Cow Palace a good bet for reloading components?

[Cranium]

Hello all-
I'm totally new to reloading (don't even have a press yet!) and I'm wondering if the show this weekend would be a good place to look for components, etc. I'd love to find some hardware there, but even if I can just pick up some powder and bullets, I think I'd be ahead of the game since I won't have to factor in shipping, etc.
I recall seeing some reloading stuff at past shows, but I never paid much attention. Do any of you buy components there?

Thanks
Cranium

[Python2]

You could buy primers and powder reasonably, thats about it. Reloading equipment? go to Cabelas in Reno or order from Dillon.

[packnrat]

i do not go to many jerky,,, er. a... i mean gun shows in ca....but a year back at the san jose show i saw a bunch of used presses..

[sorensen440]

be careful buying a press from the show if you are new to reloading as you probably wouldn't be able to tell if parts were missing

[kurac]

You can buy components there if Miwall brings their powder and primers this time.

[mdouglas1980]

yeah plus you may have to start driving further too. I thought they were trying to shut down gun shows at the Cow Palace again.

[JamesY]

From my experience, i haven't seen any good reloading stuff there in a while. I stopped going for the last several shows though... maybe it changed since more people are starting to roll their own now-a-days

[anyracoon]

The last time that I was up there at the Cow Palace there was a new vendor near the back close to the MilWal powder table that was selling Dillon presses and accessories.

[RogueSniper]

I was at the show this last weekend. Miwall had some components. I bought 8lbs of Winchester 748 rifle powder for $125. That's as good as a price as I've seen. Plus, there was Hodgdon and Unique available, I think. There were Wolf, CCI, and Winchester primers - sorry didn't notice the price, but there was plenty of stock. There were bullets, but not a whole lot. If the bullets are loose and in baggies, like what I saw at the show - ASK which manufacturer it is. Not all 9mm FMJ are the same. There are variations in length, weight, performance. Check the powder. How old is it. Is the seal broken? Check the primers. What brand? How old is it? Is it standard pistol, magnum, rifle, ... That's why I have a shopping/checklist.

If you're ready to start, get at least two current reloading manuals. I have the Speer and Hornady books - Hornady has a pistol and rifle load books.

Figure out which caliber(s) you plan on reloading. If you want to just reload to save some $$$, then find some powder that will work with most of the calibers you plan to make.

Check around the internet to get a baseline price on components.

I agree with Sorensen440 about not buying a used press. There was a RCBS, but definitely missing parts. I couldn't tell you what was missing without the instructions. Buy a press from local shop, or a reputable online merchant. If something goes missing or breaks, at least there's some support.

I use a Lee Hand Press kit and a Lee Pro 1000 Progressive. The Hand Press Kit looks like a giant nutcracker. I could (but haven't) take it into the field and reload if necessary. I use it to make small batches of 32 Auto and 45 ACP. The Progressive is setup for 9mm and 223 Rem.

Start small. Get a press that can be upgraded to a progressive, like the RCBS, that way you can grow into it.

The next (?) show is in November, unless the Assembly votes against it. Otherwise, The Big Reno Show in also in November.

[ocabj]

One of the members at my club's range brought out a brand new in the box RCBS Rockchucker still in the box last Sunday and put a $60 tag on it. I think it sat on the table for a good 3 hours before someone finally bought it.

I would have bought it out of principle if no one had bought it before I left the range.

[RogueSniper]

I got there late on Sunday, around 2:30pm. If I SAW it, I would have bought it, too! Next time I'll keep an eye out for your group!

[sargenv]

If you pick up a used Dillon at a show, as long as it's not a flavor of a 1050, you can genertally send it back to Dillon for a free tuneup. I'm not certain about RCBS though. I did finally break the priming arm off a 20 year old Rock Chucker and they sent me a new one gratis. I really like good companies!

[firescout]

Back in the late '80s to early '90s, all of the N. Cal gun shows had a significant number of reloading equipment/supplies vendors, with decent prices. In the several shows I've been to in the last few years, there's hardly anything.

I think the online/mail order business cut into the gun show vendors, but powder & primers are costly to ship. Those items at the shows were usually a really good deal.

I've found some good retail prices on reloading supplies at the Sportsman's Warehouse in Rocklin.

[Cranium]

Yeah, I picked up some powder and primers. I wish I could've found some bullets, just because I know shipping's going to kill me...
Now to get a press!

Thanks all for the feedback.