The run on ammo and accessories is ON

[zip777]

When I first got my sport a month or so ago I thought the market was squeezed. Picked up 1000 rounds lake city m193 and 6 magpul mags at $11 a pop. A week after that got 500 rounds 62 gr psp from freedomunitions. Now sold out. Now pmag prices up 1 to 5 a mag. Picked up another 5 today and another 200 rounds American eagle 5.56 at a good price.

I've seen some of the bulk silver bear creep into the market but anything non FMJ is getting really hard to find. My guess is in a year it will all be impossible to find unless you want to shell out bucks.

I'm hoping this is a trend that passes because if the recent run on "sporting rifles". For now I'm stocking as I can. It just sucks! Lol

[zip777]

Sorry **rant over**

[Arik]

In my area nothing is hard to find, just more $. In the summer i bought 420 rounds of 62gr green tip 5.56 for $140. Now its $200

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[zip777]

That's true but IMO green tip is not what I'll stock up on. And that's my point as well $140 to $200 in a few months?? Not a good trend. That's one reason I'm buying all brass. Sure steel is cheap but eventually you better reload!

[zip777]

Nothing wrong with green tip but m855 IMO is not as "useful" as m193 or a JHP/psp round...unless of course you are just practicing then the cheaper the better...unless you want to save brass.

[NotObvious]

55gr fmj xm193 or some good quality 60gr polymer tipped target ammo is great to have around.

The good stuff is the 68gr OTM or 69gr SMK loads, but, they are getting harder to come by.

75gr TAP and the other heavy loads are all but gone at this moment.

There is still stuff to be found but getting more scarce.

[MP22]

Yep...same in my area. A frenzy going on with the AR's and ammo.

[JaPes]

Geographic location and local demand are factors contributing to ammunition availability. If you local retail outlet is out of either your choice of factory ammo or any factory ammo altogether, you're out of luck. You can mitigate local factory ammo shortages by buying ammunition in bulk via the internet. While this addresses availability, it does not insulate you from price fluctuations. If you're really concerned about insulating yourself from factory ammunition trials and tribulations, learn to reload.

I was just like you. In my part of Illinois, firearms retailers & ammo retailers are few and far between. There is no market competition to drive down prices. I'd drive between the few outlets in my area, hoping to find ammo. I'd be ecstatic to find a single box of ammunition. As if I were on a hunt, I'd stalk the stores. I'd drop by every day.

Waste of time, energy, fuel. Pointless frustration & distress.

Thanks to Grover, Bill, and others giving me the push, I learned to reload. It started with an inexpensive Lee Breech Lock Hand Press Kit, 38/357 carbide dies, and a reloading manual.





I then acquired the necessary reloading gear & consumables, and built up my reloading pantry. After that, I just added more dies.

Now I have the on-demand ammo supply which used to only exist in my dreams. I now have custom tailored ammunition at a cost 50% or less than factory ammunition. I walk by factory ammo on the shelf, and truly have a choice whether to buy it or not. I walk by the factory ammo aisle and pity those guys that have no other choice but to buy factory ammo.





If factory ammo and availability frustrates you, do something about it. Take control.

[rebs081]

CCI #400 primers and H335 powder has dried up around here.

[zip777]

I agree NotO and that's exactly why I'm building my "base" of m193 and 62 grain psp. not only does that give me my buffer it also provides me with BRASS.

That being said JaPes that is exactly my plan now. I can now start saving for reloading supplies. I've been watching the reloading thread daily but don't respond much because I have no knowledge to contribute.

How much was your initial investment? I'll eventually only need to reload 3 calibers. Mainly .223 / 5.56, 9mm and .38. I almost never fire my .357 since my pistol is chambered for both it and .38 and the .22lr stuff I'll just buy!

I have NO IDEA where to start!!!

[zip777]

That lee hand press is only $32! That's cheap! So what is a list of what I'll need for .223?? Press, bullets, primers, powder, tumbler, scale ???? That's just what I gleaned from the reloading thread. Time to pull out the cheaper than dirt catalog! Should get one from matchez and midwayusa with my recent purchases. ANY help greatly appreciated to help this rookie out! Thanks guys.

