[Navy_Guns]

You know the feeling - you know there's a senseless run on everything and you start to think maybe you should try to grab what you can while there's still some left. Well, to help fight those urges, I bellied up to my Pro 2000 on Sunday and loaded 500 rounds of .45 ACP from components I'd had on hand for a while. It felt so good, I did another 500 on Monday after work. Know what? I feel better. It helps put into perspective how long it would actually take me to use up the supplies I already have so I'm less inclined to go add to the panic buying frenzy. And if I do run out of primers or powder or wads or brass, I've got that 1,400 pound pile of lead ingots that could afford to be made into bullets. If you think about it a little, there's probably some "reloading therapy" you can do with what you've already got - it'll make you feel better!

Then again, if you got caught completely flat-footed and low on supplies... didn't you learn last time? :scrutiny:

[Constrictor]

Good post. Just one of those 1k boxes of primers will make a lot of ammo. It doesnt look like so much sitting there but shooting well placed target shooting 1k will last awhile.

[hueyville]

Funny thing is I am panic buying for others. They call or email me I'd have any to spare and say can't bust my stockpile to give a 1,000 to everyone I know. They ask can I find them and say yes. I go to my supplier, negotiate a fair price then half the folks I do a favor can't actually complete the deal. This means my endless supply has gone to goofy numbers of components. Luckily I still get fair prices so its not hurt me just extends the time before I have to restock.

[Ifishsum]

Hah, I've been doing the same thing. Spent more time at the loading bench the last three weeks than I have in a long time, I find it quite comforting. I did get caught a bit short on components in 2008, but not this time. I have jumped on a few extra lbs of favorite powders as I could find them, plus some .223 bullets that I was planning to buy this spring anyway. I also have a few hundred pounds of lead and at least one bullet mold for every handgun caliber I own.

[dap22]

I didn't get caught flat footed but feel badly for those who did. This frenzy is really disgusting. I've noticed that just about everyone is into the gouging mode.

[PO2Hammer]

Then again, if you got caught completely flat-footed and low on supplies... didn't you learn last time?
As much as my budget would allow.
Hope to get that same good feeling this weekend. My stash of favorite bullets and primers for my .357's will sit this one out while I experiment with bulk plated bullets and Tula SPP's, all recent purchases. I'm even going to load up some some 9mm plated bullets in .357 brass like I did in '08 & '09. They shot well then and I expect the same thing this time.

[edfardos]

I'm simply shooting less (slower), focusing on technique, and I'm better for it. So I'd like to thank the panic buyers for teaching me discipline (and humility). I have a reserve of ammo I don't touch, and the surplus is for fun..

edfardos

[Navy_Guns]

If you really want something to keep you occupied until the dust settles, try getting into reloading for the 1895 Nagant revolver!

[jwrowland77]

Or a person could be like me and just started back in March/April 2012 and had no idea what happened back in 2008 rush.

[PO2Hammer]

Or a person could be like me and just started back in March/April 2012 and had no idea what happened back in 2008 rush.
Hang in there. My LGS has more powder and primers than they did a couple weeks ago, mostly Tula. Midway still has some revolver bullets.
Good luck.

[Grassman]

I did get caught "flat footed", but got lucky and had a great THR member sell me 1000 primers, a mod hooked me up with some brass and found some bullets locally. I still need more.

[C5rider]

Good post, and definitely some great perspective.

The only thing I got flat-footed on was 22LR stuff. Surprised how that stuff evaporated. Since I can't reload it, that puts me at the peril of the scalpers. Never thought my centerfire stuff would be "easier to shoot up" than my rimfire! :eek::what::banghead:

[Jeff H]

Or a person could be like me and just started back in March/April 2012 and had no idea what happened back in 2008 rush.

So far, this doesn't seem as bad as 2008 for reloading components. There is still stuff available in stock or for back order. Just be patient, even the best prepared need to restock their supplies every once in a while.

