As the debate over gun control continues, increased demand and price hikes on ammunition are leading to a nationwide shortage.

Law enforcement officers across the country say the types of ammo they need to do their job are getting harder and harder to find.

"Officers say if the shortage continues it will affect the amount of time they train," Deputy Joe Lusignan, with the Benton County, Wash. Sheriff's Department, said. "That would ultimately affect crime fighting readiness."

Forty-caliber bullets are the kind most often used in police training. A 50-round box costs about $30.

But in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shooting, demand is up, which means suppliers are raising prices as well.

"Along with these tragic incidents that happen, the fear of what's going to happen with the government comes into play... and people react to that," Capt. Clay Vannoy, another Benton County policeman, said.

Increased prices aren't the only concern. Some agencies are placing orders for ammo and being forced to wait months for it to arrive.

"I think as long as the gun control issue is dominating the media and dominating our country right now, it's going to get worse. The rounds will be fewer to find," Vannoy said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in California are pushing for the toughest gun laws in the nation. Democrats, who control the state legislature, unveiled 10 measures aimed at curbing gun violence.

The proposed measures include banning the sale of semi-automatic weapons with detachable magazines. Like New York, background checks for buying ammunition would also be required.

The measures would also ban possession of magazines holding more than 10 bullets, even by those who now own them legally.