Our current shortage is easily explained but may be difficult to avoid in the future. Awhile back our mfrs borrowed a Japanese idea (actually, they originally borrowed it from us. We just couldn't make it work at first). The concept is called "Just in Time" or JIT. The objective is to have materials or components arrive shortly before they are needed for production, often just a matter of days, even hours. Product is also shipped soon after assembly, both reduce warehouse and carrying expense. A manufactured item sitting on the shelf today may have been raw material just a few weeks ago. JIT is part of a philosophy that is dependent on accurate forecasting, reliable component and raw material supply and a constant level of demand. That's where things usually start to unravel.
Inventory is often reduced even further near the end of the year for tax purposes. From the consumers' point of view the JIT philosophy is flawed during panic situations. With a minimal amount of inventory available and a huge implulsive demand supply simply cannot keep up with demand. JIT is still working for component and ammo mfrs, they're still selling all they can make and keeping costs down. They may shed a crocodile tear or two for our benefit.
I realize a few MBA's around here understand the concept better than I but I had to dumb it down so I could understand it. My solution is the well-known JIC philosophy, "Just In Case". We know there will be ammo and component shortages in the future, this wasn't the first, hopefully it won't be the last. We also know how long these shortages generally last and can figure out pretty close how much ammo we really need to get by for that period of time. Having a few too many pounds of powder or a few too many sleeves of primers won't hurt, they'll outlast most of us if stored properly.
I don't agree with hoarding, it's silly. I do believe in being prepared, Just In Case.