Is there a shortage of .22lr rimfire ammo?

As shooters are no doubt aware, .22LR ammunition experienced a huge surge in demand earlier on this year. The repercussions of which are still being felt in some parts of the US.  

Driven initially by the coronavirus pandemic, rimfire ammunition in particular had been flying off the shelves. Much in the same way medical and hygiene supplies were bought in bulk, leading to a shortage. This uncertainty prompted hoarding and made rimfire rounds hard to find.

The majority of us buy products, not for fear that we will run out, but fear that they won’t be available again when we do need them.

But this is not the first time ammunition has been in short supply. In 2008 and 2012 there were similar shortages due to the political and social landscape at the time. The panic of increased gun legislation was felt nationally and demands for firearms and ammunition far outstripped supply.

However, in 2020 there was a big difference. Many businesses were forced to shut their doors, meaning the best place to source ammunition shifted to online. As Aaron Carter states in American Hunter “Locating ammunition locally requires legwork—literally. Forget the tried-and-true “big-box stores”; they were the first places drained of their popular calibre ammunition. Usually among the first to receive shipments of highly desirable ammunition, said stores will need time to receive and restock it.” As well as reopen.

At Killough Shooting Sports we will be receiving shipments approximately once per month.   As an online distributor, we are working hard to ensure competitors have access to rimfire ammunition. You can order .22LR ammunition direct from our online store and have it shipped direct to your address or shooting store.

Shop our range of .22LR rimfire cartridges today or get in touch to find out more.