A historical look back at 223/5.56 ammo prices

I tend to be a little meticulous when it comes to record keeping... I would say data collecting related to my hobbies is a hobby in and of itself. Thus, for those of you interested, here is a look back at the price for 1,000 rounds of various .223/5.56 ammunition from various sources, some going back to 2009 (though most are listed from 2012 as that's when the major price swings happened).

Some data entries removed for the sake of brevity.

Lucky Gunner PMC Bronze 55gr:

5/10/2009 - Starting price of $450
8/23/2009 - Price was $370 - $-70
11/25/2010 - Price was $325 - $-45
2/18/2011 - Price was $310 - $-15
3/23/2012 - Price was $340 - $30
11/11/2012 - Price was $399 - $59
12/27/2012 - Price was $628.3 - $229.3
2/4/2013 - Price was $885 - $256.7
3/15/2013 - Price is now $895 - $10

Surplus Ammo PMC Bronze 55gr:

4/9/2009 - Starting price of $429.99
8/3/2009 - Price was $349.99 - $-80
12/5/2009 - Price was $329.99 - $-20
12/30/2010 - Price was $309.99 - $-20
12/29/2011 - Price was $269.99 - $-40
2/10/2012 - Price was $299.99 - $30
3/23/2012 - Price was $329.99 - $30
4/18/2012 - Price was $399.99 - $70
5/21/2012 - Price was $359.99 - $-40
2/23/2013 - Price is now $999.99 - $640

Federal Lake City M855:
Dan's Ammo:
4/23/2012 - Starting price of $374.5
11/15/2012 - Price was $414.5 - $40
2/4/2013 - Price was $959.5 - $545
3/15/2013 - Price is now $909.5 - $-50

The Armory PMC X-Tac M855:

9/7/2010 - Starting price of $299.99
3/28/2011 - Price was $289.99 - $-10
1/29/2012 - Price was $359.99 - $70
11/6/2012 - Price was $339.99 - $-20
3/15/2013 - Price is now $979.99 - $640

From Member "Semper Noctem" - Glen's Outdoors - Lake City XM193:
10/?/11: Price was $280.00 Delivered
08/?/12: Price was $340.00 Delivered - $60

From Member "Skip":

May 2002: Yugoslavian 7.62x39 1,120rd Case $89.60.

For Comparison: The Armory's Wolf Military Classic (1,000 rounds):

9/24/2006 - Starting price of $142.98
10/8/2007 - Price was $169.99 - $27.01
2/24/2008 - Price was $189.99 - $20
6/3/2009 - Price was $269.99 - $80
9/14/2011 - Price was $199 - $-70.99
4/28/2012 - Price was $209.44 - $10.45
12/16/2012 - Price was $219.44 - $10
1/6/2013 - Price was $349.99 - $130.55
1/27/2013 - Price is now $399.99 - $50
3/16/2013: Price is still $399.99


I hope some of you found this interesting, I can do more if anyone wants.

All credit to http://gun-deals.com for the information. Thanks to Brad, the owner/admin, and all the users who submit the deals!

hm take it back to the old old days when you could get norinco 5.56 1600 rounds in a case for 50-75 bucks.

hk21guy said:

hm take it back to the old old days when you could get norinco 5.56 1600 rounds in a case for 50-75 bucks.

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I was trying not to go too far back initially, else I'd have to start taking inflation in to account. Good thought, though. I might update it if I can find some reputable sources.

I miss picking up the 300rd battle packs of Guatemalan 5.56 at every gun show for like $30. Port surplus 200rd 308 battle packs were $20. I never stockpiled ammo because it was always available. Stop at a show once a month and resupply. I was too young and stupid to realize those were the "good old days" and the bubble would burst. .22 was under $10 for the 550 value packs and there as more than you could see with one eye at every Walmart.

4095fanatic I am sorry if i messed your post up I didn't mean to hijack it like that. I though I was a young guy then its the story's I hear from family and friends. Also found some old invoices when I was moving ammo 110 bucks for 1060 rounds of Winchester 308 shipped.

I remember buying Remington UMC 55 gr .223 for $2.94/box of 20 @ Service Merchandise.

Federal "American Eagle" 55 gr .223 for $3.04/box of 20.

Federal Gold Medal Match 69 gr BTHP .223 for $5.91/box of 20.



I sure miss the Good 'ole Days!

hk21guy said:

4095fanatic I am sorry if i messed your post up I didn't mean to hijack it like that. I though I was a young guy then its the story's I hear from family and friends. Also found some old invoices when I was moving ammo 110 bucks for 1060 rounds of Winchester 308 shipped.

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It's not hijacking, I welcome the stories. Hell, I remember when mosins were 4 for $100 and SKS's were 100 for a beater. Def miss those days

South African 5.56mm was $30 a battle pack. I still have them today for SHTF.

I'm hoping the days of $5-$6 return. Need to replenish my amounts. The days of going to the range every week are over for me.

Shopping Cart (Prices in US Dollars)
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE COST
Yugoslavian 8mm 900rd case $63.00 $63.00
Yugoslavian 7.62x39 1,120rd Case $89.60 $89.60

Subtotal: $152.60
Total: $152.60

Very interesting. These prices are going to turn us all into reloaders.

If any of you have dates for your way-back-when purchases ill add them in to the thread!

May 2002 for my Yugo purchase.

SKIP said:

May 2002 for my Yugo purchase.

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Added. Best prices I could find for 7.62x39 are about 3-4 times what you paid.

October 2011
1000 Lake City XM193
$280.00 delivered
Glens Outdoors

August 2012
1000 Lake City XM193
$340.00 delivered
Glens Outdoors

Semper Noctem said:

October 2011
1000 Lake City XM193
$280.00 delivered
Glens Outdoors

August 2012
1000 Lake City XM193
$340.00 delivered
Glens Outdoors

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Added

Heck, I remember a Gun Store near College Park that had 7.62 Nato for $250 for a case of 10,000. Many years ago, but I feel like a dummy for not buying because it was a good deal back then.

HVL said:

Heck, I remember a Gun Store near College Park that had 7.62 Nato for $250 for a case of 10,000. Many years ago, but I feel like a dummy for not buying because it was a good deal back then.

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I think you added an extra zero... I don't think I was even born when 7.62x51 was 2.5 cents a round (was it ever that cheap?)