Ammo Prices Are Forcing Me

[Green Frog]

Well, as I continue to look at the "new normal" where "bargain" prices on 9mm seem to be anything under 50-75¢ or more per round and all other handgun rounds seem to be equally crazy, I guess it's time to sit down at the reloading bench and get to work. I'll start with 9s and probably try to get in some 327 FMs and 38 Spls while I'm in the mood. Here in VA we're starting to get some nicer weather and the restrictions due to Wu Flu seem to be loosening slightly, so it's definitely time to start thinking of a little quality time with my guns at the range! Thank Heaven for hoarded components!

Froggie

 

[smithra_66]

Well, as I continue to look at the "new normal" where "bargain" prices on 9mm seem to be anything under 50-75¢ or more per round and all other handgun rounds seem to be equally crazy, I guess it's time to sit down at the reloading bench and get to work. I'll start with 9s and probably try to get in some 327 FMs and 38 Spls while I'm in the mood. Here in VA we're starting to get some nicer weather and the restrictions due to Wu Flu seem to be loosening slightly, so it's definitely time to start thinking of a little quality time with my guns at the range! Thank Heaven for hoarded components!

Froggie

Good move. I think the one thing this iteration of ammo shortage will do is create whole lot more reloaders!

 

[chief38]

Good move. I think the one thing this iteration of ammo shortage will do is create whole lot more reloaders!

The shame of it is that if someone goes out and buys a reloading outfit - how do they get components?? Reloading right now for newbies with no inventory of components isn't so easy!

 

[max503]

I stocked up on powder, primers, and range brass. My lead comes from the backstop at the club. With a little work - which I enjoy - my 9's cost me around $2/box.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I stocked up on powder, primers, and range brass. My lead comes from the backstop at the club. With a little work - which I enjoy - my 9's cost me around $2/box.

Sifting thru the tailings again are you? I'm a brass rat but I'm not a miner of precious metals.

 

[cgt4570]

I didn't even remember that I had 9mm dies (that will also work with .380) until I was getting everything out to reload again since my last move.
I've never reloaded for those because they were cheaper to buy than load for. Wow, times have changed.
Thankfully I was an avid cowboy shooter so I have a stockpile of powder and primers. I can cast for about a dozen varieties and I'm reading up on crossing some .357 cast bullets into 9mm brass.
If it gets too bad, I know how to make my own black powder.

 

[BC38]

...Here in VA we're starting to get some nicer weather and the restrictions due to Wu Flu seem to be loosening slightly, so it's definitely time to start thinking of a little quality time with my guns at the range! Thank Heaven for hoarded components!

Ditto here in WA - we just went into Stage III.
Ditto on past "hoarding" of components too. Though I have continued to buy some stuff when I find it priced reasonably enough.
I just bought an 8lb jug of HS-6 for $225 today. I figured $28 a pound is close enough to pre-panic prices to be worth buying - especially considering what the same jug sold for $370-$580 with shipping on GunBroker this last week.

 

[Green Frog]

I had some primers we stuck back many years ago because the boxes had gotten damp and I got some misfires. Well, after 30+ years the boxes seem dry and those $.50/100 Federal SPPs would cost something like 10X as much today if I got lucky! I'm sure glad Dad didn't toss them out in disgust as I almost did... there were over 1500 of them! Was that extreme hoarding back then? I think on the next sunny day I'll take all of the boxes (remember the little flat, red Federal primer sleeves?) out and set them in the sun for a little extra dying just to be sure, but that supply of primers will provide the basis for a lot of practice loads in 9mm, 38 Spl, and 32 S&W Long. Even dregs of a powder can will be about a quarter pound, and charges of 4 grains or less don't use them up that fast, so with bullets I cast myself I'm still getting what I consider to be practice ammo virtually free as I clean out the old stuff from the cabinet. Life is indeed good!

Froggie

 

[chief38]

I stocked up on powder, primers, and range brass. My lead comes from the backstop at the club. With a little work - which I enjoy - my 9's cost me around $2/box.

Good planning Sir! Just be very careful while casting - lead fumes are very toxic and I'd say to NEVER do that indoors! Sounds like you are ready to roll your own!

 

[gwpercle]

After the last big powder / primer shortage I applied for and recieved my " Hoarders Card " and started hoarding powder , primers , bullet metal ( I cast my own bullets) and once fired cases from the local range .
I never thought I would resort to being a low life hoarding reloader but it was the only way to circumvent these "shortages" aka panic buying , that now happens every election year .
My new motto's are " Buy it when you see it " and ...
" Stock high , stock deep and stock wide "
Gary ,
Member HOA (Hoarders Of America)

 

[glowe]

Good planning Sir! Just be very careful while casting - lead fumes are very toxic and I'd say to NEVER do that indoors! Sounds like you are ready to roll your own!

Let's be accurate here, especially with novice lead casters. Certainly casting should not be done indoors or in a confined space, but at proper temperature, around 650 degrees F, there are no fumes given off by lead. It must rise above 900 degrees F to expose one to airborne lead fumes. Get a PIC Gauge B3B6-TT thermometer, 200/1000°F for under $20 on Amazon and always keep track of your lead temperatures. For added insurance, wear a mask. Any of the types you have laying all over your house right now will be fine.

