If your LGS iis claiming paying $16.99US/100 then I got throw out an orange flag. He may be claiming it but I would be asking to see his invoices before I believed it. Our retailers are selling US imported primers at $7.99 Cdn/100 which is almost double what they were 18 months ago. That is about $6.40US. If they can sell them for that after paying import and shipping fees I gotta believe the wholesale price is at least 20% less. Give the store some free advertising and post the name of your LGS.
I believe what you are saying; just not buying what he is saying.
Take Care
Bob