Like they said supply/demand effect on cost.Alot of expense is also in the "fad" factor.Everyone gets caught up in it sometimes,don't think there is a article wrote on how much deader a 17 makes critters than a 22! It runs along the same lines as the WSM and WSSM cartriges...the not something the average person needs to shoot and run out of in the boonies and think you can find anywhere...say like .22's or 270's or 30-06's,etc etc.I'll stick with .22's and practice limiting my shots verses paying more just to stretch my wallet and a little distance.