Supply Question - Primers/Powder

[TheCracker]

I started reloading the summer b4 the last election. The hardest thing to find was EVERYTHING! I was able to get a press but some dies I had to backorder for 90 days. Primers an bullets were the harder to find then powder but none of it was easy.

Since then ive built my primer, powder and bullet inventory evenly with enough I last me 10-15 years. If it gets to where we cannot find available components I'll hat stop shooting until it clears up. Now I only buy what I need to replace and that's been pretty easy.

I do agree with the sentiment that it's pretty silly to buy so much that u will never be able to shoot it up. I also think that you should basically stock your supplies evenly. No since in having 100,000 primers and only 8 lbs of powder and 2k bullets.

 

[50 Shooter]

People panic buying is our worst enemy period!

Everything for guns went out of control, what did they get? Over priced ammo and reloading components that are still lingering. If people would just relax and not listen to all the hype there wouldn't be any issues.

 

[FROGO207]

I just anticipate what stock I need for two or three years in advance and keep it there at that level. If a deal comes along I add against inflation. If we get a shortage in supplies then I would slow down or stop with the fun shooting until it goes away. IMHO you can cast bullets and there are a lot of different propellants that will work but primers are the one thing that is specific for your use. Those are the most important in the reloading link to me.

 

[USSR]

People panic buying is our worst enemy period!

Everything for guns went out of control, what did they get? Over priced ammo and reloading components that are still lingering. If people would just relax and not listen to all the hype there wouldn't be any issues.

Like anything else, it all depends on when you buy. You buy in advance, knowing that there will be a shortage and panic buying situation, you do fine. You buy in the midst of a supply shortage and panic buying scenario, you lose. Everybody here should have known this is an election year, and the likelyhood of a shortage and panic buying situation is, oh, about 100%, but some of you will wait until the shelves are nearly empty and the price stickers read like box car numbers. I'm sorry, if you simply cannot put together a cause and effect scenario in your mind, and come up with a plan to benefit yourself economically, I don't feel sorry for you. Blame it on the "hoarders" all you want, but you have nobody to blame but yourself. Just MHO.

Don

 

[Loco]

Primers for sure !!

 

[BullfrogKen]

Primers definitely were the hardest to find.

But some of the popular rifle powders, like Varget and 4895, and the pistol powders were stocked out, too. So were bullets.


In the order of hardest to find items to the easiest - primers > powder > bullets > brass.

At least you could find the non-reloaders willing to sell their brass, the only item left that could be recycled. A whole lot of those guys were asking stupid prices for handfuls of twenty and thirty pieces, too.

 

[Walkalong]

A whole lot of those guys were asking stupid prices

Oh yea. I kept seeing used .357 Mag cases sell, yes actually sell, for more than new cases.

 

[cajun1948]

I made an $500 dollar order from Powder Valley today and they ship the powder and primers together with no problem and just one Hasmat Fee Good people to deal with...

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Still seems to be plenty of powder, brass, bullets in stock locally (Charleston, WV) at this time. I was told that small rifle and small pistol primers are being delayed by the shipper in at least one store. They are opening a new Cabela's here this summer so hopefully they, Wal-Mart, Gander Mountain or Spring Hill Rod and Gun will be able to keep some supplies in stock until after the election. The two hardest components for me to locate were primers and 22 caliber bullets.

 

[JLDickmon]

stinkin' Zombies..
you're gonna need a lot more than components....

 

[Fishslayer]

Oh yea. I kept seeing used .357 Mag cases sell, yes actually sell, for more than new cases.

That was probly because Starline was waaaay backordered.

I started reloading in '09 and got super lucky on Castboolits & found a 500 lot of brand new Starline at a good price and a decent source of used brass.

Actually bought 300 rds of handloads of dubious origin & pulled 'em down for the brass & bullets.

Used .357 brass is still gold. When I stroll up to my lane & see the deck littered with a dozen pieces or so it's like Christmas!

 

[dickttx]

A couple of weeks ago I checked the brass bucket on the short range pistol lanes and like to fell over. Found 30 Winchester 357 cases, once fired and shiney.

 

[Walkalong]

That was probly because Starline was waaaay backordered

They were showing back ordered on their site, but I ordered 500 and received them within a month. I still have them put back. I am shooting the 400 or so range brass I picked up over the last 3 or 4 years.

 

[gahunter12]

I think I have enough powder to last me for a while. I have a 8lb jug of W231, and 8lbs of WST. I have been buying 3000 primers SPP, and LPP every other week since April. I load on average 1000 40s&w per month and 1000 45acp per month. My goal is to have about 15,000 primers of small and large put back by fall. This should last me a year I hope. I have 3600 40s&w rounds loaded for IDPA which should be enough for this year and get me started next year. I only shoot 2 matches per month and practice twice per month. I average 300 rnds per month. My supplies out weigh my shooting here lately due to me wanting to put back ammo, but I also enjoy my time at my loading bench. If I can spend a couple days per week loading in small quanities next year if we have a shortage I will be happy. Enjoy and be safe!