Ammunition prices explode in Florida

I've been reading about ammo prices increasing over the last year, but it's getting crazy in Florida, as they experience severe shortages. With governments running deficits, with law enforcement agencies cutting back, and with crime soaring (California is releasing 50,000 prisoners early), it is no wonder that citizens are snapping up guns and ammunition at alarming rates. "Blood in the streets" may no longer be just a metaphor.

According to the Orlando Sentinel:

Selling bullets may be the most secure job in Florida as long as supplies last.

After months of heavy buying, gun dealers across the state are experiencing shortages.

Some say it began with the election of President Barack Obama. Others say it's about the economic downturn or fear of crime. Whatever the reasons, ammunition has been selling like plywood and bottled water in the days before a hurricane.

"The survivalist in all of us comes out," said John Ritz, manager of East Orange Shooting Sports in Winter Park. "It's more about protecting what you have."

Demand for bullets is so strong that suppliers are restricting deliveries.

"Where we used to get 20 to 30 cases [in a shipment], we may get two to three cases now," said Vic Grechniw of Florida Ammo Traders in Tampa. "The supply just isn't there. . . . Everybody is pretty much rushing out to get their hands on whatever they can."