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tfrazier wrote: I knew the paranoia was going to set in (see http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... earms.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; published 11/18/08) but I just didn't have much spare cash to stock up on ammo back then.

I'm really kind of surprised how long it has persisted, especially considering no real proposals as of yet regarding ammunition regulation from the administration. Hopefully things will settle out and there will be good deals to be had in a month or two.

The federal excise tax on ammunition is, I believe, 11%. Unlike state sales tax, this isn't something applied after the purchase so you never see it, but you do pay it. Obama proposed (years ago, not in the 2008 election that I'm aware of) a 500% increase in that tax. This would make the federal tax rate 55%, NOT 500%. Hence the big difference.

Example:
$20 box of ammo currently taxed (federal) at 11% => $22.20

$20 box of ammo under the tax Obama proposed (55%) => $31.00

$20 box of ammo taxed under the mythical 500% tax => $120.00

this is a huge difference and the article perpetuating this myth does no one any favors. I would hate to see them implement this tax increase, but I think bigger ammo threats are things like microstamping, banning "armor piercing" rounds, banning lead.

The main thrust of the article that people are afraid and are buying as a result is correct

edited for clarity

This article repeats the myth of a 500% tax on ammunition. While stating that people's fear of a 500% ammunition tax is driving sales is most likely correct, he proposed a 500% tax increase, not a 500% tax. There is a big, big difference there and incorrect articles like this are only further driving this fear buying and hoarding.