When I started reloading in 1972 many dealers stocked military surplus purchased in bulk, then sold in consumer quantities. Propellant powders were in barrels, dispensed by the pound, and carried home in paper bags or bring your own cans, typically about $2 per pound. Surplus primers were in wooden crates (probably 100,000 or more), sold by the thousand for about $4. Bullets shipped in barrels, then sold by the hundred.
Shotgun News carried ads from major suppliers shipping all over the country at very low prices. Powders that sold in the stores for $10 per pound could be had for $6. Primers that cost 4$9 per thousand retail could be had for $5 or $6.
I had two or three tire shops that I regularly visited to salvage used wheel weights. Spent some evenings on the police indoor range digging up the backstop areas, sifting out spent bullets, then replacing the sand for safe service. Salvaged lead plumbing from old buildings being demolished. Salvaged cast iron pot on a Coleman camp stove in the back yard, smelt, clean, pour into ingots (old muffin pan).
For .38 Spl, .45ACP, 9X19 I used to figure about $0.68 per box of 50 for primers and powder. That compared to $6 to $8 per box for new ammo.
Today, using primers and powders I stocked up on before the current crisis I figure about $2.50 to $3.00 per box of 50 (thus about 400% inflation over the past 50 years). That compares to $25 to $50 per box of new ammo (if you can find it).
When I run out of current supplies I will be back in the market for more powder and primers. My reloading costs will probably jump again, maybe triple or quadruple in cost. Even at that I'll still be shooting at half or less the cost of factory ammo.
The main point is that I am not totally dependent on ammo retailers and scalpers, and I can be pretty much assured of my supply. Throughout this crisis, and the last one, I have kept myself supplied as well as my two sons, several grandchildren, couple of brothers, and the occasional friend in desperate need.
