If I was going to cast bullets

[RealGun]

I would buy up a big supply of lead, because it seems a natural progression in the government's effort to dry up commercial supplies of raw materials for ammunition to progress to requiring a license to buy lead in any bulk, if at all. Think about how they regulated supplies of common OTC drugs that were used to make addictive, illegal drugs. Imagine a two ounce limit on fishing weights, for example. Suppose it was illegal for tire companies to sell used wheel weights. These guys are just getting started.

 

[kerreckt]

Do it if you feel that way! Times' a wasting.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

No offense, but I think most people who reload and/or cast are somewhat intelligent individuals. You don't have to be Einstein to safely learn the process and work up loads but most of us do see the benefits of "rolling our own." One of those benefits being a major cost savings over a lifetime. So comments like this always make me question if the person making the comment has something to gain from it. Like maybe you have 10,000lbs of lead laying around to sell and the local scrap hard isn't offering enough. I don mean any offense if that isn't the case. But if that's not the case it would almost seem that you're insulting the intelligence of reloaders/casters here by reminding us the prices don't tend to come down on resources. And for what it's worth, I don't think the US governments recent ammunition orders are what's causing prices to go up. It's developing countries buying more natural resources and inflation that driving up prices. And possibly the recent "panic gouging," if you like to use that term.

 

[RealGun]

You're not allowed to be offended. Hopefully all reloaders aren't quite that temperamental. My post means nothing but what it says.

 

[mdi]

In CA, many tire shops/tire dealers say it is illegal to sell used wheel weights to civilians. I quit looking for wheel weights in CA 8 years ago, those that had them for sale (rare) wanted as much as retail from a foundry, and most just said "no comprende". I don't think gov't will go after bulk lead, just make it illegal to use any products made of lead (like lead bullets in the buzzard zone, and fishing weights in some lakes, rivers). Easier to keep the "greenies"/tree huggers on their side...

 

[Jesse Heywood]

It's already started:

Due to current changes in legislation, All Tire Supply Co. will no longer supply certain states with lead-based wheel weights. The current actions take place are as follows:
California (Bill: SB 757)
Washingtona (Bill: SHB 1033)
Maine (Bill: LD 986)
Vermont (Bill: Act 193)
U.S. EPA
Wisconsin (Bill: AB544)
New York (Bill: AB8687A)
Rhode Island (Bill: 7664)
Illinois (Bill: SB 3347)
Iowa (Bill: HF384)
Maryland (Bill: HB 763)

 

[KansasSasquatch]

You're not allowed to be offended. Hopefully all reloaders aren't quite that temperamental. My post means nothing but what it says.

I don't remember getting a temper. Just stating that I've seen many posts similar to your original and that many times they're made by someone with something to gain from it. And I'm not allowed to get offened? I didn't think we were living in a society where one needed permission. I'm not offended, but you'll never see me ask for permission.

 

[BigBoreJay]

As an electrician, I occasionally take (legally gotten) scrap copper to a local metal recycler. After striking out at all the local tire shops, I asked the recycle guy about lead - he said he'd sell me all I wanted for the same price he pays - currently (last time I was there) $1.00/lb. Copper was $3.00. I ended up trading 50 lbs. of copper for 150 lbs. clean lead. I'm set for awhile.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

I trade all my scrap brass and spent primers for lead. 2lbs lead for 1lb brass.

 

[RugerBob]

I made sure I had a few hundred pounds before I bought my casting equitment. Since then, I have gotten plenty more. Mostly free.
I live in Maine, a good source is old boat yards. Keels are full of lead.
My son in law does commercial construction and has gotten me alot of lead from remodeling hospitals, x -ray rooms have lead shielding. I haver to burn the paper off, but thats all good.
I take brass and copper in. My local guy sells me lead he has at ok prices.
Also, medical stuff delivered in lead containers are out there. You have to call the lab that furnishes the hospital here and you can get a fair price. I got that info from a delivery man. He says he gets asked it all the time. So call some labs.