lessons from the fallout from the last 8 years - and some humor

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A year has passed since the 2016 election but had Ms. Rodham Clinton prevailed, those with robust inventories of all things firearms related would be, under the circumstances, quite happy I'm sure.

This year I have consumed to date a little over 9,000 rounds of 9mm. So lets say I end the year at 10,000 rounds, it's not hard to see where another 20,000 primers would be nice to have. Federal primers are necessary for light action competition revolvers and have been difficult to source lately. Between 9mm and my other handgun calibers and the little bit of rifle I handload for I used up 8 pounds of various powders and over 10,000 bullets. While I have a lot of bullets suitable for 9mm, one particular bullet is my primary use and I'm down to 4000 of those so another 4000 is needed but not until late spring. I haven't purchased any powder in almost 3 years and I'm starting to see daylight in the powder bunker. Still, will prolly be another 3 years before I buy any more than a pound or two for some misc. reason.

I have sold off some of my powder inventory as like others I had some that I really don't use. For example 4 pounds of AutoComp. I have a couple that are marginal but I'm fairly sure I can find a good use for them I just need to spend some time figuring out the right combination. Not sure when but in a year or two I'm going to start shooting shotgun and that will a good place for some of the powders I have that really don't quite fit with what I'm presently doing.
 
I spent most of my money on women, guns and reloading equipment. The rest I just wasted.

Seriously, I always enjoy my time at the reloading bench. I started after prices rose and the lack of availability of ammo made it difficult to shoot frequently. This was before we could no longer buy ammo online here in the People's Republic of New York.

Although supplies are easy to get NOW, I will still keep a good supply on hand for future bouts with petty tyrants and foolish, know nothing "legislators".

PS
After reading all these posts, I've realized something.........I need more primers !!
 
As I see ammo prices going pretty low now, it bums me that I don't see hand loading supplies going lower as well. Some of the 5.56 stuff is about the same price as I can load it for.... but it's not equal to high quality hand loads.
 
I started reloading almost two years ago, during the shortage, which for a new guy starting out was a little tough getting components. But while I was able to find some stuff, I at least was able to learn quickly what did and did not work, i.e. certain powders with calibers, primers etc. Now that the market has opened up allowing more items to flow, I certainly plan on taking advantage of stocking up on the items I know that do work.
The market has also produced some powders that I finally tried, i.e. Shooters World Tac Rifle and BE-86 and have or will be buying more of, so that SHOULD a market crunch arrive again, I won't struggle to enjoy my range time. I won't be a hoarder, but I will be prepared for what I can shoot plus a little extra to get me thru a crunch time.
 
I started loading my own in 89 because I wanted to try bullets that weren't available in 30-30 for my Contender. A few years later I started loading 9mm then moved on to 38, 357, 223, & 308. I averaged 16k a year for 5 years on that old Lee single stage till I could afford a Loadmaster. Loaded 16-20k a year for another 10years and stocked up on components early on when something was on sale. A few years ago I got into casting while lead was still easily obtainable and cheap.

I haven't had to slow down my shooting yet, and won't for the foreseeable future. I do need some more primers though, but I have enough primed brass for another year or so.
 
bbqreloader said:
I started reloading almost two years ago, during the shortage, which for a new guy starting out was a little tough getting components.
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Don't feel too sad on having trouble getting started in reloading and getting supplies during the '08-'16 shortages. Even long time reloaders could have problems.

During this period, I got into several new-to-me cartridges and finding certain components were difficult. So, difficulties finding equipment and components were not just limited to new reloaders.

Hope you are enjoying your new hobby.:)
 
I started reloading in early or mid '12. I had some components, and was fortunate of not running dry. But for nearly 2 years I was constantly watching 5 or so web sites for when they got supplies in. I only shopped online at places that kept their prices reasonable. Local places was like tying to find bigfoot. So I have learned, in my area at least, it is better all around to buy online even to this date.
Bullets is what I need to catch up on now.
We may only go through 3k rds. per year.
 
Been reloading since early 70's. Back then there wasn't much choice in components or equipment . You just learned to use whatever you could find. No such thing as internet and ordering stuff online. I don't get all freaked out over shortages and I only buy what I will use within a year. Never have run out. Just learned to make due with what I can find.
 
I have to say this thread got me thinking about inventory. While i have enough primers and powder for about 2 more years i need bullets and i began searching the web for the best deals from lead, jacketed and plated for all the calibers i shoot. I created a list in each caliber with suppliers such as midway, cabelas, acme, MBC, RMR, and midsouth and all their prices with shipping included and the sorted them by the cheapest. I am as cheap as they come so this will help offset some costs and i am always trolling all those websites looking for a hot deal and when it pops up i grab what i can with free cash.

