What to look for at gun show

[Jimbo1]

We are having a gun show here this comming weekend. I hear everyone saying that is the place to find ammo cheap. But most of the deals are (I assume), someone elses hand loads. What should I look for in finding SAFE loads? I know nothing about re-loading at this point, but don't want to have to keep feeding $20 per box ammo through my 1911, 357, and Makarov.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[ocabj]

Most of the 'cheap' ammo I see are Wolf and remanufactured ammo. Ammo vendors tend to also dabble in remanufacturing/reloading their own ammo. Buying remanufactured ammo by smaller vendors is a toss up. Are you willing to trust that it's safe? That's pretty much the main factor.

 

[Bandit01]

Personally, I would never shoot someone elses' hand loaded stuff. How do you know that it's safe? How to you konw that you're not shooting squib loads? How do you know that they didn't double charge? And the previous person is right, the majority of ammo that I've seen is Wolf.

Do like the rest of us did--get into reloading

 

[Jimbo1]

That is my plan for this winter. Don't have time to do the required study needed to reload myself. But I don't really trust or know the people at the shows. Just wondering if there is any sign that I could look for that the seller may not be careful.

I now have almost (even though that isn't possible), all of the weapons I want. I want to reload for everything except 22. And also to stock up on all the supplies to reload, but reloading without the correct education just seems danerous to me. Besides I like my weapons the way they are, and all my body parts were they are at.

If the ammo is wolf, how do I tell reloads from bulk?

 

[Bandit01]

JImbo, from what I've always seen, vendors will have a sign advertising the reloaded ammo. My first 10mm pistol was a Glock 20. I purchased around 100 rounds of "Hot" 10mm ammo from a local show. Several were squib loads, and the majority had no real recoil. Then, I didn't inspect the bag well (I was a newbie), there was a lot of ugly looking dirty rounds there. Just becareful my friend--in my opinion gun shows are nothing more than junk shows.

 

[countertop]

Look for lots of surplus ammo which is mostly safe (though sometimes corrosive - beware the Korean 30-06). Never had a problem with reloads I purchased, but you can usually tell about the quality by talking to the seller and looking at the ammo itself.

Which show is this? Where is it being held?? I may try to make it down for it.

 

[BigSlick]

in my opinion gun shows are nothing more than junk shows.

+1

Buying gunshow reloads can be a crapshoot at best.

For cheap(er) ammo, the best way is to buy in bulk, or from the 'net.

Most of the locals around here that sell ammo are either just a tad shady or will sell anything without regard to quality.

If you look closely, you will see reloads with prices at or near commercial new retail prices. Of course, they are 'the best', 'the hottest' or 'tack driving'. Too many FFL06 holders are folks who bought a 650 or a 1050 and load in their garage. Nothing bad with this per se, but if you do decide to buy reloads from an unknown source, make sure they have a current liability insurance policy and you know where to get in touch with them.

Two reloaders that have gained a good reputation are Georgia Arms and Dallas Reloading. I know GA has a website, I don't know about DR. I am sure there are others, but none come to mind right now.

Several online sources offer savings over most brick and mortar local retailers. Cabelas, Ammoman and AIM occasionally have sales or specials that can save you a buck or two a box.

In any event, reloading is MUCH more economical. You won't save money too often, but you will be able to shoot more for a lot less - and be able to tailor loads any way you wish.

The other real benefit is not having to find a retailer that has your preferred ammo on the shelf when you want it. If you decide at 9:00 PM Saturday night, you are going shooting Sunday afternoon, you can have ammo ready to go without ever leaving home.

Good luck in your search...

BigSlick

 

[callgood]

+1 on Georgia Arms. I have ordered their 10mm via the web and have been satisfied with performance and their service. I am reloading for 10mm now, but would use them again if needed and may do so for 5.56.

One thing I have heard of people doing is to call them, see if they are going to attend the show. Buy via phone and pay then by cc, with understanding that they will deliver to show. Save freight and possibly sales tax.

 

[Jimbo1]

Countertop--Will be at the Richmond raceway complex. I will try to get over there on Saturday, but if you think you are going email and I'll give you my cell number and we could meet there.

I am also looking for a used bulgarian Makarov and possibly an SKS.

 

[TooTaxed]

I suggest that you avoid "hot" ammo at a gun show. The dealer should be able to tell you what powder and charge is used, as well as the bullet type and weight, and what the muzzle velocity and chamber pressure is (though you won't generally find this info on commercial ammo boxes!). The dealer should have a well-established business and reputation. Quick general indications of poor quality are discolored cases, cases of different length (especially rifle) and/or manufacturers in the same batch, deformed or mixed colors of primers, and primers at different depths.

 

[landon74]

I bought 1000 rounds of .223 that had been commercially reloaded, I shot about 50 rounds of it, it's really inconsistent, and some of the rounds really seemed hot of what I shot.... so I've been pulling it down and keeping the brass and bullets since I started reloading.... I won't be buying anybody elses reloads from here on out....

 

[nomikes]

What to look for

Buy from the guy who has all ten fingers.

 

[thebaldguy]

I recommend against purchasing reloaded ammo. I purchased two boxes of reloads years ago. They felt kind of hot, and left a lot of lead in the rifling. Then I noticed that two rounds has bulged bases; no way those were going in my cylinder. When I returned them to the store, I was told tough luck! Contact the loader they said, they just sell the ammo. There was no phone number or address on the box. I told them (nicely, I may add) that I would like them to contact the manufacturer about the defective ammo. They just shrugged. I left the two defective reloads on the counter, and informed them that I would not purchase these reloads and I would tell others not to buy it as well.