“Where's All The Ammo?”

“Where’s all the ammo?”

If I had a single round for every time I’ve been asked that in the last year and a half, I’d have at least a few boxes of my own ammo to send downrange this summer. It’s the question everyone’s been asking, and no matter how many times I give the standard answer, “They’re making it as fast as they can,” no one seems to believe me.

But, believe me, manufacturers are making ammunition as fast as they can. It’s in their best interest to do so. They’re in business to make money, and right now ammo is practically currency. But consumers are buying up all that ammunition as fast as the major manufacturers can deliver it. There does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m starting to see shelves filling up. While it might not be the exact calibers I need (Can I get just one box of .30-30, please?), at least there’s something to take up all that empty space.

A few weeks ago, I saw a lot of 9mm, some .223, and even a few boxes of .22 LR at my local gun store. Sure, the stuff ain’t cheap, but it gives me hope that demand is easing up and soon we’ll be able to find a few boxes of our favorite cartridges. If we’re lucky, they’ll show up before hunting season opens. To that end, I’ve tasked my old friend and former reporter Joe Arterburn to sniff out a quick news update on what we can expect to see on store shelves in the coming months. You can find that exclusive on page 10.

That’s not the only ammo-related story you’ll find in the June/July issue, which we have dedicated to all things related to gunpowder and lead. On page 54, Executive Field Editor Craig Boddington answers a pair of pressing questions: “Are all these new cartridges really so hot?” and “Is my old favorite deer rifle still relevant?” While the short answer to both is in the affirmative, Boddington’s insight is worth considering, especially if you plan to purchase a new rifle anytime soon. One of our favorite new voices, Colton Heward provides a primer (pun intended) on bullet construction (page 16), and our resident “Rear View” writer Jim Zumbo expounds on that age-old excuse for missing—a deflected bullet—to close out the issue.

Before signing off, I’d be remiss not to wish the happiest of 100th birthdays to Federal Ammunition. Since the first few issues of Petersen’s Hunting, Federal Ammunition has been a valued partner, but for many of our older staff members and readers, the relationship has lasted even longer. It’s impressive that any company makes it to the century mark, and Federal’s 100th anniversary proves the company is committed to providing hunters with the best ammunition possible.

Hopefully, you’ll find some of that fast, accurate, reliable Federal Premium—or whatever your preferred brand may be—on the shelf this coming season.

See you around the campfire!