Isn’t there only 1 or 2 mfgrs of that rimfire caliber? IIRC, the process isn’t a speed race for volume. Plus, I know a lot of people who gotten .22cal conversion barrels for their Kimbers, Glocks, SIGs, S&W, Colts etc and have bought shitloads of .22LR/SR since it’s cheaper than 9mm, .38, .357, .45, .40 etc and lots of new folks coming into the market, choosing that caliber for first firearm.
If there is only 1to2 mfgs that make .22LR that would explain the shortage.
Still, if preppers are buying it up that doesn’t seem like a first choice for personal -protection/hunting ammo they would need/want?