coast are at work here. And yes I know copper cost is up and somewhat scarse, but the cost of ammunition from store to store is making no sense one is 30 dollars and another is 60 dollars for same product and brand with same lot numbers...nonsense I say. Everyone should just get a 308 rifle and a 9mm pistol and forget about the rest and let's see what the firearms manufacturers do then when no one buys there 6.5 or 300 magnums and the PRCor PRS or Weatherby or H&H stuff The common hunters could stand together and force the manufacturers to comply or to say to themselves, maybe we have gone to far?

[@boomerrangerron]

I love my .300 Weatherby and even my .375 H & H , but I have to reload them to be able to continue shooting these great guns! So I tend to shoot my favorite Winchester 30’06 Model 70! I have lots of powder, primers, bullets & brass! Nice video!!

[@jonathancyr1746]

Up in Canada ammo for almost any caliber has been hard to find and expensive if you can get it. In our area we have a real bad gopher problem, and 22LR is impossible to find. A 1400 round bucket of 22LR Remington goldens are pushing 200$/pail when you can find them. Price for 22LR goes up significantly from there. 17hmr is becoming harder to find with the 22LR scarcity, and at 250 bucks for a brick of 500, you don't want to miss very often. If you can find 223, you're paying 40+ bucks for a box of 20 varmint rounds. Most common hunting rounds (especially the 30 cal cartridges) have been basically unobtainium for the last year, and they'll vary from 30-60 bucks a box depending on the cartridge, and go up for "premium" factory ammo. One of my buddies reloads, and he's told me that powder has been hard to come by. When he does find it, he says it's been 3-4x higher in price than it was 2 years ago. And that's if the seller isn't auctioning it off, then it gets plain ridiculous. Hopefully this situation gets resolved soon, and prices come down with it.

[@tristanmack5779]

Love my 7's! Glad to see my 7mm-08 on top of that list. Still pretty rough being a hand loader though. Both my STW and 08 are super low because I can't find primers or powder 😪 barely can still find bullets for them right now too...

[@CabinOnTheWater]

I just bought locally two 20 round boxes of Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 130 grain .270 Winchester for $29.99 a box.

[@djl5634]

Yep my 6.5grendel 29$ a box of Hornady eld and sst. 30 06 at Walmart for 24$ a box. Have also seen a ton of 270 for the same price. My Walmart had 270 winchester xp copper yesterday for 32$.

[@UngulateGuardian797]

The “Ammo Crisis” and shortage has sure put a damper on my build of a 33 Nosler. I haven’t found any brass for it in two years! It’s quite an odd ball cartridge, but it’s the most efficient Nosler cartridge and it provides similar performance to the 338 RUM which I may end up going with if I can’t find components for the 33 Nosler this upcoming fall and summer

[@chrisvankoevering3549]

Jim, I so had to agree with you on the Nosler pricing. When I was looking for a new rifle for bigger game (specifically elk) I was looking at 28 Nosler. Then the ammo crunch hit and the price became exorbitant. I wound up going with 7mm Rem Mag. My wallet thanks me every time I go to the range. To continue with your point though, the rifle I bought was a Weatherby.

[@backfire]

Much better choice!

[@marctaladay376]

I love my 6.5 grendel. Start of pandemic rounds were easy to find in my area as no one shoots it. But i am whole heartedly looking at 308 and ditching my 6.5 grendel, primarily for ease of access to rounds anywhere i go.

[@joquin4618]

.308 is best bang for your buck…. It keeps me shooting when being poor!!

[@robertjackson1407]

Thank you 😊

[@seargehill6279]

The price where I live for rifle ammo is lower than the 2019 average you were showing and the shelves are completely stocked and pallets full on the floor for pistol and shotgun ammunition. This was not the case just a few weeks ago, so there is hope!!

[@johncarroll3089]

Once again, a great commentary that is realistic and intelligent. Thx!

[@backfire]

Much appreciated!

[@johncarroll3089]

@@backfire I totally lucked out and bought a bunch of hunting ammo in various calibers before all the craziness started this most recent time. .222, .22-250, .243, 7mm-08, .300 Weatherby ( my pet rifle - Rifles Inc Strata) and 12 ga slugs and buckshot. I had hoped to begin reloading when I retired Nov 2020, but between the supply issues and good factory stuff I’ve decide to forego that for now. Hope to shake your hand someday. I live in Little Rock , AR and am 64 years old. Retired from financial advisor.

[@mikebrown788]

Great video, honest and informative. When you are talking about nosler and weatherby, and avoiding them because they are proprietary ammo, you should in my opinion ad the PRCs. Not overly expensive, just extremely hard to find.

