What's going on with lead shot?

[Cookie]

At the end of summer I bought a 25lb. bag of lead shot from the local Sportsman's Warehouse and was bummed the price went up $4 from my previous purchase. Now it seems every time I walk into the store the price has gone up another dollar or two. Now it's about 30% more expensive than it was this last summer.

Is this across the industry? Or is it just my store? Is there something going on that I'm not aware of?

It's almost to the point that I'm thinking of investing in one of those Littleton Shot Makers. Anyone have one? I've heard they're about $175, and I was wondering if they're worth it.

[Count Sandor]

If you can find a Littleton Shot Maker for $175, it won't last long - last time I looked the going rate for a new one was about $400!. If you do a search you can find a site and download instructions for use; it seems that they are very specific, down to specifying brand of coolant... With as much shot as my son and I use, I've definitely thought of making my own, but that price seems a bit high.

The biggest problem with lead shot in my area is availability.

Count Sandor

[TomBullweed]

I reload, and I buy metal for my business.  All base metals are dramatically increasing in price as demand in developing countries increases.  Iron, copper and lead are all going up in price.  All metals require a significant amount petroleum products to mine, trasnport and smelt.  If you add the demand pressure and the actual fuel price increases, there is no chance that prices will remain low.
My local Ford dealer has sticker prices of $6000 above last year's price in anticipation of this inflation.  They are currently adding a large rebate, but this will disappear as their costs increase.
I am waiting to see our firearms prices increase due to this pressure.   

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

Bass Pro in Calgary is charging $69. for 25 lbs of lead shot.  Contrary to popular belief, Jesse James isn't dead.....he's running a Bass Pro shop in Calgary.