Fellow Tarheel John Richardson offers hope that some relief may be in sight for those of us desperate to lay our hands on some much needed .22LR ammunition from Norma, in the form of Tac-22 ammunition (PDF):

Norma- USA®, the exclusive US distributor for the legendary Swedish manufacturer of
superior hunting and target ammunition is proud to introduce Norma-USA® TAC-22 rimfire ammunition.
The high quality, .22 LR in 40 grain with a lead round nose, is built with the finest components and powder combination to deliver superior accuracy for hunting or target shooting. The new TAC-22 has a target velocity of 1100 FPS with target energy of 110 ft. lbs.

The subsonic rimfire ammo is available for $4.99 MSRP (box of 50 rounds) and provides excellent accuracy shot after shot whether target shooting, hunting small varmints or for rimfire competitions.

What is missing from the release is an approximation of how much ammunition they intend to bring to our shores. Any, of course, is better than what we’re seeing in our current drought.