Waterbury (AP) — Gun dealers in Connecticut are reporting a shortage in ammunition they say is due to laws restricting guns.

At Northwest Sporting Goods and Supply in Winsted, for example, customers may not buy more than 200 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition.

The Republican-American reports that owner Bill Berlinski says he or his staff calls wholesalers across the country to find ammunition. He says manufacturers are making bullets as fast as they can and retailers are selling them just as quickly.

The shortage began shortly after a gunman killed 20 children and six educators at a Newtown school in December.

Michael Bazinet, spokesman for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade group for gun manufacturers and retailers, says national debate over firearms restrictions has contributed to rising demand for ammunition and guns.