74camaroman: I'll agree you paid too much.
I own a 1976 Yamaha TT-500 motorcycle. I was looking at used parts on e-bay.
Somebody listed a used exhaust pipe/muffler for $1200 or so.
My reaction? Crazy!! Too much. I make decisions like that.
So,you have a complaint. OK.
What would you offer as a solution? I hope you agree that government price controls on ammunition and reloading components would be a really bad idea.
One of the harsh things about ideas like Liberty and Freedom is the opportunity to make "less than good" choices. Those are often painful.
Do your homework! You may not find components in stock at advertised prices,but you CAN check the prices at Natchez, Graf's,Powder Valley,Midway,etc to get a feel for the current market.These outfits may not be bargain cheap,but you will get an idea of the going competitive price.
Be advised "not in stock" items are probably priced off the last invoice. When the new stock comes in,price may increase from the supplier.
Realize the"Big Box" employees have a network of friends. As soon as a truck shows up with inventory, the phones come out,and the "Buddies" clear the shelves as they are stocked. Then they haul it on the gun show route or put it on Gun Broker till a sucker or desperate person comes along.Be advised "not in stock" items are probably priced off the last invoice. When the new stock comes in,price may increase from the supplier.
What to do? Start by not voting anti-gun people into office.
These things run in cycles.
When shelves were stocked and folks were not panic buying,some in the gun biz complained about the "Trump slump"
That ended,huh?
If 2022 goes in a gun friendly way,things may settle down. Maybe in 2023 you can buy powder at $30 a lb or $225 for 8 lbs. Maybe primers will be $50 a 1000 or $220 for 5000. Who knows?
If so, say "These ARE the "good old days" and stock a RESERVE of a few years components.
For now,buy them as you find them,but avoid being desperate.