So, just as I am increasing the amount of shooting I do local retailers, of all sizes, are decreasing their inventory.

I don't know if it is strictly NY, but apparently there are some strict rules governing the storage & sale of loose powder-777, Pyrodex,etc. Consequently,stores have simply chosen not to sell it; this includes some major retailers as well as the few smaller shops. For the first time ever last month I had to give a copy of my driver's license to purchase 1lb of 777 and am limited to 2 lbs purchase in 30 days,IIRC.
Obviously the predominance of in-line rifles comes into to play as well & forget finding round balls on the shelf.
While I've been striving to do business locally it seems, at least on this front, to have become impossible.
This irks me since it used to be so easy and here's the thing that I'm just waking up to. Forget the "they're trying to take our guns" routine. Nobody is taking any guns; it is much easier to take the ammo.