 

[StrawHat]

Well, as I continue to look at the "new normal" where "bargain" prices on 9mm seem to be anything under 50-75¢ or more per round and all other handgun rounds seem to be equally crazy, I guess it's time to sit down at the reloading bench and get to work. I'll start with 9s and probably try to get in some 327 FMs and 38 Spls while I'm in the mood. Here in VA we're starting to get some nicer weather and the restrictions due to Wu Flu seem to be loosening slightly, so it's definitely time to start thinking of a little quality time with my guns at the range! Thank Heaven for hoarded components!

Froggie

Wait a minute, back up! You have firearms chambered for other than 32s?!!!!

Kevin

 

[elpac3]

Let's be accurate here, especially with novice lead casters. Certainly casting should not be done indoors or in a confined space, but at proper temperature, around 650 degrees F, there are no fumes given off by lead. It must rise above 900 degrees F to expose one to airborne lead fumes. Get a PIC Gauge B3B6-TT thermometer, 200/1000°F for under $20 on Amazon and always keep track of your lead temperatures. For added insurance, wear a mask. Any of the types you have laying all over your house right now will be fine.

As stated, at lower temperatures lead fume will not be your issue. Your major exposure will come from the lead dross. Careful handling of the dross is essential in preventing lead exposures. Also be aware that lead dross is regulated as hazardous waste and the best method of disposal would be to send it to a metals recycling center.

 

[Green Frog]

Wait a minute, back up! You have firearms chambered for other than 32s?!!!!

Kevin

OOPS! I've outed myself. Yes, in addition to the 32 family (including 32-40 in single shot rifles) I have been known to shoot a variety of other calibers, rifle and pistol, and even a couple of gauges of shotguns. Anyway, since I have a variety of primers, I have to figure out a way to use them up.

... but don't tell anyone! SSSHHH.
Froggie

 

[chief38]

Let's be accurate here, especially with novice lead casters. Certainly casting should not be done indoors or in a confined space, but at proper temperature, around 650 degrees F, there are no fumes given off by lead. It must rise above 900 degrees F to expose one to airborne lead fumes. Get a PIC Gauge B3B6-TT thermometer, 200/1000°F for under $20 on Amazon and always keep track of your lead temperatures. For added insurance, wear a mask. Any of the types you have laying all over your house right now will be fine.

I agree - but a novice won't necessarily know this.

I reload a bunch - but casting bullets is where I draw the line - I use to many tears ago. I'd just rather buy them and not have to worry. YES - a major price difference I know, but worth it to me. I'm now using Polymer Coated bullets anyway and would not want to venture into that either. For guys who have the patience to do these things - I take my hat off to you!

 

[Green Frog]

I agree - but a novice won't necessarily know this.

I reload a bunch - but casting bullets is where I draw the line - I use to many tears ago. I'd just rather buy them and not have to worry. YES - a major price difference I know, but worth it to me. I'm now using Polymer Coated bullets anyway and would not want to venture into that either. For guys who have the patience to do these things - I take my hat off to you!

It's not just a matter of patience for me, Chief. Not only do I shoot rifle bullets that are difficult or impossible to find pre-cast or swaged, but the commercial sources of bullets I have been using over the years are drying up... I've even considered casting hollow based wad cutters, especially in .313" which are nearly impossible to buy these days.

I'm not one who gets a great deal of pleasure standing at the casting bench and slaving over a hot lead pot, but when I need to, I can take a day or two and cast up a bunch of bullets to then be sized and lubed then loaded and shot over an extended period of time. In fact, this is about the only way I can shoot what I want when I want. yMMV!

Froggie

 

[STCM(SW)]

Lets see, have about 100 lbs of Lyman #2 ingots, found the 3000 SPP
in a draw I forgot about. More different powers that may be more then is
allowed here.....
I may be OK.... LOL!

 

[drgbike]

i realize lead is toxic but I have cast lead regularly since 1965. I am now 72 and have cast in basements, attics, sheds, kitchens, never out side [to hard to keep temps]. biannual blood tests have never shown any toxicity. I wear one glove for the mold. I think the hysteresis has been over blown, when Detroit had its water lead problem,they showed and old drain pipe with white corrosion on it and said it was so dangerous they could only handle it with gloves!!! Really!! I am pretty sure you could lick it and go on with your life happily. But this is just My Opinion.

 

[chief38]

It's not just a matter of patience for me, Chief. Not only do I shoot rifle bullets that are difficult or impossible to find pre-cast or swaged, but the commercial sources of bullets I have been using over the years are drying up... I've even considered casting hollow based wad cutters, especially in .313" which are nearly impossible to buy these days.

I'm not one who gets a great deal of pleasure standing at the casting bench and slaving over a hot lead pot, but when I need to, I can take a day or two and cast up a bunch of bullets to then be sized and lubed then loaded and shot over an extended period of time. In fact, this is about the only way I can shoot what I want when I want. yMMV!

Froggie

I hear ya. Sometimes we are sort of forced into things because they are practically unavailable or more trouble to find than making it yourself.

I just made 4 new reloading blocks for 9mm cases. Brownells sells them for around $4 - $5 bucks each but they never seem to have them in stock lately and I got tired of looking. I made them in 45 minutes on my Drill Press- DONE!

 

[max503]

Sifting thru the tailings again are you? I'm a brass rat but I'm not a miner of precious metals.

Actually, yes. But I'm confining myself to the lead at the base of the backstop plate. The plate is angled down and all the smushed boolits are lying on top of the sand, just waiting to be scooped into a bucket. I quit mining behind the bowling pin table. That lead is pulverized and mixed with pin debris. Way too much trouble to reclaim.