Is there any point in buying a reloader now?

[MikeSD]

I have reloaded for decades. But I got rid of my reloaders a few years ago. Now I'm thinking about it again, because of the shortage of ammo. I have enough ammo, for a few years but one never knows when it might run out.

Everywhere I look the components are as hard or harder to find than the ammo. And most of it's mail order so I never know if it will even become available.

But, is there any point in buying a reloader now?

 

[alfsauve]

The problem you have right now is reloading equipment is also hard to find.

Depending on how many more years you plan on shooting, you might buy new press, dies and componenets when prices go back down and availability go back up. Wouldn't hurt to have the stored away for the next crisis.

 

[dgod]

For me. reloading is a hobby. that I really enjoy.

 

[mdi]

Would you consider buying reloading equipment be preparing for the future? I don't think the current component shortage to last much longer as I'm seeing stuff being advertised by the online vendors more and more. Personally, I hate running out of supplies whether it be coffee, TP or bullets, so I'm reloading about the same as I did 18 months ago because I bought extra equipment and components long ago...

 

[horsemen61]

I have reloaded for decades. But I got rid of my reloaders a few years ago. Now I'm thinking about it again, because of the shortage of ammo. I have enough ammo, for a few years but one never knows when it might run out.

Everywhere I look the components are as hard or harder to find than the ammo. And most of it's mail order so I never know if it will even become available.

But, is there any point in buying a reloader now?

yes if for some reason I were to no longer enjoy reloading I would keep some of the supplies so if I ever decide to do it again I’d have the necessary stuff to do it, but yes I think it is worthwhile to get back into and yes I would if I had to start over

 

[WeekendReloader]

You must have had a reason to get out of reloading and sell all your stuff. Other than factory ammo availability, has that reason changed?
If you don't care for reloading, don't do it. Wait until this shortage is over and stock back up on factory ammo.

 

[barnfrog]

Getting back into it now certainly isn't going by the "buy low sell high" model. If you have enough ammo for a few years as you say, it doesn't seem fiscally prudent to buy equipment and supplies right now.

 

[FROGO207]

I have to agree with others. You got out of it for whatever reason. Now looking at lack of supplies and want to start again. This is not the time to start again. It is more than that. If you fear not being able to shoot at some time in the future then use what you have for now and get back into it when things settle down in probably a year or so. If you would rather, just buy cheap and stack deep when ammo is available again if you don't bother to reload again. Me I feel reloading allows me to be more flexable should I have limited resources or ANTI laws be inacted.

 

[BBarn]

Now is not really a good time to buy anything gun related. Excepting discontinued items on sale, very little is available at a discount. Buy only what is actually needed now.

When the hoarding stops, prices will drop. There is sufficient manufacturing capacity to satisfy normal demand.

 

[irishlad]

I've been reloading rifle and pistol for about 5 years. I am well stocked for these. I just started acquiring shotgun reloading supplies. Patience is the key for me. Don't won't to get gouged. I'm in no hurry as I have enough shells to last a year or so.

 

[GW Staar]

But, is there any point in buying a reloader now?

Oh, absolutely! If I were interested in buying a new single stage press, I'd be all over this one......in stock at RCBS direct......

https://www.rcbs.com/presses/single-stage/rebel-press/16-9353.html

Then, I'd stash it away until components become available.....bet not too much longer, unless Biden gives the country away to the anti-gun zealots. I'm betting the Constitution survives this one too....

If you buy one, buy an orange Home depot bucket to put under it.....spent primers finally simply drop through ram directly below.

 

[Hartkopf]

Ammo is coming back and components eventually will too. The problem is the pricing. We don’t know exactly how things will go when the money supply is more than doubled in a short period of time. Crash the markets or let inflation run. I bet they let inflation run.

So my point is, now might be the best time to buy anything because there’s a good chance prices will never go back to “normal.”

 

[Herman B]

...is there any point in buying a reloader now?

Depends on your horizon. Buy now to reload next month? No. But if you intend to reload six months from now and into the foreseeable future? Yes, buy now.