[MichiganScott]

JaPes has a very good point about loading your own. If you buy components in bulk and on sale, your ammunition can be relatively cheap. Last I checked, you could load your own M193 for about $0.25 each or match quality ammunition for $0.35 a shot.

I just bought a case of M193 Federal for about $0.40 each, simply to have it on hand for teaching. With careful purchasing, you can pay for initial start-up after shooting around 2600 rounds of .223.

You don't save as much loading for handguns unless you cast your own bullets. If you wish to load premium big bores like a 300gr Nosler Partition in a .375 H&H, you can recoup your initial investment in as little as 160 shots.

Addendum: I used the regular Midway price for a Rockchucker kit to figure savings.

[zip777]

Looking at a Natchez catalog I saw a hornady lock and load classic kit that includes 500 free bullets. Is a kit like this a good idea or better to piece meal a kit together??

[Joewisc]

That's the trouble with reloading; prices on all the components you need are rapidly rising. Which is why I buy factory ammo. Bulk/brick .22LR still in ample supply in my area.

[BHarada]

Originally Posted by zip777

Looking at a Natchez catalog I saw a hornady lock and load classic kit that includes 500 free bullets. Is a kit like this a good idea or better to piece meal a kit together??

I started out buying a RCBS Jr. kit back in the early 80s for under $100. It included a rotor-based powder measure and a small balance beam scale. In the 30+ years since buying it the only component I've replaced is the powder measure (bought a Lee Perfect Powder Measure a few months ago). So you don't need to buy an elaborate setup to start reloading.

And unless you're planning on forming cases (e.g 30-06 into 308) you don't need a massive press. Just stick to trusted name brands like Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman...and you'll be set for years.

But you'll find that serious reloaders don't necessarily replace their components but rather they add additional stations to fit specific reloading needs. My friend has several RCBS Rockchuckers for making precision target loads and a couple of Dillon progressive reloaders for bulk reloading.

[BHarada]

Oh, one more thing. Clean range pickups of once-fired brass is the reloader's best friend. Every range trip I'd end up bringing home 30-150 pieces of brass. I shoot at a club run range that has a concrete floor. They're only open Fri - Mon, so if you hit the range on Monday you'll find four days worth of brass to pick through.

Technically the range owns any left-behind brass, but they don't bother you if you police the area around the bench you're shooting from.

[zip777]

I'm sure you are right Joe but its still got to be cheaper! As far as .22lr ammo I'll just buy that. It's cheap and plentiful ! My CCI Velocitors are a little harder to find but no too bad. My main concerns will be .223 and .38 as 9mm cost still isn't too bad for factory. I'll start with .223 (something tells me I'll be shooting a LOT with my sport lol) then add a .38 die then 9mm....

[stavman11]

Agree 1000% with JaPes

I started going thru 200+ rds a week with my sport... and over 500 .22 and 100+ .38s/9mm/.357

So I had ta do something....

Got a Lee Progressive 1000 with .223 dies, tumbler, media, etc etc etc for just around $300.... started with 1lb Powder and Local lead and Primers.... Since I have Purchased 6000 bullets, 5000+ Primers... 48lbs Bulk Powder and my 1shot Brass. I have aprox 1500 brass at my disposal....

my .223 loads run me about $.156 each....

I keep looking at starting to load 9mm and .357 but they are still reasonably priced and available... so havent yet

Im like JaPes... ill cruze the Ammo isles for any GOOD sales to increase my Brass count but havent baught .223 ammo in Months..... still have about 300rds I purchased before i started loading


If I am out of ammo... I take an Hour or so and have Plenty for my next day shooting... plus just experimenting with loads is a Hobby in its self


mu $.02

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by zip777

I
That being said JaPes that is exactly my plan now. I can now start saving for reloading supplies.

How much was your initial investment? I'll eventually only need to reload 3 calibers. Mainly .223 / 5.56, 9mm and .38. I almost never fire my .357 since my pistol is chambered for both it and .38 and the .22lr stuff I'll just buy!!

