A) Manufacturers raised their prices; you didn’t see it in shelf prices as so many distributors went out of business over the last few years, half from retirement, the other half from the pressures of the economy crashing.
B) The shortages weren’t because of limited manufacturing, but limited distribution. Walmart did not, until recently, purchase ammo directly, they bought from distributors (like almost everyone did.) As there are only two major distributors left, and neither have any intention of feeding the big box general merchandise stores, they have now started sending their trucks to get filled at ammo makers.
C) The constant whining that I’ve seen online from people saying that people are buying cheap ammo and selling it at a much higher markup doesn’t match the production numbers on the ammo being sold - those prices were from recently made ammo which accurately reflected prices from the manufacturer. As one of the major components and variables in ammo sales is down (the prices of commodities like lead and diesel fuel used to transport heavy materials...), the prices are going to start dropping for a while. If lead climbs back up into the dollar range again, you will again see prices skyrocket.
So, yes, Walmart has 22 rimfire again, they likely will continue to have a good supply for quite a while, your local gun store will still have up priced ammo as it was purchased when lead was over a dollar a pound and gas prices were much higher, and it will take time for that drop in price to come to the dealer.
“.... pressures of the economy crashing.” WHAT? Somebody better call the (p)resident cause somebody been lyin’ to him telling him things are all rosy and stuff. LOL!