The first thing I do when acquiring a firearm in a new caliber is to order a set of reloading dies and a bullet mold. We have experienced a couple of long periods in which ammunition, powder, primers, and other components were not available at any cost. We have also seen political efforts to limit, eliminate, or tax to death any and all sporting ammunition. I will always be able to supply myself, regardless of market or political conditions.
I own a few firearms that, although more than 40 years old, have never been fired with factory ammunition. I also own a number of antique arms that can only be kept functional by loading my own. I usually shoot once per week to maintain proficiency with my handguns, something that would be much more expensive if I did not roll my own ammo.
From my tabletop with my computer I can see my ammo closet right now. It contains over 10,000 rounds of ammunition in a dozen calibers. I can take my .45 to the range every week and shoot 50 rounds for the next year or two without reloading more, and I have the primers, powder, and bullets laid in to load another two or three thousand rounds.
Anyone who relies upon retail sales outlets for ammunition should think long and hard about either stockpiling now while it is relatively available, or getting set up to make their own. The next shortage (whether it be by manufacturers' limitations or government restrictions) will come, and probably without much warning.
Anybody else ever read the UN Treaty on Small Arms? Check out the proposed limits on ammunition, reloading, licensing requirements, and all the rest of what they have planned for your future.