I cant bring myself to just have boxes of bullets sitting around so i only buy 100 at a time for rifle and 500 at a time for pistol and when its getting low or gone i buy more. I enjoy shooting and reloading but not enough to have thousands of $ sitting in the basement.
 
bbqreloader said:
....The market has also produced some powders that I finally tried, i.e. Shooters World Tac Rifle and BE-86 and have or will be buying more of, so that SHOULD a market crunch arrive again, I won't struggle to enjoy my range time. I won't be a hoarder, but I will be prepared for what I can shoot plus a little extra to get me thru a crunch time.
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Good planning^^^

For most rifle calibers, $350.00-400.00 worth of powder will load +2000 rounds ammo. For Handgunners, 8 pounds of powder will load +11,000 rounds. It's not hoarding if you buy it now for personal use and you will have it in times of tumult. It will not go bad in our lifetime and doesn't take up that much room.

I personally would rather have a few kegs sitting idle in my bunker than to be looking at 1000s of dollars worth of firearms and handloading equipment that I cannot use because ammo or components are all sold out.

Before last years election I had 20,000 federal small pistol primers. This in addition to about 25,000 CCI and S&B. I use the federals most and that 20K I thought was a bumper crop is now only 10,000 and I cannot find any locally. Not in panic mode yet but glad I had the stock.
 
thomas15 said:
Good planning^^^

For most rifle calibers, $350.00-400.00 worth of powder will load +2000 rounds ammo. For Handgunners, 8 pounds of powder will load +11,000 rounds. It's not hoarding if you buy it now for personal use and you will have it in times of tumult. It will not go bad in our lifetime and doesn't take up that much room.

I personally would rather have a few kegs sitting idle in my bunker than to be looking at 1000s of dollars worth of firearms and handloading equipment that I cannot use because ammo or components are all sold out.

Before last years election I had 20,000 federal small pistol primers. This in addition to about 25,000 CCI and S&B. I use the federals most and that 20K I thought was a bumper crop is now only 10,000 and I cannot find any locally. Not in panic mode yet but glad I had the stock.
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Yesterday I found some Federal small pistol primers in a LGS. Surprised me because I haven't seen any in a long time. Now I know why. thomas15 had them all.:rofl::)
 
I will never be caught without again. If I die with 10 years worth of supplies in the shelf, its just the cost of doing business.

I will never be without again, period.

Russellc
 
In regard to credit card usage, I will say this. I run every expense I possibly can through a card. I am in fact looking at services that allow you to use cards for payment on things that you cant, like mortgage payments and so forth.
That said, let me explain. First off, the second I do this I turn around and pay it off. The world of credit cards (at least if you have good credit) has changed in a major way in recent times. There are now various incentives for their use, I focus on points others like cash back. Some give incentives for the insurance company they are associated with and give discounts on your insurance. I have had two cards that have given approximately 50,000 points each after running so much through them over a certain period. Plus, some cards have changing categories every several months, some of which are no interest and some are a lot of interest (like Groceries) and give 5 points per dollar at those times. Some cards give 2 points all the time, and differing amounts for use at various places. You have to study them and find out what is advantageous to your situation. I have one I run my monthly downtown parking bill through because it considers parking in the travel category and gives double points.

I like points because I use them for airline tickets. Other cards do cash back and other incentives, you really have to comb through them for all the various ones. If I use them for South West Airlines, there is another large advantage in terms of leverage you get by using points instead of dollars to purchase their tickets. Since I use a lot of Trips on South West this works very well for me, I haven't paid for a ticket in ages. I pay about 12 bucks in taxes, and usually spring 40 bucks for "early Bird" service that allows me to board earlier in their A line.

You have to really do your research on incentives, and be ultra strict to pay them off as used, sort of like a debit card. As time goes by, some cards no longer have a big advantage and I get rid of them, but transfer the credit line to another of their sister cards, so credit rating isn't affected, or affected very little. Its takes research, but there are sites just like this one, except about cards and incentives and how to maximize their advantages. Careful use can make credit card usage highly advantageous. HOWEVER....if you don't pay them off, ridiculous rates of interest and fees will eat you alive. Pay with card, turn around and pay it off without fail.

Sorry about the somewhat off topic...

Russellc
 
Smart, but I wasn't speaking about people who use credit cards the smart way, but the ones who use them to borrow money and keep a running debt with them.
RussellC said:
HOWEVER....if you don't pay them off, ridiculous rates of interest and fees will eat you alive. Pay with card, turn around and pay it off without fail.

Sorry about the somewhat off topic...
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Yep, yep, and yep. :)
 
RussellC said:
In regard to credit card usage, I will say this. I run every expense I possibly can through a card. I am in fact looking at services that allow you to use cards for payment on things that you cant, like mortgage payments and so forth.
That said, let me explain. First off, the second I do this I turn around and pay it off. The world of credit cards (at least if you have good credit) has changed in a major way in recent times. There are now various incentives for their use, I focus on points others like cash back. Some give incentives for the insurance company they are associated with and give discounts on your insurance. I have had two cards that have given approximately 50,000 points each after running so much through them over a certain period. Plus, some cards have changing categories every several months, some of which are no interest and some are a lot of interest (like Groceries) and give 5 points per dollar at those times. Some cards give 2 points all the time, and differing amounts for use at various places. You have to study them and find out what is advantageous to your situation. I have one I run my monthly downtown parking bill through because it considers parking in the travel category and gives double points.