[griff383]

I learned that its best to tell yourself your out when you get down to about a years worth of supplies. For me its pretty easy, but I could see where others might go broke wiht this theory.

Its winter and can get cold out so now its time to catch up on sorting, cleaning, preping, ect and not worry about whats on the shelf right now. Save your pennies and wait until things come back around.

[KansasSasquatch]

I started reloading in March of 2012. I had no idea that reloading components could get this scarce. It didn't help that I was out of work for 2 1/2 months this past year. Just started getting ahead on the bills when things went crazy. Plus it's taken me this long just to develop most of my preferred target loads for my most common calibers. I just recently ordered 6k primers from Powder Valley. That's the biggest component buy I've been able to make so far. Hopefully I'll be able to make a big powder purchase when/if this all dies down.

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Caught flatfooted? No.

Did I have a comfortable level of supplies? No.

I was able to order 1,000 .224 caliber 55grain fmj bullets from Montana Gold yesterday. The only thing I still wanted was some 210grain HP for my S&W model 58 but I guess I'll just have to wait till things return to normal if they ever do.

[TwoEyedJack]

I got a Remington 1898 cap and ball revolver. It takes so long to load that the powder and ball lasts for a really long time ;)

[1SOW]

Good post. Just one of those 1k boxes of primers will make a lot of ammo. It doesnt look like so much sitting there but shooting well placed target shooting 1k will last awhile.

Not "AS" good if you shoot 1K/20+ days. To get significantly ahead for bad times takes a HECK of lot of money and safe storage space.

[clocker]

Thanks to the OP for the perspective. It's good to step back from this current madness instead of getting wrapped up in it all. When I got into reloading a year ago I wanted to be able to practice shooting even if the market went nuts. Glad to say that I've been able to stay away from the panic purchases so far.

[David E]

Good post. Just one of those 1k boxes of primers will make a lot of ammo. It doesnt look like so much sitting there but shooting well placed target shooting 1k will last awhile.

Not really. By my count, that'll just make 1000 rds. Not nearly enough.

[Reefinmike]

i started reloading april 2012, and with a "cheap" $200 initial investment, I went from shooting one box a week to three boxes a week + 30 minutes time reloading for the same coin. August I started down the slippery slope and started casting. Using tula primers and HP38 powder, I could shoot 10-12 boxes for the price of one box of factory ammo. My first powder valley order was very modest, I think three thousand cci spp and two pounds win231 back in april. In august, I did the "big" order and got 5k tula spp and three pounds of HP38.

I had been planning for months... literally months to do a 6 month supply PV order shortly after christmas once that extra cash came in but some terrible sequence of events caused panic buying of everything and my planned pv purchase was under threat. On the 26th of dec, powder valley showed stock of tula SRP so I jumped on it and ordered 8k and 4 pounds of hp38. Small pistol primers would have been nice, but SRP will work for my 223 and 380, 38, 357. Shortly after my order, I caught myself purchasing a 1911, so I changed my order to 7k srp, 3k lpp and 5 pounds of hp38 for reloading 380acp, 38spl, 357 mag, 45acp and 223(still have to track down powder and bullets, but Im set on ammo for a bit).

my PV order finally arrived today, I loaded up the 600 45 boolits I had casted and planning on loading up the 600 or so empty 38 and 357 casings I have laying around tomorrow. long story short, at 250 rounds a week, I have a good 6 month supply of loaded ammo and ~8 months in components as well :) . im glad atleast that im set for a good while.

[Reloadron]

Interesting initial post. Lately I find myself going through the buckets of brass and new brass I had squirreled away and sorting and cleaning it. Just putting piles in my tumblers and letting the stuff run. I have plenty of components so powders, primers and bullets aren't an issue. Over the next few weeks I start loading .223 then .308 and then handgun stuff like .45 ACP, .45 Colt and .357 Magnum. Bout time I got my azz in gear anyway. :)

Ron

[donkee]

If you really want something to keep you occupied until the dust settles, try getting into reloading for the 1895 Nagant revolver!