 

[milsurpguy]

Wait till ammo comes back, people will be off loading them like they're stolen goods.

 

[twarr1]

If you buy equipment now you're probably going to overpay. Ammunition will come back faster than reloading components. Will you still be interested in reloading when ammunition is relatively plentiful?

 

[bullseye308]

Buy what you can, as you can if the prices are somewhat reasonable. It will take a while to get it all together, but will be worthwhile in the long run. Once things come back in stock and prices come back down, stock up on at least 5 years of components.

 

[jmorris]

If you like to buy high and sell low.

I really try to not buy things when they are selling at premium prices, especially if I can’t use them anyway.

Things will become available again, as they are available right now if you have money to burn on bad investments.

 

[Rebar46nyc]

I am of the better to have and not need than to need and not have mind set. Wait until shortage is over, prices will come down.... so on and so on, but what if they don’t? What if is the reason I reload and try to buy components whenever I can. But that’s me

 

[Mostly Lead]

But, is there any point in buying a reloader now?

Same points as there always were:
1) You custom tailor loads for "your" guns
2) You may get to shoot more
3) You gain pride in workmanship
4) etc..

The list is long but you get the idea. Sure, the timing is awkward, but who cares? If you like making custom things carefully with pride - do it.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

I have reloaded for decades. But I got rid of my reloaders a few years ago. Now I'm thinking about it again, because of the shortage of ammo. I have enough ammo, for a few years but one never knows when it might run out.

Everywhere I look the components are as hard or harder to find than the ammo. And most of it's mail order so I never know if it will even become available.

But, is there any point in buying a reloader now?

If you mean "presses" (sic "reloading presses) .... then apparently the answer you're looking-for is no. Not unless you stumble across a really good deal on a used kit in an estate auction or something.

If you have enough ammo to last a few years then you're good to go right? Why worry about ammo and/or presses or components if you have enough ammo to last a few years?

You're 100% correct. Components are in short supply and over priced, equipment is the same and hazmat and shipping costs are ridiculous these days. You either buy in bulk or you pay a pound to buy a pound these days ... meaning shipping and hazmat is usually more than the cost of a pound of powder ... so you're forced to buy bulk to even justify online powder and primer buying in the first place.

Heck no ... now is not the time to start or get into it from a fresh start all over again.

 

[jmorris]

I am of the better to have and not need than to need and not have mind set. Wait until shortage is over, prices will come down.... so on and so on, but what if they don’t? What if is the reason I reload and try to buy components whenever I can. But that’s me

I am also of this mindset but the OP already had the equipment and subsequently sold it a few years ago. If he sold it during the last panic after Obama part II and Sandyhook then purchased mid Trump years, I would say he was making sound investment decisions. If he sold them off when demand was low and wants back in now things are selling for more than they are worth, I would question timing.

We could “what if?”, for hours. I am working off historical facts from previous panics on markets. I can tell you this, the “what if” folks that invested in bump stocks didn’t make sound investments, after worst case scenario became reality for them.

 

[Jimfern]

Just wait until the end of the year. You can already see stuff showing up on Midway and other sites. I've bet $ that thing gun related will be very close to normal by then. Prices may be a bit higher, but stuff will be there for you to buy.

 

[Hartkopf]

The old school market philosophy is "buy low sell high"

The new school market philosophy is "buy high sell higher"

The new school is on a LONG winning streak and their way of thinking might be the right way for a long time. Fundamentals are now ignored.

It really all depends on inflation IMO. Hopefully things return to normal but I don't have a good feeling about it.

 

[Rebar46nyc]

I am with hart on this. We have all seen what is going on and yes things seem to be coming back.... but inflation is rolling like a train down hill right now! I have a feeling it will be getting worse as the summer seems to be the time that things get bad and the political assault on everything Guns is also on that downhill train it is only a matter of time until they come after the ability to purchase components

 

[crestoncowboy]

I reload just to shoot. I won't say I hate standing there reloading.....but most of the time that would probably be accurate. Ill not sell my tools but other than some oddball calibers I can (normally. Not now) buy it loaded cheap enough to not bother reloading. Never bad to have the option though.