min/max levels for components

[bsumoba]

so i have a problem hoarding/collecting reloading components.

What do you store or have in stock for the following before you go off and acquire more? i have not only a happy trigger when i am at the range, but when im on the computer on midway, powdervalley, etc.

powder? probably 20 lbs since this is technically the max. I have 16 pounds now of unique, benchmark, 296, and 8208XBR

bullets? i have enough to do about 8000 rounds between .223, .357, 38sp, and 9mm

primers? i have enough primers to match the bullets.

brass? hoarding brass from the range and as i shoot my factory ammo, this will convert to reloading brass.

Should I start loading these into assembled ammo or keep them in its raw form until i am about ready to shoot?

[Divernhunter]

You can load up some extra now. It will keep.
I buy supplies when they are priced right. If a great deal I buy as much as I can afford. It will always store.
Powder I have loads for I buy in 4-8LB jugs. Powder I want to try for testing I get in one pound cans.
Primers are bought in min of 1000 per. I buy as many as I can afford if the price is a bargin.
I save any brass I can get at the range. The few I do not load I give to friends who do.
Bullets-Plinking I get in 1000 units and what I can afford when a good deal. Hunting bullets are from 50-1000 per bullet caliber/weight/type. When a bargin I will get more than when normal price. When buying mail order sometimes what will fit into a flat rate box.

[krwada]

I just purchase components whenever the price is right.

I am a bit excessive in powder right now .... especially pistol powder.

When I see that I have a lot of components ... it motivates me to reload some more so I can go to the range.

In general, I try to purchase a little at a time, (except projectiles of course). It is much easier on the pocket book, and the nervous spouse to do it this way.

Oh ... when that big brown truck arrives; I usually very quickly grab the box, unpack it and store the stuff away in the cabinets ... Heh!

[stilly]

I agree with the others. It is ALWAYS a good thing to have enough components to make 5k+ rounds of whatever you want to make, but that should be a minimum in my book. I mean, if you only shoot 2000 rounds a year then it works out for you too. I used to shoot more when I first started reloading or when I am developing a load, but now I just like to make the ammo and watch the pile grow. I will also shoot of course, but not as much now since I have 0 income. Folks all over like to hoard components and you should, it will keep you sane in the shortages like these that we are finally crawling out of. Powder? Bah, you SHOULD try to stay legal but it can be hard when there are so many different combinations to choose from and so many different loads to make, I think if you go over the limit it is really just a victimless crime so go for it. Of course that should also motivate you to reload more to get those powder levels down to a reasonable amount.

I have about 8 different bottles of powder just for 44 mag. I am gonna start making some more of those but first I want to prime some more cases.

I think you might be able to get around any primer limit by priming brass ahead of time, meaning that you need to also resize ahead of time too most likely. When you got money, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT NEED THEM, BUT components when they are priced good. That is a good habit that will carry you through.

Honestly, I feel like I am committing a sin of some sort if I shoot factory ammo that I currently reload for. NO joke...

[JagerDog]

A thought. Though there are limits to loose powder on hand (and an 8# jug is 8# even if only 1# is inside the jug), there is no limit to powder sequestered in cartridges.

[uhlan1]

That is my understanding as well.
If my components plus reloaded rounds work out to around 100k, my stress level stays somewhat normal.