Why .22 ammo shortages happen (2013, 2020–21) and how to plan for the next one
Written in our own words from the sources cited after each fact. We haven't run hands-on tests for this page; where sources disagree we say so. Prefer the primary source (SAAMI, the maker, the governing body) if anything here conflicts with it.
What happened
- 2013: American Rifleman described demand-driven shortages after a surge of buying amid gun-control fears[American Rifleman].
- 2020–21: Federal told reporters factories were running flat out during record demand driven by the pandemic, unrest and new gun owners[Guns.com].
Why .22 was hit hard
American Rifleman's look at the .22 shortage points to production limits in rimfire manufacturing and the cost of adding capacity[American Rifleman]. Rimfire priming is a specialized, inspection-heavy process[NIJ firearms examiner training].
Planning ahead
- When you find a lot your rifle likes, buy enough of it. See lot testing.
- Store it properly: storage.
Sources
- American Rifleman: why we've had an ammunition shortage (2013)
- Guns.com: Federal on the 2020 ammo shortage
- American Rifleman: where is the .22 rimfire ammo?
- NIJ firearms examiner training: primer manufacture