Haz-Mat is expensive and has been for many years. It is very expensive for freight haulers to comply with overwhelming regulations. Thank a trucker you got it at all. Cheaper to pay the retail price at a local store, when that is an option.
At some point you have to stop asking questions and shoot. The question that is more important in this forum is: Can I get closer to the animal before I shoot?
Very similar to my experience. I found early Remington brass for it to be the worst I ever experienced. And now Remington does not load for it. The factory refered me to Barnes for ammunition.