During this same period, the number of concealed carry permits skyrocketed. More and more states have enacted concealed carry laws expanding demand for small, concealable, pistols and revolvers. At least ten pistol manufacturers have answered that demand with new, small 380 ACP pistols. The result is that even though more ammunition is now available, 380 ACP is in extremely short supply.  I haven't personally seen any on store shelves for several months.  A few retailers are holding some 380 ACP back so they can sell a couple of boxes to customers who purchase a new pistol from them. I don't have a problem with that.  The reality for the rest of us is that 380 ACP ammunition is just not available right now.

I have a neighbor with a new 380 ACP pistol that he can't shoot or carry because he has no ammunition for it.  I did an internet search and was able to find a couple of boxes of an unknown brand.  The customers who had made comments were very negative. This ammunition was reported as dirty and quickly fouled gun bores.  As badly as my friend wants ammunition, he doesn't want bad, dirty ammo.

During this time, I was able to continue shooting because I had enough supplies on hand and was able to reload my own ammunition.  If ammunition isn't available at any price, reloading is a great option you ought to consider.