I like points because I use them for airline tickets. Other cards do cash back and other incentives, you really have to comb through them for all the various ones. If I use them for South West Airlines, there is another large advantage in terms of leverage you get by using points instead of dollars to purchase their tickets. Since I use a lot of Trips on South West this works very well for me, I haven't paid for a ticket in ages. I pay about 12 bucks in taxes, and usually spring 40 bucks for "early Bird" service that allows me to board earlier in their A line.

You have to really do your research on incentives, and be ultra strict to pay them off as used, sort of like a debit card. As time goes by, some cards no longer have a big advantage and I get rid of them, but transfer the credit line to another of their sister cards, so credit rating isn't affected, or affected very little. Its takes research, but there are sites just like this one, except about cards and incentives and how to maximize their advantages. Careful use can make credit card usage highly advantageous. HOWEVER....if you don't pay them off, ridiculous rates of interest and fees will eat you alive. Pay with card, turn around and pay it off without fail.

Sorry about the somewhat off topic...

Russellc
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I use my amazon rewards card for everything and just pay it off the next morning when i get to work. It does add up and i use the rewards cash for some of my addictions although it can add up quick if you don't watch what your doing. I used mine for an out of state trip and bought my mom and sister dinner, and some gifts and its got a balance that will take a few paychecks to get down but that's life i guess.
 
Walkalong said:
Smart, but I wasn't speaking about people who use credit cards the smart way, but the ones who use them to borrow money and keep a running debt with them.

Yep, yep, and yep. :)
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Yes you are so right, no dispute there! Even with good choices and credit they can be a powerful temptation. I try to avoid the instant gratification trap and wait until a combination of factors make it irresistible, like large discounts, combined with other incentives, AND most important of the factors that I can pay for it.

I really dont use them as credit cards as such, I just pass things through them that I would normally pay cash for.

Russellc
 
I have seen a hoarder or two in my life and believe me, anyone that buys ahead to hedge against inflation or disruption in supply on something that they are actually going to consume is in no way a hoarder.:thumbup: Now if you save every old National Geographic, every tin can you have ever obtained, all the .22 ammo you can find and do not plan on ever owning a firearm, and every old toilet paper center you have used then YEP that is a hoarder.:eek: I try to keep at least 5-8 years worth of components stocked ahead for my anticipated usage and resupply when I drop below that level---usually when things are on sale as I can afford to wait for this to happen having no pressing need to buy anything to be able to go reload something. Also buying a little now and again hurts the pocket book less than having to pony up for a big pile of stuff all at once.
 
Here of late, I scan through the B,S, & T in the reloading section here on THR for bullets, brass, etc.. Lots of greats guys there (here). So far everyone has agreed to USPS M.O.s.
 
The height of the last 8 years for me was 2013. I loaded 67 rounds of 223 and loaded the fewest rounds of all my pistol cartridges. When faced with the continuing shortage I just didn't shoot. When I did, it was with cartridges that demanded less materials than the others. I made .75 lb of W231 last four years... at 2.2 gr. a load in 32 auto. I now have 4 lbs and still use it judiciously. Although I'm now into casting and have supplies exceeding my dreams from years before I will never again be so liberal with my shooting.

I stopped looking for deals not too long ago. Most of my previously marked component money has gone to 401k increases and post tax investments.
 
I too slowed up shooting some during the lean years. I still shot regularly, I just more frugal with everything. I was never in danger of running out, but who knew how long it would last, and so I was just more cautious about blowing through a lot of inventory.

Pay your bills first, pay your self second (Savings/retirement(Two separate things)), then see if anything is left for fun stuff you don't absolutely need.

My free money advise for the day. :)
 
Walkalong said:
anothernewb said:
I'm sure I'm not the only one to feel the "pressure" coming down from the last few years ... The constant threats to the reloader have also convinced me to purchase casting equipment.
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I have seen no constant threat to reloaders. Gun ownership yes, but no threat to reloaders.
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I usually agree with Walkalong but things may change in the future, at least for California.

Yes, there has not been any threat to reloaders and likely we may not see any threats made during our lifetime but how many "firsts" have we seen during our lifetime from antis' attempt to limit our freedom to enjoy our hobby of shooting? Too many I am afraid.

Starting in 2018, California will impose new restriction on ammunition purchase (both in person and online) requiring background checks with monthly quantity limits. This has turned many to reloading and just about everyone at work who owns firearms is now interested in reloading. IMHO the antis will be attacking reloading/components in time if they feel that will help their cause.
 
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