I am actually doing that with black powder loads. Smokeless loads for the 1895 just don't do anything for me. First test will be Thursday or Friday.

[jwrowland77]

Hang in there. My LGS has more powder and primers than they did a couple weeks ago, mostly Tula. Midway still has some revolver bullets.
Good luck.

Well I got lucky and was able to find some small pistol primers. A guy locally has a bunch of supplies and doesn't reload. So I was able to get at least 1k at local prices. Was also needing powder and he happened to have a 4lb jug unopened of Universal for $60. Of course, I've never used it but I guess it gives me an excuse to do another workup for another powder, but I do plan in keeping more than just 1k of primers on hand at all times now.

[NeuseRvrRat]

i'd never truly be 100% comfortable unless i had a lifetime supply on the shelf

[James2]

If you think about it a little, there's probably some "reloading therapy" you can do with what you've already got -

Yep, you are right. I cast and have plenty of bullets. I did put in about a 2 years supply of powder and bullets a while back, so was not caught off guard. One exception was on small rifle primers. I was wanting a few more the other day and could only find one box of 100 locally. Oh well doesn't matter. I can shoot the 270 if needed. Lots of stuff for it . My latest session was to load a bunch of 44 mags.

[hueyville]

At 3,000-5,000 rounds per month I keep ~5 years stock on shelf plus emergency rations. My monthly 5k order just came in while I bought over 15,000 as favors for panic folks. Funny thing over half of them never paid up so added to my stock. I have a lifetime supply if I were to slow my roll a bit. Buying as far ahead as possible means when they finally roll into rounds, they are priced based on several years previous so inflation is not as not of a factor.

[BYJO4]

Just hang in there and hopefully this will be behind us in another 4 months or so. It never hurts to maintain a 6 month supply based on your shooting habits.

[jjjitters]

I cast all my own and with approx. 1200lbs of lead on hand and am getting three more 125lb buckets of indoor range scrap in the next week or two, I never have to worry about bullets. Primers are usually easy to come by at the local lgs, since not a lot of people reload around here, he has several k on hand. Powder? Well , last count had around 30lbs of assorted flavors, so when one runs out just grab the next and look up my recipe's. My preferred powders are the most abundant, yet, so I'm not worried for a while.

[Texrtc]

Started reloading in October 2012. I load 9mm and 45acp. Was fortunate in December to find 4lbs of Win231. I already had on hand 3lbs of Unique. An oldtimer I met at the range, who does not reload anymore, gave me an additional 4lbs of Unique. With the 7k SP and LP primers and 7k FMJ bullets I have on hand, I am set in riding the current conditions out.

[RetiredUSNChief]

And if I do run out of primers or powder or wads or brass, I've got that 1,400 pound pile of lead ingots that could afford to be made into bullets. If you think about it a little, there's probably some "reloading therapy" you can do with what you've already got - it'll make you feel better!

Let's see:

1,400 pounds X (7000 grains/pound) divided by 230 gr/bullet equals...

(sound of abacus beads sliding back and forth, furious scribbles on chalkboard, peering at slide rule...)

42,608 bullets!

Assuming a 6 cavity bullet mold, that means...

(more number crunching...)

7,101 separate pours and cooling!


That's some bit o' "reloading therapy", myfriend! Just out of curiosity, how long does it take to cast a single set of bullets, then size/lubricate them afterwards?

:D:D

[clocker]

Time to get more lead or cast lighter bullets ;)

[RetiredUSNChief]

Time to get more lead or cast lighter bullets ;)

Heh!

Casting 185 grain bullets would net slightly more than 10,000 additional bullets...

:D

You know, if he's reeeeealy serious about "reloading therapy", he'll use a Classic Lee Loader or, at most, a Lee Hand Press...

