The shortage seems to be easing. I travel quite a bit around the country and often stop at WalMart just to check if they have any in stock and most places do not have anything in the case. On line seems to be the best source and as you noted, the price seems to run 6 to 8 cents per round. Before the shortage, I would normally pick up a Federal 550 box at WalMart whenever I was there. My normal buying price was 4 cents per round for bulk .22lr but I have almost given up ever seeing it at that price again in the near to long term future.

Not as bad as it was a year ago, but still not great and not looking like it will ever be the bargain it once was.