Many of the LGS dudes are donkeys as you found out.
They will try to push you toward the crap hanging on the wall that themselves and their big brains ordered.

Cabelas will butt-rape you on prices.
You need Cabela's Club points to come out of there with all of your hide.

Sounds like you need to consider buying on line.
Anything other than 9mm and 5.56 I buy on line.
Walmart has the best prices down here for 9mm range ammo.
Federal Brass 115gr $16.97 100 ct
I have to buy 9mm self defense ammo on line to get a deal.

Firearms, same thing.
I just bought a Beretta 92A1 for $499......Cabela's same gun $799
$300 Taxidermy Tax.....yeeeouch !


Search Engines

https://ammoseek.com/ammo/5.56x45mm-nato
Use the controls at the top of the page to narrow your search
You have to register like a forum now to see all their pages
It is the best ammo engine, though.

https://gun.deals/today
For something specific, use the search box at the top right of the page

If you are not sure about a vendor, post them up here