Guns Holsters and Gear

ATK, the parent company of Federal Cartridge, CCI, and Speer, sent out a letter to its customers announcing a significant price increase that will take effect on April 1, 2008. As if ammunition has not gotten too expensive already, ATK is raising ammo prices between 5-9% on all of its lines.

I hope everyone has been planning for the continued price increases. I’ve been buying a few extra boxes of ammo where I can, because I know it isn’t going to get cheaper for a long time. Demands for raw materials by India and China, the continuing needs of our military, and the loss of value of the US dollar will ensure this is not the last price increase we will see. Nor will the increases be limited to ATK.

If you can afford to, I suggest picking up some ammo this week before the price increase. There are a lot of good ammunition vendors out there, including Midway USA, Cheaper Than Dirt, and Ammoman to name just a few.

Natchez Shooters Supplies sent me an e-mail with some of their pre-increase pricing. If you haven’t dealt with Natchez, it is a good outfit. Reasonable shipping charges and very competitive pricing. Right now Natchez is offering American Eagle (Federal) for 9mm $8.99/50 and .45 ACP $15.99/50, while the CCI Blazer is priced at 9mm $7.99/50 and .45 ACP $11.99/50.

ATK’s letter:

ATK Ammunition & Related Products
900 Ehlen Drive
Anoka, MN 55303

March 13, 2008

Dear ATK Ammunition Customer:

Over the last two years and as we move into the second quarter of 2008 we continue to see unprecedented raw material cost escalation in our business. As a result we are forced to announce a price increase effective April 1, 2008. This will include a 9% increase in all promotional ammunition and a 5% increase in other standard catalog ammunition products.

New pricing and programs will be communicated to you shortly.

We appreciate your understanding.

Respectfully,

Anthony A. Acitelli
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
ATK Civil Ammunition and Related Products