Originally Posted by zip777

That lee hand press is only $32! That's cheap! So what is a list of what I'll need for .223?? Press, bullets, primers, powder, tumbler, scale ???? That's just what I gleaned from the reloading thread. Time to pull out the cheaper than dirt catalog! Should get one from matchez and midwayusa with my recent purchases. ANY help greatly appreciated to help this rookie out! Thanks guys.

If you choose Lee equipment, go here: https://fsreloading.com/

My initial reloading equipment investment was under $200. I added a few tools along the way. I easily recouped my investment in equipment through ammo savings within 4 months.

I'm limited to 1hr range sessions. I can't shoot any more rounds in an hour. I'm actually saving money, not shooting more.

Lee is the most affordable reloading equipment. It works for me. YMMV.

Lee Hand Press Kit = $34

Die kit:
Carbide 4-Die (Pistol) = $36.99
Rifle 3-Die (Rifle) = $30.00

Per set of dies = Breech Lock Bushings, 2 per pack, 2 packs = $20

Digital reloading scale w/pan & check weight = $30

Digital calipers = $9.99

Powder Trickler = $10

Reloading Manual = $50

Chicago Electric Ultrasonic Cleaner (2.5L) = $40

Reloading block/tray X 2 = $20

The Lee Breech Lock Hand Press kit comes with a ram prime. I like to use the ram prime when loading .223. For pistols, I use a Lee Ergo Prime. Rifle cases need to be lubed.

I pick up my brass. I pick up unclaimed strays in my lane. I use a brass catcher when possible on long guns. I keep an eye out for cheap brass at gun shows.

I'd like to increase my output with a turret or progressive, but I don't have the room for it right now. Also, the hand press produces enough to support my habit.

Originally Posted by MichiganScott

JaPes has a very good point about loading your own. If you buy components in bulk and on sale, your ammunition can be relatively cheap.

^Yup. It's an up front hit to the pocket to buy 4K primers, 4K projectiles & a keg of powder. BUT... you're making 4K rounds of ammo at a significant savings over factory.

Originally Posted by MichiganScott

You don't save as much loading for handguns unless you cast your own bullets.

The savings increase like crazy when you cast your own. I haven't got to that point yet. By hunting down sales on consumables, I'm still able to load 9mm for near half the cost of factory. Any savings is still savings.

Here's an easy way to estimate your production costs based upon component cost:

Handloading Cost Calculator

Originally Posted by zip777

Looking at a Natchez catalog I saw a hornady lock and load classic kit that includes 500 free bullets. Is a kit like this a good idea or better to piece meal a kit together??

Kits are usually cheaper that buying individual pieces.

Originally Posted by Joewisc

That's the trouble with reloading; prices on all the components you need are rapidly rising. Which is why I buy factory ammo. Bulk/brick .22LR still in ample supply in my area.

The price of components is on the rise, but that also means that factory ammo prices increase at a higher rate. Factory has to pay their overhead costs. My overhead costs are my daily living expenses.

Originally Posted by BHarada

Oh, one more thing. Clean range pickups of once-fired brass is the reloader's best friend. Every range trip I'd end up bringing home 30-150 pieces of brass. I shoot at a club run range that has a concrete floor. They're only open Fri - Mon, so if you hit the range on Monday you'll find four days worth of brass to pick through.

Technically the range owns any left-behind brass, but they don't bother you if you police the area around the bench you're shooting from.

^ Words of wisdom here.

I have brass in calibers I don't own.... yet.

The other good thing about reloading is that once you get over the initial equipment investment hump, adding calibers is a matter of dies, cases, and powder. Reloading opened up calibers I couldn't afford to shoot otherwise.

Originally Posted by zip777

As far as .22lr ammo I'll just buy that.

We all have to buy .22lr. Rimfire is not reloadable.

Originally Posted by zip777

My main concerns will be .223 and .38 as 9mm cost still isn't too bad for factory. I'll start with .223 (something tells me I'll be shooting a LOT with my sport lol) then add a .38 die then 9mm....

