Reloader or Not?

deadibob · Dec 9, 2021

With ammo pricing and availability this last year and a half how many of you shooters/hunters that don't currently reload plan to do so in the future?

The problem isn't a shortage of ammo production even though I have heard some say they think it's a conspiracy to disarm us.

What company would purposely reduce production when their product is at an all time high for demand and price? The problem was created by an excess of new shooters and those who now realize having one box of ammo for each gun isn't going to cut it. Prices and inventories won't go back to normal for a long time now that we have millions more new shooters and "hoarders" unless manufacturers expand production capacities. Several ammo manufacturers have stated they won't invest in new equipment because the past market has been very cyclical due to politics and the demand/sales for ammo can slow down as quickly as it rose.

Gun sales have slowed and prices have gone down for them simply because the cost to feed them is so high. A year ago we were told that ammo supply and pricing would return to normal by mid-2022, it ain't happening.

257Tony · Dec 9, 2021

Powders are starting to show up more regularly, although they sell out in minutes. Primers are still sky high and basically a scalpers market item. Ammo is available for some of the less popular calibers.

elks96 · Dec 9, 2021

I reloaded once years ago. Quit because we moved a bunch and never got set up again. Last year we moved into a house with designated reloading room. I have a brand new Dillon 550 a ton of empty brass, powder bullets etc.

Just can not find any primers at all... As soon as I find primers back to reloading.

deadibob · Dec 9, 2021

257Tony said:
Powders are starting to show up more regularly, although they sell out in minutes. Primers are still sky high and basically a scalpers market item. Ammo is available for some of the less popular calibers.

primers even at dealer costs right now are around $50 per 1,000; Rimfire ammo costs are rediculous. I feel sorry for guys that bought newly introduced calibers and can't find ammo or brass to shoot them, 6.5 PRC being one of those. I always tell people that if you are going to buy a gun chambered in something that is new to the market and especially a proprietary cartridge then you better make sure and buy plenty of ammo or brass for it. Dozens of new chamberings have been aborted over the years making it hard to find brass and ammo.

Captain_coues · Dec 9, 2021

I’m having trouble with Brass and Bullets. Primers trickle in about every 3-4 weeks, but you have to be fast because they’re gone in a day or so. Power I can get from watching Hodgdons or other online places. I was lucky and bought a ton of it 4 years ago and I wasn’t shooting a whole lot back then so I have a bunch. I’m shooting more now, so every so often I need some. The only thing you can do is constantly check websites for availability and jump on it when what you’re looking for is there. I still don’t understand how bullets can be so unavailable. Delayed or back ordered is fine with me but when it’s 8-12 months and the specific bullet is still out of stock, it’s for the birds. Same goes for brass. That should reasonably be available in 4 months if you backorder. When you think about it, there’s about a dozen manufacturers, world wide, out there making brass and even new makers like Petersen and Starline and they all claim they’re working hard to deliver them. OK, can I get 100 pieces in 4 months?

I kind of changed the way I shoot. Instead of shooting the big center fire like the 06 or magnums, I’m shooting the 223, PPC and K Hornet more often. That helps a little when you burn 11-25 grains per pop instead of 59-80+.

Maybe more people will cast bullets if this keeps up. It seems like I see more cast equipment in the classifieds and it goes for bottom dollar but if that’s the only way you can get a bullet, maybe casting will make a comeback. Probably not, we’re too spoiled and like our accurate, jacketed bullets.

Another thing I was reading was that a lot of horders will start dying off and their stashes will hit the market as often as primers and brass are available. That might help a little.

Bluehair · Dec 9, 2021

The biggest advantage to being a reloader right now is that components have turned into currency. If you have the right stuff, you can get what you need in trade.

But if you are new and trying to build some inventory, these are tough times.

tailchasers · Dec 9, 2021

Bluehair said:
The biggest advantage to being a reloader right now is that components have turned into currency. If you have the right stuff, you can get what you need in trade.

