My local gunshop tells me the reason that prices are going up is the war in Iraq drawing on brass powder and primers heavily. Along with this prices of all metals has been on a steady increase the last few years. Because of this prices on all components are on an increase. In my local area (Alberta Canada) we have seen increases of 25 - 40% so if its only 15%, count yourself lucky.
Some time ago 70's, there was a attempt to curtail reloaders access to primers. A political move by the liberals and it worked. Ever since then I make sure I have big supply of bullets and primers. Cases and powder have never been a problem for me as of yet!!
Jim
And never forget, the federal reserve notes that we call "dollars" aren't. They're fiat money, backed by nothing, and right now they're getting more worthless by the day, since the new guy in town, the Euro, is valued above it. Stock up, it's only gonna get worse for the foreseeable future.