Out of the three you listed, I am of the opinion that you start with .38 Special. Straight wall pistol cartridge is easier to cut your teeth on than bottle necked rifle cartridges. It's also a little easier than learning on low case volume, tapered 9mm cases.

You do know that when you buy .38 Special dies, you can reload .357 Magnum right? It's a matter of die adjustment.

Originally Posted by stavman11

Agree 1000% with JaPes

...

I keep looking at starting to load 9mm and .357 but they are still reasonably priced and available... so havent yet

Im like JaPes... ill cruze the Ammo isles for any GOOD sales to increase my Brass count but havent baught .223 ammo in Months..... still have about 300rds I purchased before i started loading


If I am out of ammo... I take an Hour or so and have Plenty for my next day shooting... plus just experimenting with loads is a Hobby in its self


mu $.02

Thanks! I do the same. If there's a decent sale, I call it buying pre-loaded brass.

Chuck your component cost estimate into the handload cost calculator for both 9mm & .357 Mag. I think you'll be surprised.

[Shinny]

Thanks for the info guys. I've been thinking about reloading but I've been skeptical about cost savings. JaPes' post sold me all the way. Now.....how do I convince my wife that it's needed before x-mas?

Any brands better than others? I want to load .223 of course for my very hungry sport, 9mm and .40 S&W

[zip777]

My decision now is a single press or progressive. Not sure I even understand the difference! I've heard NOT to start with a progressive. Is a progressive faster?? Since my time is pressed I'd pony up a little more for something a little faster.

<< rookie

[Shinny]

Zip, I'm in the same boat. I think the progressive pumps out a round with each pull of the handle and why not start with one if I'm probably going to get one soon after starting?

[zip777]

I hear ya! I'm a buy once cry once kinda guy (within reason). I just don't know enough to decide the best way to start.

[Backlighting]

Reloading is not a concern for me. I keep about 500 rounds of .44 special & 500 rounds of .40 S&W for my main rigs. I only shoot those rarely & prefer to use my 22lr here in the desert. For me, I enjoy shooting the rimfires.
I pay about $19 per 525 round box (Sportsman's Wherehouse). Shooting once a week that lasts me about a month. I hope the rimfire rounds don't escalate in price.

[Shinny]

I can't even decide which book to get first to learn, there are so many

[Shinny]

Originally Posted by Backlighting

Reloading is not a concern for me. I keep about 500 rounds of .44 special & 500 rounds of .40 S&W for my main rigs. I only shoot those rarely & prefer to use my 22lr here in the desert. For me, I enjoy shooting the rimfires.
I pay about $19 per 525 round box (Sportsman's Wherehouse). Shooting once a week that lasts me about a month. I hope the rimfire rounds don't escalate in price.

I will too, as soon as I get my 15-22. I think the reloading will keep me busy and away from shopping on the internet and messing with my other expensive hobbies, scuba diving and lacrosse. I can't seem to find a cheap hobby

[Backlighting]

Originally Posted by Shinny

I will too, as soon as I get my 15-22. I think the reloading will keep me busy and away from shopping on the internet and messing with my other expensive hobbies, scuba diving and lacrosse. I can't seem to find a cheap hobby

I recently sold a Ruger 10/22 Takedown. I liked it somewhat but prefer using my Glock with a 22lr conversion. Easier to clean than the rifle and lighter & smaller for the backpack. To each his own.

[zip777]

Shinny you have what is called "The Cowboy Hat Syndrome". My mother gave me that moniker 43 years ago! Had to have what I want and when I wanted it. She always told me....

Dammit boy take off that cowboy hat would ya!!?? lmao

[zip777]

Originally Posted by Backlighting

Reloading is not a concern for me. I keep about 500 rounds of .44 special & 500 rounds of .40 S&W for my main rigs. I only shoot those rarely & prefer to use my 22lr here in the desert. For me, I enjoy shooting the rimfires.
I pay about $19 per 525 round box (Sportsman's Wherehouse). Shooting once a week that lasts me about a month. I hope the rimfire rounds don't escalate in price.