:evil:

[Navy_Guns]

How long? Well, since having kids, the answer is "too long" with a few exceptions. My last run of 1,200 took quite a few hours to cast, size, and lube even with the 6-cavity mold. I've started telling myself that casting is for special things I can't buy (Lyman slugs, odd-sized round balls, etc.) or for when the day comes I can no longer buy what I need. Thankfully, my career's at the point where I have more money than time, so casting isn't the necessity it was when I was younger.

[Ky Larry]

I've got buckets and coffee can of brass sitting around. Cleaning, sorting, trimming, and priming will keep me busy for a while. I bought 8,000 lead bullets of various calibers a couple of weeks ago. I have an old Rock Chucker so it takes a while to load 500 rounds. I've loaded a couple thousand .38spl. Now I'll start loading .40 S&W. I've loaded all my .357 JHP bullets (had 1,000) and I've got 800 .44gr Nosler 240gr JHPs.I have 3,000 .223 bullets and 2,000 .243 bullets. If I start digging I'm sure I find a lot more stuff. Think I'll go have a bowl of chilli and head out to the reloading room.

[dragon813gt]

I've been complaining about LPP 45acp brass the last year or so. I hate having to stock primers for just one cartridge. With my current stock of SPP and how much I like shooting my 9mm I'm glad I have the LPP brass and a healthy stock of primers. I went through the unsorted 45 brass I had and segregated them by primer type. First of all it's an extremely mind numbing job and I hated it more than trimming brass. But it yielded five gallons of LPP and three gallons of SPP. I think I'm good on 45 brass for a long time :)


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[johnc486]

When the weather permits, I'll ride it out on my Harley Road King and keep my head clear and plan way ahead for the next bout, have enough supplies for the near future. It definitely has cut my excess shooting out and half the time at the range (doing a lot more hobby welding). Being retired, I can't let one hobby dictate my other hobbies, ( I do enjoy reloading a lot tho). We'll get thru this one as well, find another hobby to fill the gap in the mean time.

[4895]

There was a time in my life when I was content to have a 50 round box onhand and not even shoot it all at once.

[GLOOB]

My solution is to look at all the "reloading crumbs" I have lying around. Leftover partial cans of powder that I have not been particularly fond of. Partial boxes of bullets I no longer buy. And all the setup time required to use up all that stuff.... 50 rounds here, 100 rounds there, with a new setup between each mini batch... It will take a lot of work for me to run out of components, completely. :) Heck, first I'd have to find them all.

I have to admit, I'm in pretty good shape, though. I was a little surprised by the scale of this shortage. But after taking stock, I have just the right amount of powder, primers, bullets, and lead to pretty well match up - and enough of each to keep me shooting for at least a year. I was just short on some gas checks; luckily, these are still easily available in most calibers. I was able to patch that hole in time.

[greybeard57]

Well, I'm a complete noob at reloading. I had been planning on reloading for a long while but only got financially solvent enough to buy what I wanted in December. On Jan 1 I sent my order in for a LLM and some accessories. Still haven't received any of it. However, at the last gun show a few weeks ago I did pick up 4lbs w231 and 1lb of titegroup powder, some new 9mm brass (plus all the saved brass from my backyard outings), and a brick of spp's. I'm only going to start loading 9mm for now mostly because most of my handguns are 9mm either 9x19, or 9x18. But getting Mak sized supplies isn't all that easy either.
I'm looking forward to reading up on how things are done here. I've gone through a lot already. But trying to change careers at my age (56) has me broke (got laid off from last job of 23 years due to closing doors) so I'm now going to college full time. Hopefully I'll be able to finish with my BAS in October. Regardless...I'm getting antsy about getting my equipment in hand and set up.
Anyway, I've got what I think is a good start for never having done it before; a semi-forgiving set of pistol powders, both jacketed and cast bullets, and enough primers to last me, at the rates I shoot, for at least a few months. At least I hope so. :D