Even those with who are FFL dealers who have priority by Hornady over the chain stores are having a hard time getting ammo.
Sounds like the gun manufacturers are creating more and more of a need
for ammo much faster than the ammo manufacturers can keep up with it.
One of the guys over at rimfirecentral who knows a "Wheel" at CCI says
he was told that CCI and Hornady together have a back-order of no less
than 65 MILLION rounds! Complicating matters is that too many of us are
seeing the shortage, and attempting to buy ammo by the brick to bring our
personal supply up. At present rates of more 17 caliber guns being bought
and more ammo being ordered, that back-order could get a LOT worse
before getting better. And the prices will remain high until a few months
after there are no longer back orders.
Guess it depends on the area as to whether the rifles are selling or not.
There are several I know who have gotten the .17's. Personally, I did get
mine for squirrels and rabbits -- this little Marlin 17VS is accurate enough
for head shots at 100 yards, but like anything else, it'll take PRACTICE,
and the availability of ammo is NOT helping the situation!!!