When I'm shooting rimfire I'm just in love with my cz452. With my 50mm Nitrex scope it's real nice to be that super accurate. I am strongly considering a s&w 22a with a 7" barrel to have a pistol option in .22lr. My problem is I always want to practice with all my toys. Reloading here I come!!!

[Backlighting]

Originally Posted by zip777

When I'm shooting rimfire I'm just in love with my cz452. With my 50mm Nitrex scope it's real nice to be that super accurate. I am strongly considering a s&w 22a with a 7" barrel to have a pistol option in .22lr. My problem is I always want to practice with all my toys. Reloading here I come!!!

Enjoy our lives, it's the only one we'll ever have.

[zip777]

My thoughts exactly. Where's my damn cowboy hat?! Hahaha

[Shinny]

Originally Posted by zip777

Shinny you have what is called "The Cowboy Hat Syndrome". My mother gave me that moniker 43 years ago! Had to have what I want and when I wanted it. She always told me....

Dammit boy take off that cowboy hat would ya!!?? lmao

Then the sun will get in my eyes and I won't be able to see
I like to learn new things too much I think.

[zip777]

I prefer to leave my hat on whenever possible! Ha!!

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by zip777

My decision now is a single press or progressive. Not sure I even understand the difference!

Originally Posted by Shinny

Zip, I'm in the same boat. I think the progressive pumps out a round with each pull of the handle and why not start with one if I'm probably going to get one soon after starting?

Here you guys go. The difference between the types of presses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqChUEgrVDc

A single stage press is great to start on. It forces me to pay attention to every step of the process. I think most of the guys that have the super-duper progressives still keep a single stage around.

Originally Posted by Shinny

I can't even decide which book to get first to learn, there are so many

Pick one. Lee, Lyman, Speer, Hornady. More than likely you'll eventually end up with all of them.

If you choose to use Lee equipment, I highly recommend buying the Lee Reloading Manual. The instructional section goes over the basics of reloading, and illustrates the process using Lee equipment.

[Titegroups]

Not much point in buying reloading equipment, 223 components have already dried up. save your money.

[zip777]

Originally Posted by Titegroups

Not much point in buying reloading equipment, 223 components have already dried up. save your money.

A lot of guys here still buy components for .223. Are you certain or is this local to you??

[zip777]

Interesting video JaPes thanks. That guy on the vid was saying pistol ammo doesn't reload well on a single stage. Do you find that to be a problem with the breech lock??

[Sebago Son]

Originally Posted by Arik

In my area nothing is hard to find, just more $. In the summer i bought 420 rounds of 62gr green tip 5.56 for $140. Now its $200

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

I paid $169 ea. for three cans of Lake City on strippers from Brownell's and thought I got a good deal....

[Argonnakid]

The only thing I've had troubles finding around here is the right sized primers. But anything else is fairly easy to come by. I am lucky to have a decent amount of LGS in my area.

[JaPes]

Originally Posted by zip777

Interesting video JaPes thanks. That guy on the vid was saying pistol ammo doesn't reload well on a single stage. Do you find that to be a problem with the breech lock??

The disadvantage to which the presenter speaks is a matter of volume of production.

• Decap & resize
• Prime
• Flare case mouth & Charge
• Seat projectile
• Crimp (if necessary)

In a nutshell these are the things you need to accomplish.

You'll be able to produce more ammunition on an auto-indexing progressive press than a single stage because you complete four die operations per pull of the handle, working on four rounds of ammunition.

You'll be able to produce more ammunition on a turret press than a single stage because you're only handling the case one time. One case movement into the shell holder, the rest of the operations happen sequentially through rotating the turret.

With the single stage, you're not only switching out dies every operation you're physically handling the case each operation.

The ammo I make on my hand press is as good as any that is output by a turret or progressive. It just takes a little longer.

Range time is $20/hr. I get to go shooting once a week or once every couple weeks. Given my situation, the hand press produces the volume of rounds I need.

The pace of a single stage hand press is an aide in ensuring that I'm paying attention to every step. Sure I'm handling a case over and over, but I'm also inspecting that case multiple through each operation.

