Prices are indeed good now. And I am 100% in agreement with you that a “storm” will return. Maybe with this coming election cycle, maybe further out. But a storm will return. Inflation is a real concern too and with P/E ratios of equities at record levels I am concerned most “investments” will not meet inflation rates in coming time. We increased our starting pay $2/hr to get applicants. I bet next year we raise starting pay (and prices charged to customer) just as much to keep business going - Doing our little part to feed inflation... Eventually that inflation will find its way to the doors of CCI.
I’ve been strongly considering switching entirely to 32 caliber handguns due to concerns of a future supply shortage along with other reasons.
Generally I can cast two 32 bullets from one 36 bullet worth of lead. 32 generally use significantly less powder than larger calibers like 38 special. Uses primers at the same rate as larger calibers. ;-) Make that lead and powder go pop atleast twice as much as I otherwise could.
Unfortunately I have a dismal rate of recovery for 32acp brass (Tomcat!!) that is very discouraging. I also find filling and assembling with such skinny brass tedious and unenjoyable despite not having thick fingers. So that undoes a 32 revolver despite 100% brass recovery. Enjoyment is requirement #1.
I intend to stock up on commercial 209 primers and lead shot later this year. A shortage of those would cause me some heartache more so than 22. So I’ll be proactive now. Maybe even stock up on various tungsten & steel shot too incase various agendas seek banning lead beyond the river and water with a potential policy shift in DC.
Iirc the US no longer has specific lead processors or miners due to EPA regulations. I think we recycle most of our lead but if imports were to be restricted...$$$
Also worth noting I recently became aware nitrocellulose (large component of modern smokeless powder) breaks down with time in such a way that causes increased pressure and could self combust so I am weary of stockpiling powder and ammo of large quantities that may not be used in their entirety within a decade or four.