The need for ammunition during this time of war is stretching the nation's supply. Now ammunition companies are delaying shipments up to a year for some gun shops and police departments to fill the need abroad.

Unlike the time from trigger to target, getting rifle ammunition to train with is a slow process for Topeka police.

"The ammunition demand with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq is pretty high so a lot of ammunition factories are producing for the military as the most important one client so of course our ammo gets back ordered because we have to take care of the guys overseas," says Sgt. Chuck Haggard, TPD Rangemaster.

The trouble is police departments use the same bullets for rifle training as the military does. The ammunition delay coupled with high prices is hitting the department's budget hard.

"It’s a supply demand situation; transportation costs are up with high gas prices and shipping costs are more. Prices have gone up drastically over the last 18 months," says Sgt. Haggard.

A case of rifle ammo used to cost the department nearly $140, now it costs around $270. Police say there's no need to worry about them using necessary force because the ammo delay isn't affecting bullets used in the field, just the less expensive ones for training.

"Still waiting for ammunition for our patrol rifle program I may have to postpone classes later in the summer than we had planned," says Sgt. Haggard.

Local gun supply stores have also had to make adjustments for target ammunition in short supply.

"Different calibers like .40 and .45's. One week they might have them and the next week they’re out of them for two weeks, so I'm having to switch brands and pay higher prices," says Kevin Ketter, Kaw Valley Gun Club Owner.

He says, suppliers say get ready for another price increase in ammunition.

"I'm told we'll see an 8 percent increase coming up June 1st," says Ketter.

...meaning less money in the pockets of consumers and eventually police departments nationwide.

The Topeka Police Rangemaster has requested a 30 percent budget increase for ammunition next year as prices climb. Without more money, he says officers would have to practice less on weapons the department is trying to use more into the field.