Not sure if should reload.

[2meterB]

I have a friend that's getting out of reloading, and will sell his RCBS single stage and related for a good price.

But I'm having trouble putting the pieces together. .15-17 cents each for bullets (.40 and .45) factoring in time, powder, and primers, is not super economical.

Also, I haven't found pistol powder anywhere. My friend has some rifle powder at least that will be OK, if I can find some .224.


Granted, I probably won't run out of ammo in the next 6 months - but are these components really that hard to find? I'd hate to get a full set up ready to go, and not be able to produce rounds.

[Pablo5959]

If your going to load pistol ammo just for target. I would go with a turret press.
The single stage is a whole lot of work. If its for competition loading then its a good buy.

[Glockrocks]

Reloading will save you $$ over time. If you have more $$ than time then buy loaded ammo.
You will eventually get all the components to reload the calibers you shoot so save your brass if you choose to go that route.

[tiller]

I have a friend that's getting out of reloading, and will sell his RCBS single stage and related for a good price.

But I'm having trouble putting the pieces together. .15-17 cents each for bullets (.40 and .45) factoring in time, powder, and primers, is not super economical.

Also, I haven't found pistol powder anywhere. My friend has some rifle powder at least that will be OK, if I can find some .224.


Granted, I probably won't run out of ammo in the next 6 months - but are these components really that hard to find? I'd hate to get a full set up ready to go, and not be able to produce rounds.

nothing is hard to find now.... you just have to know what to look for and where to look... also familiarize your self with prices that way when you are out in the field you will know when to buy and when to just hold off

[fighter4cage]

You have to look long term. Slowly collect everything you will need over time, Powder, Bullets, Primers ect ect...
During this last panic buy, I sat down and reloaded a few thousand rounds of everything I needed to shoot during the long dry spell 40,223,357 ect ect ..... I never was without ammo and continued to shoot when ever I wanted...

[jj805]

I have a friend that's getting out of reloading, and will sell his RCBS single stage and related for a good price.

But I'm having trouble putting the pieces together. .15-17 cents each for bullets (.40 and .45) factoring in time, powder, and primers, is not super economical.

Also, I haven't found pistol powder anywhere. My friend has some rifle powder at least that will be OK, if I can find some .224.


Granted, I probably won't run out of ammo in the next 6 months - but are these components really that hard to find? I'd hate to get a full set up ready to go, and not be able to produce rounds.

You can find the components pretty easily. As tiller pointed out, you just need to know where to look. If you can get the setup for a good price, why not give it a go. You could always sale the setup if you determine that reloading isn't for you. I personally enjoy spending the time prepping and loading. Plus you get the added benefit of being able to fine tune the load to your gun and producing more accurate ammo than the factory stuff.

[2meterB]

so.. where should I look? Mostly I've been knocking on doors at the LGS, and shopping at midway, cabelas, etc.

I have a cart full of bullets and primers at Cabelas, but it seems pretty spendy.

[Glockrocks]

2meterB I feel your pain, trying to reload 308 (new caliber for me) and I'm $400+ on just dies cases and 200 bullets. I have a single stage press, but cannot find powder or primers at a decent price. Checking Widner's , Midsouth Shooters, gunbot and still nothing.. just gonna have to wait an see what pops up.

[BigBronco]

Knowing your location might help someone direct you to a local source for components.

[J_BEEM]

im reloading 9mm for under 14 cents per round right now, so thats about half the price of commercial loaded ammo right now.

You might want to upgrade that press sooner than later but its a good product. Im using an rcbs turret press and a dillon right now.

[jj805]

so.. where should I look? Mostly I've been knocking on doors at the LGS, and shopping at midway, cabelas, etc.

I have a cart full of bullets and primers at Cabelas, but it seems pretty spendy.

Knowing what calibers you reload would help. I am not going to list off all the websites for you, but here are a few.

http://www.powdervalleyinc.com

http://www.grafs.com/

http://www.brownells.com/

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/

http://www.xtremebullets.com/Default.asp

It also would be a good idea to keep an eye out for group buys that come up from time to time. You could also look into the reloading club, if there is one in your area

[2meterB]

Thanks

[JagerDog]

Depends how much you shoot and how much time you've got. Pretty easy to shoot for 1/2 price if you don't count time and you have brass.

Buying bulk helps a lot at the per round cost, but takes some investment. Shooting lead or plated saves some more. About the cheapest good FMJ's I know of are precision delta. Lead costs about 2/3 of that and plated is between.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

It also depends on how much you shoot and how old you are. If you shoot 1,000 rounds a year, a single stage will work fine for you. If its 1,000 rounds a month, then probably not. Age is another factor. I bought my single stage when I was 16. It has more than paid for itself over the years. I've loaded thousands of rounds. Look for deals on components, buy in bulk and store the excess. The tools will never go down in price and components will only increase in value if properly stored. There is one other benefit. When shortages occur and they will again, you will not be effected like others who don't reload. I can't remember the last time I needed ammo and couldn't make it.

[Ninask]

Reloading is survival now,
if you don't get the gear soon
in the years to come you'll be one of the mob desperately scrounging for whatever ammo you can find, regularly