I think that of all firearms and components.

twopointdn · Dec 9, 2021

deadibob said:
primers even at dealer costs right now are around $50 per 1,000; Rimfire ammo costs are rediculous. I feel sorry for guys that bought newly introduced calibers and can't find ammo or brass to shoot them, 6.5 PRC being one of those. I always tell people that if you are going to buy a gun chambered in something that is new to the market and especially a proprietary cartridge then you better make sure and buy plenty of ammo or brass for it. Dozens of new chamberings have been aborted over the years making it hard to find brass and ammo.

I would buy a lot of primes right now if I could find them for $50 at the retailer stores. The last 1000 Fed 215m I bought from Scheels cost my $80 and I felt lucky. A month ago I was in Cabelas and I could not believe it that they had a 1000 CCI small rifle primers on the shelve, I ask how much and the reply came back $130. I just could not bring myself to say that I will take them. I left them sitting on the shelve. I did not think that retailers would start gouging like the second hand market but we are there. It makes it harder for us to enjoy our hobbies. I definitely restrict how much ammo I shot when I go out now. I hope it gets better soon.

feddoc · Dec 9, 2021

Ive been reloading for almost 40 years; startd with a rockchucker.

Now I have 3 Dillons and the rockchucker. When Clinton was in office, I musta got lucky and realized that components would likely become scarce, so I bought at the right price every chance I could. I remember when EBAY used to sell that stuff. Along with some common ammo...12g, .22lr, .22M, .223. Same with bullets and powder.

Then only thing I am missing is Barnes LRX in 190 grain; just the bullets. I have several boxes of loaded ammo. Lotsa .308 TSX too.

I would offer up elkassss' left testicle on a sterling sliver platter if I could get a coule dozen boxes of those bullets.

elkassassin · Dec 10, 2021

I'll Keep My Eyes Peeled doc!

But I Ain't Tradin!

What Caliber on the Barnes?

feddoc said:
Ive been reloading for almost 40 years; startd with a rockchucker.

Now I have 3 Dillons and the rockchucker. When Clinton was in office, I musta got lucky and realized that components would likely become scarce, so I bought at the right price every chance I could. I remember when EBAY used to sell that stuff. Along with some common ammo...12g, .22lr, .22M, .223. Same with bullets and powder.

Then only thing I am missing is Barnes LRX in 190 grain; just the bullets. I have several boxes of loaded ammo. Lotsa .308 TSX too.

I would offer up elkassss' left testicle on a sterling sliver platter if I could get a coule dozen boxes of those bullets.

feddoc · Dec 10, 2021

elkassassin said:
I'll Keep My Eyes Peeled doc!

But I Ain't Tradin!

What Caliber on the Barnes?

.308 Thanks

hawkbill · Dec 10, 2021

If you can dig up the components, I would definitely reload. I feel lucky that I saw this coming along time ago and bought things at bargain prices. I remember a friend of mine had bought over a 100,000 primers cheap and I thought what will he ever do with those. I have seen quite a few reloading set ups for sale of lately.

Soj51hopeful · Dec 10, 2021

As soon as a republican is elected to the White House all this will go away. Maybe prices stay higher than pre biden but the supply will come back.

Bluehair · Dec 10, 2021

Soj51hopeful said:
As soon as a republican is elected to the White House all this will go away. Maybe prices stay higher than pre biden but the supply will come back.

So it’s not going away for a while? It’ll take the rest of my lifetime just to reign in the regulatory state being built right now.

We’ve been hoping for the good old days going on 20 years. I’m sticking with this is the new normal.

deadibob · Dec 10, 2021

Captain_coues said:
I’m having trouble with Brass and Bullets. Primers trickle in about every 3-4 weeks, but you have to be fast because they’re gone in a day or so. Power I can get from watching Hodgdons or other online places. I was lucky and bought a ton of it 4 years ago and I wasn’t shooting a whole lot back then so I have a bunch. I’m shooting more now, so every so often I need some. The only thing you can do is constantly check websites for availability and jump on it when what you’re looking for is there. I still don’t understand how bullets can be so unavailable. Delayed or back ordered is fine with me but when it’s 8-12 months and the specific bullet is still out of stock, it’s for the birds. Same goes for brass. That should reasonably be available in 4 months if you backorder. When you think about it, there’s about a dozen manufacturers, world wide, out there making brass and even new makers like Petersen and Starline and they all claim they’re working hard to deliver them. OK, can I get 100 pieces in 4 months?