While I would love to have a turret or auto indexing turret press, I still think there are more reloading nuances I must learn on a single stage.

Originally Posted by Argonnakid

The only thing I've had troubles finding around here is the right sized primers. But anything else is fairly easy to come by. I am lucky to have a decent amount of LGS in my area.

Yup. I'm able to readily find everything I need but small rifle primers. I've somewhat insulated myself from shortages by keeping 5K small rifle primers in the reloading pantry. I buy what I need when I see them to keep my reloading pantry supply hovered at 5K primers.

[gdauth]

Originally Posted by zip777

Sorry **rant over**

Zip, I just ordered a case of 22LR from SGAmmo, they have a lot of it as we'll as other calibers. Look at the online dealers. My local Wally World is always out of one thing or another, but they eventually get more in. I buy by the case because it is cheaper that way. If I find a good price, I buy. I have enough on hand that I can afford to wait until I find a good deal. For target work I use the cheaper calibers such as .22 LR or 9mm. I save my .223/5.56 in case I need to reach out and touch something. For serious home or self defense, you do not need to reach out to 300 - 400 yards, a well placed 9mm up to 50 yards is more than adequate. In fact, home or self defense will usually take place at distances shorter than 50 Yards.

All of this rant about a run on this or that becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

[bp231986]

Originally Posted by zip777

When I first got my sport a month or so ago I thought the market was squeezed. Picked up 1000 rounds lake city m193 and 6 magpul mags at $11 a pop. A week after that got 500 rounds 62 gr psp from freedomunitions. Now sold out. Now pmag prices up 1 to 5 a mag. Picked up another 5 today and another 200 rounds American eagle 5.56 at a good price.

I've seen some of the bulk silver bear creep into the market but anything non FMJ is getting really hard to find. My guess is in a year it will all be impossible to find unless you want to shell out bucks.

I'm hoping this is a trend that passes because if the recent run on "sporting rifles". For now I'm stocking as I can. It just sucks! Lol

ya i hope this trend passes as well. Wont get my AR for another month and 1/2 but thinking about going ahead and getting me several mags and some ammo just incase.

[Shinny]

Originally Posted by gdauth

In fact, home or self defense will usually take place at distances shorter than 50 Yards.

50 yards for home defense, that's 150 feet.... how big is your house, I need to live where you do,

[TangoFoxtrot]

Originally Posted by Arik

In my area nothing is hard to find, just more $. In the summer i bought 420 rounds of 62gr green tip 5.56 for $140. Now its $200

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

Yep ammo is going up all over, even in my area where you could get some good deals.

......but then again...what isn't going up in price???

[Titegroups]

Originally Posted by zip777

A lot of guys here still buy components for .223. Are you certain or is this local to you??

Ive loaded my own for years, search for 55g 223 bullets on the net, most are sold out. Lots of everything else is availible. I
Seems to be a ar thing.

[zip777]

Originally Posted by bp231986

ya i hope this trend passes as well. Wont get my AR for another month and 1/2 but thinking about going ahead and getting me several mags and some ammo just incase.

Highly recommended. Prices going up availability going down which will lead to even higher prices.

[zip777]

Originally Posted by Shinny

50 yards for home defense, that's 150 feet.... how big is your house, I need to live where you do,

I think he meant 50 FEET. If you are shooting someone from 50 yards in a non-SHTF situation they'll have a nice cell for you. LOL

[GM4spd]

Originally Posted by Joewisc

That's the trouble with reloading; prices on all the components you need are rapidly rising. Which is why I buy factory ammo. Bulk/brick .22LR still in ample supply in my area.

Good point---add the cost of YOUR time reloading on a per
hour basis---it aint worth it in my opinion. Unless you
really LIKE reloading--I'd rather spend my time shooting.
Pete

[zip777]

Originally Posted by Titegroups

Ive loaded my own for years, search for 55g 223 bullets on the net, most are sold out. Lots of everything else is availible. I
Seems to be a ar thing.

I did last night. First place had availability in several weights including 55 gr.

[Titegroups]

Like I said a lot is sold out.