May actually be reloading soon!

[Duster340]

Well, after months of buying reloading manuals, studying, press/die set-up, studying, looking for components, studying, looking for components ( you get the picture LOL) I stumbled across a couple components! Was at the LGS putting my M&P 40 through it's paces with my new (had for months but no magazines until last week) 9mm Stormlake conversion barrel through it paces. After burning through a bunch of 9mm, and 40's...I packed up and strolled through the reloading section with low expectations as the shelves have been pretty bare lately. To my surprise I scored some H110 and 200 .44 Winchester 240 gr SP bullets. Not a primer to be found, so the hunt for LM primers continues. Still looking for powder/primers/bullets for the .40 and if I'm luckly they'll have some in when I return next week. It may just be me, but it seems like things are finally starting to settled down a bit....at least I hope. Hopefully my next post will actual entail my first reloads!

Be well all....

 

[Bugkiller99]

Hope to join the ranks also. Similar story. Got in bullets today, last missing piece of the puzzle. Coincidentally I met the mailman at the door as I was headed to the range. So hopefully I've fired my last factory load.

 

[rwsmith]

That's not so bad

A few months of thinkin' and learnin' time is good for you. Keep looking and some primers will show up and you will be on your way. The bad thing is nowadays you kinda have to settle for what you can find rather than what you want. It's been good in a way because I've had to learn and use some things I wouldn't have tried otherwise.

 

[Clovishound]

In my area, the LPP have been more available than SPP. Having said that, I stopped by my LGS on the way home from work last week and discovered CCI SPPs in stock. Don't know if I was just lucky, or that things are getting better.

Will probably pick up more powder whenever it shows up. I have enough for the rest of the year, but would feel better to have enough to load up the primers I have on hand.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

Awesome! I decided to get into reloading during the Great Ammo/Component Shortage of '09. I got a bunch of used reloding gear and started gathering brass, which I'd prep.

I'd get some bullets here, some primers there and finally got some Bullseye one day. I was in business.

Be safe and have fun.

 

[cddanjr]

Took a little trip to Las Vegas, stopped by the Bass Pro Shops, and found CCI large pistol primers! They just came in, and I got 2000! Woohoo!

Made the trip all the better!

Reloading is great! The IMR 700x powder is pretty good for 45acp, 230g, 4.8g, a little dirtier than store bought ammo but still pretty darn good.

Chuck

 

[Duster340]

Hit the local BassPro at lunch today and scored a coiuple bricks of CCI primers LP and SP. So I can finally start loading! Also got a pound of Blue Dot to boot! A good day.

 

[Bugkiller99]

As noted above, I finally got the last missing piece in a few days ago. I decided that what better day was there for me to do my first reloads than Independence Day! Made 15 rounds, 5 for each pistol. Hope to get to the range Saturday to see how they shoot.
It's a great Fourth!

 

[S&WProtected]

Good for you, reloading is a lot of fun. I enjoy it and it cuts the cost of a box of ammo in half depending on what your components prices are. I will say there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had when you make your own rounds and they shoot well. So good luck and enjoy.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Hay "Dusty", its sort of tough right now but it will get better
and you will be able to get bullets and powders , even if it takes getting a new President !!

Reloading is the "Only way to Fly".

Sure boxes of ammo are nice...if you can get them..........
but if you have 500 bullets, primers and powder.......

You don't need to worry.

Hang in there.

 

[Kenley]

I started reloading in the midle 70's for my K-38 and 28. Heck, ammo was over $4.00 a box and I could reload with 148gr. HBWC for 2 1/2 cents a pop. Now I make my own bullets and using my stash of primers and bullseye it's still about the same. I am dreading the day when I have to buy any more componets. I do .38,.357,.45ACP and 44 Special and 9mm Lugar. I was just given a .38 Super with dies etc. I wish I had discovered this wonderful ctg years ago.

 

[scooter123]

Keep an eye on the available reloading components thread in this sub forum. By doing this I've been able to keep a stock of bullets and powder on hand.

As for Primers, I've found all I've needed at local monthly gun shows and at Fin, Feather, and Fur in Ohio. BTW, limits on purchases can be an issue so if you are really short on primers or just starting out take a friend along so you can double your purchase amount. BTW, the "Fin" has a limit of 2000 primers of each type with a 6000 total limit of all primers with a price of 40 dollars per thousand, so getting a years supply won't happen in one trip. As for the local gun shows, you won't find primers at every show but they do show up, in my area at about 40-50 bucks per thousand. Yeah, I am paying a bit more for primers, however factor in the hazmat and shipping charges on 5000 primers over the net and you'll find the total cost per thousand will run right at 40 dollars. IMO the days of primers for 30 dollars per thousand or less are well behind us and 40 dollars per thousand is what I consider the new normal.

 

[edprof]

We're beginning to see a slow thaw on components here in Northwest Arkansas. But it's been slow for about a year.

 

[JoeCap]

Re-Loading supply Info

Hi All, I used to reload years ago. I sold all my stuff about 15 years ok. Used to shoot weekly, plus hunted.
Now I am back and into my Guns again.
Question is, where or who would be the best suppler to buy re-loading components

 

[novalty]

Hi All, I used to reload years ago. I sold all my stuff about 15 years ok. Used to shoot weekly, plus hunted.
Now I am back and into my Guns again.
Question is, where or who would be the best suppler to buy re-loading components

JoeCap, the demand for reloading components is still extremely high, and most items (primers & powder) are SOLD OUT everywhere. I created a thread (link here) to notify members when components become available, and with the help of several other forum members we have kept some fellow S&W enthusiasts reloading and shooting.

There are several good vendors out there, and some I wouldn't use (CTD ), if you want to send me a list of what you are looking for I will keep that in mind in my internet searching.

Regards,
Novalty

 

[Bugkiller99]

JoeCap, I have just started reloading. It has taken me 4 -5 months to get components and equipment to reload 1 caliber. I suggest much patience and perseverance.
I would caution against placing backorders with vendors. I have not gotten anything by placing backorders. Be prepared to spend time looking on the the internet and any LGS in your area.
Use the thread Novalty has linked above, and his offer to help you find supplies. MANY forum readers are able to reload because of his help.

 

[jfp357]

I just started reloading, got about 400- 500 rounds done. Started with accurate #5 very dirty ! Went to Ramshot True Blue very nice stuff. LGS do have components but, you have to go to more than one to get all you need. The internet helps too. I got the Lee 4 turret classic. It has worked for me.

 

[Duster340]

Update

It's Official...

I am hooked!!! While it's only been a few month now, I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy reloading. I find it enjoyable, relaxing and a great way to unwind after stressful days in the office. Worked up a variety of loads for the .44 and .40, but the more I load, the more I want to try different powders, bullet configurations etc.

I also want to thank all of you for your input, support and suggestion in this and other threads I have started.

Be well all.

Pat

P.s. Now back to the reloading bench!