I kind of changed the way I shoot. Instead of shooting the big center fire like the 06 or magnums, I’m shooting the 223, PPC and K Hornet more often. That helps a little when you burn 11-25 grains per pop instead of 59-80+.

Maybe more people will cast bullets if this keeps up. It seems like I see more cast equipment in the classifieds and it goes for bottom dollar but if that’s the only way you can get a bullet, maybe casting will make a comeback. Probably not, we’re too spoiled and like our accurate, jacketed bullets.

Another thing I was reading was that a lot of horders will start dying off and their stashes will hit the market as often as primers and brass are available. That might help a little.

I started casting bullets 32 years ago. Mostly for handgun and muzzleloader. I have always had rifle molds and gas checks as well for times of shortage. With a gas check and the right lead alloy you can still get some good velocities and accuracy. I've got plenty of lead as well. Back in the day you could get buckets of wheel weights for pretty much free from tire shops but that source is pretty much gone due to the eco-warriors.

deadibob · Dec 10, 2021

Soj51hopeful said:
As soon as a republican is elected to the White House all this will go away. Maybe prices stay higher than pre biden but the supply will come back.

Even with a Republican in the white house it's going to take some time to calm the waters this time. What you said has been true in the past but this time people have felt the pain and they won't stop buying for a long time.

Utahlefty · Dec 10, 2021

getting components is no easier than getting loaded ammo right now and has been for a while...

deadibob · Dec 10, 2021

Utahlefty said:
getting components is no easier than getting loaded ammo right now and has been for a while...

exactly and that is why my question asked who plans to start reloading in the FUTURE.

Tikka · Dec 10, 2021

feddoc said:
Ive been reloading for almost 40 years; startd with a rockchucker.

Now I have 3 Dillons and the rockchucker. When Clinton was in office, I musta got lucky and realized that components would likely become scarce, so I bought at the right price every chance I could. I remember when EBAY used to sell that stuff. Along with some common ammo...12g, .22lr, .22M, .223. Same with bullets and powder.

Then only thing I am missing is Barnes LRX in 190 grain; just the bullets. I have several boxes of loaded ammo. Lotsa .308 TSX too.

I would offer up elkassss' left testicle on a sterling sliver platter if I could get a coule dozen boxes of those bullets.

fed, I have one box of 200gr LRX if you want them… no 190’s

Soj51hopeful · Dec 10, 2021

deadibob said:
Even with a Republican in the white house it's going to take some time to calm the waters this time. What you said has been true in the past but this time people have felt the pain and they won't stop buying for a long time.

I doubt it. All these new gun owners and most of the population, gun owner or not have SUCH short term memories. Maybe you and people close to you as well as lots of others like us won’t forget. But the masses will forget. Everything in todays world is a knee jerk reaction for instant gratification.

feddoc · Dec 10, 2021

Tikka said:
fed, I have one box of 200gr LRX if you want them… no 190’s

Thanks, Tikka. But I have my heart set on those 190s.

travishunter3006 · Dec 11, 2021

I'm on several reloading forums. I feel bad for the new-comers that post their first thread. They all say "I just bought my $1000 progressive press, but where am I supposed to buy primers, powder, bullets and casings?" I feel bad for these guys. Too many people see bare shelves and switch to reloading before understanding that buying components is almost impossible.

Anyone right now who asks me what gun they should buy is given the same advise... go look on the shelf for ammo. Ask how many boxes you are allowed to buy. Buy as many of that caliber as you can and then buy the gun. No more buy a gun and then buy ammo.