From watching many transactions in the gun shop, I think it is at least partly because so many buyers are first time folks who don't know or care about the difference and "just want something to shoot at the range." They kind of freak out about the premium ammo prices and may buy one box at most "in case I ever do decide to carry it" or to "leave it loaded with in the bedroom." I don't usually try to explain that they need to run the ammo they carry to see if it works, I can judge when it will not likely be productive an look like a sales pitch. To me, prices seem to be sitting still at the moment (but high) and we can get most ball. Maybe the supply chain is catching up.Interestingly, the good self defense loads seem to be available, while ball ammo is sold out or available at increasing prices.