Small primers

[tom2277]

China usually fills a void others can't with their massive manufacturing ability.
Why not primers, which are the bottle neck right now with ammo?
Hey, any port in a storm.

 

[tom2277]

Anyone know if there is some restriction?

 

[palmettomoon]

$400 per thousand count box tariff.

 

[tom2277]

I figured there was something like that.
Is this known as real or just internet conjecture?

 

[tom2277]

I think you would know.

 

[palmettomoon]

Just joshing you. I've no idea why the ChiComs haven't flooded the U.S. market with cheap primers. They'd drive our manufacturers out of business then we'd be defenseless if they stopped shipping theirs.

 

[Kahrnut]

$400 per thousand count box Neckbeard Tax.

 

[palmettomoon]

Here is a link to a thread on THR related to this. I didn't give it a detailed read since I don't deal with the causes, just the neckbearding implications of the shortages. Something about chemicals barred from import from China.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/primer-shortage.871256/

 

[tom2277]

True.
Are the American manufacturers just not able to produce these little things in enough volume?

 

[palmettomoon]

True.
Are the American manufacturers just not able to produce these little things in enough volume?

We don't have expandable production capacity. There are four plants in the U.S. running 24/7 right now. Most folks have no idea but primer cups are still filled (with the priming compound) by hand at most manufacturers. If you look at the recent videos released by manufacturers you'll see the machinery used to produce bullets, primers, etc., was nearly all made in the 1930's - 50's and is not "upgradable."

Add to that the big guys are holding over a billion dollars in backorders and you can see why there aren't shelves loaded with primers at Academy or Bass Pro.