[@kevins1114]

I stocked up on reloading supplies before the component situation became so crazy. I have plenty of primers and powder for rifle and pistol ammo. For target bullets, I use hard-cast lead bullets, powder-coated, with gas checks. I get zero lead fouling, and can push them to jacketed bullet velocities without any problems.

[@philip1065]

Just love love love my Bergara in 300PRC but had to invest in reloading set up to help it make sense

[@IrnMaiden304]

30-30 was easy to find and for the most part it stayed the same $15 - 17 per box price for your normal corelokt / power-point 150gr - 170gr ammo. Prices on that old cartridge is just about doubled just on those alone, nothing fancy about it either unlike those Hornaday loads with the FTX 160gr which last I seen was over $50 a box. * truthfully, I've been thinking of getting a bolt rifle in either 270 or 308 for a while, still haven't quite decided, and price and scarcity as well as quality of recent hasn't made that any easier *.

[@orestwitiw213]

I love my Tikka T3X Synthetic/ Stainless in 7mm-08! I topped it off with a Burris Veracity scope and it shoots tight groups and very little recoil. Only one problem since I started hunting deer with it I haven’t seen a deer🤣 I’m looking to buy a Tikka T3X TACT in .308 with a 20” barrel. I’ll put a Burris Veracity on it too.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

Great info, but for hunters, new and old alike, always remember that your ammo is the least expensive part of your hunt. Even if you have your own land or lease, you still have cameras/batteries to buy/maintain, corn throwers, and the corn price. Plus your fuel costs to get there and back, food, etc. The cost of your ATV, lodging, and on and on. And if you're going on a paid hunt, the disparity between hunt cost and ammo cost grows almost exponentially. If you're shooting a fast mover, which includes, 243, 25-06, 270 Win, 280 Rem and AI, lightweight 7mm-08 bullets, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, and a number of others, please don't waste your money on non premium ammo. If you're shooting one of those, your odds of successful, clean kills with minimal meat spoilage increases greatly if you go with Barnes, Swift, Norma, or Nosler bullets. Federal makes premium bullets, too. Standard cup and core bullets, the kind that have been around since the late 19th century, with a copper or gilding metal jacket wrapped around a led core, are fine for slower bullets where MV is no greater than about 2700 fps. High speed impacts with this kind of bullet tend to fragment the bullet. Best case is a 1-shot kill with more ruined meat because of the tissue damage caused by bullet fragments, damage which doesn't really contribute to an animal's mortality. Worst case is a jacket separation, which will result in little penetration, and a wound that may take several days to become mortal. That isn't fair to the animal, and it is a waste of your time and money.

[@seanmurphy243]

I do agree, I have noticed a decline in the quality of ammo, especially lately. Got a bad box of 6.8 SPC where SD was over 230 FPS, have had two Squibs in 22 LR (bullet did not exit barrel), had a piece of 260 rem pop a primer, and got a box of 308 where I had two bad rounds that didn't go off just yesterday. All ammo from four very reputable manufacturers.

[@michaelltaylor5149]

Thanks!

[@jmy7622]

Good info. I'd like to see a video for the most expensive rounds.

[@brians2733]

Don’t jump too quickly on a 7-08 if you’re looking for factory ammo (I realize you’re not). It’s been nearly impossible to find at retail stores since the shortage began; I have found 2 boxes. One was a box of Norma Whitetail and the other was Hornady Custom Lite.

[@pettryb01]

Love your content one question what happened to your buddy I haven't seen him in a long time?

[@hulley5223]

Even if you are a reloader, 7mm bullets are hard to find right now. I want to use a 7mm-08 for hunting this fall, but I'm not sure I'll be able to do load development by then.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

So can anyone help me out here: I've recently discovered the US military is consuming most everything that is pumping out of major ammunition manufacturers. In other words, even when the shortages for civilians have mostly closed by this point, these manufacturers are STILL cranking out ammo 24/7 around the clock, still hardly keeping up. Where is all this ammo going? Evidently to the US Government. And to add to all of this, there are a handful of munitions factories that were used in WWII that are being brought back online to "make up for the demand for ammunition". So... there isn't any evidential primer shortage, there isn't any evidential brass material shortage, there isn't any evidential gun powder shortage, IF YOU ARE THE USA GOVERNMENT, but if you are a civilian, you're being told by major ammunition manufacturers that "there's material shortages and we're working around the clock to try to meet the demand...." And they ship this 24/7 manufactured ammo to the US Government, not to the civilian market. Is this what any of you have been hearing?

[@drnkinirish]

The 7mm-08 was a stellar performer long before the Creedmore came out and had all the hype men squawking. For big game hunting, it out performs most of its peers without question!

[@michaelmeyers1827]

I. Really glad whenever I bought a new rifle I bought 10 boxes of ammo and got free shipping

[@rustedoutford]

Prices on reloading components have sky rocketed too and available has gone down too especially with primers

[@marke219]

The weatherby and Nosler ammo is for guys that want the best and can afford it easily Those rounds are next level! I personally don’t want to shoot much of anything at these prices. I’m a hunter and unless I’m hunting ... I’m not shooting much If you shoot a lot then you should be reloading which is a super gratifying part of shooting

[@hghunter44]

I really like my 6.8 SPC. A great deer cartridge in my AR and my contender pistol. It is easy to reload and there are so many great .277 bullets out there.

[@ph4tboy]

I am interested in getting a 6.8 SPC Rem 700 bolt gun for small deer hunting. I find the cartridge quite interesting and my local gun shop has had a few thousand rounds sitting on the shelf for cheap prices, untouched for 2 years as its wildly unpopular. Where I live we don't have access to semiauto (Australia). However, everyone I've asked has told me that 6.8 SPC is a dying cartridge and I'm wasting my money. It's been superceded by the 300 Blackout for short range, and 6.5 Grendel for long range. Thoughts?

[@brandonazevedo7560]

One of the best videos 📹

[@ChristopherKnN]

Just another illustration of the benefits of reloading. I'm glad I started 20+ years ago. If I hadn't, I'd never have gotten into some of the fun calibers I run; .338 Lapua, 28 Nosler, and all my "magnun" cartridges.

[@brycelathrop1604]

You left out 6.8 western on your 270 list. It's always on the shelf where I live for around $45 a box. Getting your hands on a rifle is harder than finding the ammo for the western

[@backfire]

It didn’t exist in 2019 to have data on the price change.

[@brycelathrop1604]

@@backfire ah I see, that's a fair point.

[@knobjob2839]

Some calibers aren't worth owning unless you're a reloader.

[@dozenfaun]

One of my favorite shooting gun is un 6.5 creedmoor.. when i was low on ammunition (200round) i tried to buy more and around where i live only one store had one box of hornady match, nothing else... At least i paid "regular" price

[@kirkhiggins3044]

The only catch with reloading is primers. If you don't have them you almost can't get them because the bulk of primers are being sent to the ammo makers for factory ammo.

[@mtbadger1346]

These manufacturers are going to price themselves out of business! People will remember!

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Good vid. I think the 7 08 if your a hand loader might be best hunting/ target shooter

[@jacobjessop9465]

I was lucky and stocked up on 7-08 in hornady 139 gr interlocks for $36 a box and nosler ballistic tips for $42 a month ago. The ammo last about two weeks in the stores.

[@keithhawkins4641]

I have used the 7-08 for varmint up to elk with in the limits of ethical range for the big boys. Also use Barnes bullets for big game. One nice thing about 7-08 is there are other cartridges you can use to reload to 7-08. The easiest to find is 308 cases. Hard to beat this one.

[@nataliedeyton6829]

I have been buying 6.5 creed for 31 bucks a box and my Walmart and my gun store has hornady 6.5 match for 35 bucks.... ammo prices in NC have been coming down 👍

[@DyrewulfNV]

Heh... I have a .300 RUM. It sits in the safe. I'm seriously considering having it re-barreled into .300 Win Mag, because its way cheaper than .300 RUM

[@mbtfp]

I love my 308 and my 8x57 IS! But the ammo choice for the 8mm is really slim. The cheaper ammo companies are in eastern europe, and they produce mostly for the Ukraine war... Btw: in Germany the cost for 308 and 30-06 is almost identical by 10 €-Cent per shot (Hornady or RWS).

[@mikemortensen4973]

Plus the fact that all 8mm ammo is dumbed down to lower pressure than it should because of liability issues. Due to the older Mauser that shoots the slightly smaller diameter old ammo and if you try to chamber and shoot the more modern ammo in it, "BOOM" and hopefully the bolt won't come back and bury itself in your brain during the explosion. Doesn't matter that only a handful of people have ever gotten hurt or killed by putting the bigger diameter newer stuff in an ancient Mauser that shoots the smaller, older ammo.

[@rexhamilton6381]

I see plenty of .308 on the shelves limited options in other calibers and many aren’t even stocked. Glad I reload and was stocked up on powder, primers and bullets.

[@bobsmith2815]

A good 7-08 is the Sauer 100 uses magazines incredibly accurate and the classic has cool factor

[@sammylacks4937]

I know ammo has for awhile been hard to locate ( this seems to be getting easier) and prices have risen. I order the ammo I use from an on line ammo warehouse supply The one I use is Outdoor limited because it was close, located about 4 hours away and shipping wasn't a big deal. If I order before 12 noon one day its delivered the next about same time. I also order in bulk to save more and have on hand. I ve never had any negative issues using them. Other suppliers are Sportsmans Warehouse and Cheaper than dirt. I ve not ordered from either but am not aware of any complaints with either.

[@danielcurtis8746]

You say reloading but I'm still struggling to find primers lol, great video as always and very interesting

[@michaelvaldez2966]

I'd be curious on a couple of my favorite prairie dog calibers like the 204 ruger or the lil 17 hmr. Great vid keep up the great content

[@schwarte]

Talk about crappy ammo nowadays, I went to break in my Sig Cross with some Aguila 150gr FMJ that I had lying around and out of 40 rounds 10 had good primer strikes but did not fire.

[@jmuise2704]

It’s more than a coincidence that the 6.5 creedmore has increased so much in price given it’s relatively new popularity with precision shooting. Price gouging for sure. $85 for a box of Hornady ELD.

[@JackFrostTheDeerHunter]

a video on some of the bad ammo would be great...I concur with your thoughts on quality control; quality has sure gone down hill! I have had bad batches of Remington and Barnes ammo recently. I won't shoot my 300 RUM unless I reload the ammo. Prices exceeding 100 dollars a box are not justifiable. Lastly, stay away from proprietary calibers and ammo...both are over rated and over priced.

[@bedlamite42]

Expect split necks from Nosler brass too, sometimes on the first fire, always by 2nd or 3rd reload.

[@garettcriddle9580]

Love my 28 nosler. But was lucky and bought enough ammo and components to reload before things got ridiculous!

[@douglasodom5953]

I own one-Tikka TX3 in 7-08. Love, Love This caliber/Cartridge. Goes where you aim-little to no recoil. Looking for a second one for still hunting Browning Micro-Midas-lightweight and east to move in the woods.

[@jimk59]

Luck to recently pick up a couple boxes of Hornady in 7-08 139 grain. A very small pawn store had them for $40, I almost fell over! I should have grabbed more. 308 are under $30 at the local walmart.

[@bobsmith2815]

Many shoppers that do not have military experience don’t know a good cheap practice ammo for their 308 Win is the. Mil spec 7.62x51

[@aaronpudlicki7418]

Good ol 270 sounds like the winner of the group. Fast enough to expand any bullet at distance with just enough weight for anything up to bear and elk

[@gregprice7562]

I have paid the same price for 30-30 for the last couple decades $16-$24. I see it lately for $34-$39 . Heck Winchester white box .223 i used to buy for $8.99 i see for $17 now . I don't reload to often . however was smart enough over the years to pick up plenty of .308 range brass and have a 800 or so general dynamics .308 bullets .

[@nithia]

This is why I only have 5 different calibers. .308/7.62x51, 5.56x45/.223, 9mm, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Three are NATO and all are made in high volume so the prices stay ok. Also, in the event of some kind of SHTF / WROL situation they are the most likely choices to still be found somewhere or traded for.

[@dbeardsley0]

I love shooting my 6.5 creedmoor and before covid I was able to get a bunch of good range ammo for cheap. For my hunting ammo I use the Nosler Accubond, it's increased from $40ish plus a box to around $56 a box. The price increase is still a bit much but the ammo is quality and still more affordable than most. Plus if I use my magnum I use 300 win mag which I've been able to get the Winchester Nosler Accubond at less than $50 a box luckily

[@monkeymouse1403]

I found this out recently - was planning to get a Bergara B14 HMR in 300 win mag for long distance shooting - the weapon is available and the price is reasonable. When I checked out the ammo I would use - 190 grain BTHP match ammo is $3.50 a shot, and its barely available - have to order online no matter what! So I will keep shooting my 308 AR10 until prices come down enough I can justify the plunge on the 300 win mag. I'm not handloading, but keep all my brass.

[@MrPacobolo]

Wasn’t on your list, but the 257 Weatherby is a very interesting cartridge that doesn’t have much comparable to it.

[@logant4217]

300 PRC has been available near me for $55 a box for the past year, and it's always online for $60 a box so it's really not bad

[@hadleyscott1160]

The 7.08 is one great caliber. Mine goes in .284 then comes out almost three fingers wide. Deadly for deer or black bear. A 140 sp bullet is perfect at 2800 fps.