New reloaders.....

[CharliesHammer]

We have all seen the effects of all the new first time gun buyers on gun and ammo supplies. I know two life time shooters just getting into reloading for the first time. One has had a press in storage for twenty years.
I have helped him some getting started with primers. Is it possible that new loaders are also a sizable part of the current component shortage.
I think it would be awesome to get tons of people new to reloading. I have only been reloading for two years and am loving it. This shortage has seemed like a perfect storm, I hope there is a bright lining of new loaders.

 

[forty_caliber]

Interesting thought. I'm sure we will see a small percentage of first time buyers get into and stay in reloading. Probably about the same as shooters vs reloaders before things went into a high demand state. Still with record sales even 2% of however many millions is a big influx of new reloaders here to stay. I'd say that's a very good thing for our...hobby...madness...obsession...thing. It may take a while longer for the markets to adjust to new levels but they (markets) always do.

.40

 

[AJC1]

We have all seen the effects of all the new first time gun buyers on gun and ammo supplies. I know two life time shooters just getting into reloading for the first time. One has had a press in storage for twenty years.
I have helped him some getting started with primers. Is it possible that new loaders are also a sizable part of the current component shortage.
I think it would be awesome to get tons of people new to reloading. I have only been reloading for two years and am loving it. This shortage has seemed like a perfect storm, I hope there is a bright lining of new loaders.

I feel like most will bail when cheap ammunition returns. That may depend on what cartridge they got. 9 for sure, 45 maybe 38 special might just stay.

 

[ballman6711]

I also just started reloading a bit over two years ago. Been shooting for over 40 years. Not my first ammo shortage, but it is my first component shortage. Luckily I have enough stashed to last me awhile.

I think I would have to agree that this really is the perfect storm, both for ammo and component shortages. Record number of gun sales and new gun owners, combined with or due to the virus and the riots and the political turmoil. Not even mentioning new guns available to purchase.

Last year I tried to get my nieces then fiancee (now husband) to start reloading. He declined. He's now interested and has gotten the needed components, but doesn't have any equipment. Like you, I'm doing what I can to help him get started, and have offered to show him what I know and how I do things. I've also offered to let him learn on my equipment, although he's 300 miles away and would have to take a few days off work.

And I really do agree with you, maybe there is a bright silver lining in this cloud. Lots of new gun owners and reloaders, and lots of new (and hopefully lasting) people supporting the 2A.

I think that all we can do as shooters, enthusiasts, and reloaders is to welcome them into the sport/hobby and try to show them how to be safe and encourage them in ALL aspects of shooting, reloading, and general firearms safety.

chris

 

[Targa]

I just start reloading within the last couple of years as well. I primarily load large pistol calibers but all of a sudden realized I was running dry (completely dry now) on small pistol primers for 357mag. Lesson learned, won’t happen again.

 

[ms6852]

It may be difficult to get a lot of people into reloading for a couple of reasons. As you stated there are those that have just recently got into reloading even though they have been active in the shooting industry and than there are the novice who are at a disadvantage as well. With people like us that have been shooting for decades we have noticed a steep decline in components necessary for reloading regardless whether we reload smokeless or black powder. It will be difficult to find bullets, primers, brass as the demand has over taken supply. Those of us that cast bullets still have a better advantage than those that do not. But it is an interesting concept and it would be nice if we all reloaded.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I think that the panic buying turns into want to panic reload. That does hurt us in not being able to find supplies. Most of these people will not want to do the work it takes to load safely and a lot of them won't be able to afford the inventory us seasoned reloader have to keep to get through the shortages.
With most of them it will be a short lived endeavor.
The ones that feel they want to be dedicated to reloading ultimately end up here or another site.
We don't see or hear about all the wannabes. We just see their equipment for sale for high prices because they want to get out from under it and make a buck on the people that truly want to learn to reload.
They just sell off their reloading stuff on EBAY as soon as ammo becomes available again or they think it's to much work.
What irritates me are the people that truly want to learn the craft, can't get started because of the panic buying and the scalpers that are waiting to turn a fast buck, trying to take advantage of those of us new to the craft.
I just saw an add on our local Craigslist where someone said they had more primers than they needed so they were willing to sell them to someone for $100.00 per thousand.
That will turn off a new reloader faster then anything I can imagine.
The new reloader that turns out to be dedicated to learning the craft though will have to go through this once and then they will know what components they have to keep a good supply of for the next time it happens.

 

[Skgreen]

Friend of the Family is contemplating reloading (38/357 mainly)
Lives 'same as' 1000 miles away. I'm visiting the area soon
He's shot my reloads before as I tend to bring 'care packages' that-a-way every year. (They save the brass, I take it back /refill it! )
He's debating buying some 'gently used' equipment. I've got another care package ready, and I'm throwing in 500 SPP and a lb of powder this year,,,
Told him he wouldn't save any money by reloading, but he'd shoot a lot more.
If he commits to buying the equipment, the powder and primers are his, as well as the brass from the reloads I'm bringing.
If he won't commit, I can just as easily bring the powder/primers back with me.
He'll be shooting either way.

 

[MauriceSam]

The things I hope to see after all is said and done is that hopefully local stores will start stocking more reloading supplies when they are again available. The other is that newer and younger reloaders will develop and stay in this hobby. Over the years I have had to rely more and more on internet purchases because local stores didn't have enough demand to keep decent stock. With some calibers, ( like my 6mm Rem), it is almost impossible to find ammo at a local store even before the current shortages. More reloaders=more demand=(hopefully) more supplies.

 

[flatsticks]

As a new reloader and menber here I can tell you it is very frustrating trying to find the primers I need .
really want to try some new bullet/ load combos in my gun but without the primers I am dead in the water .
My Dad has all of the equipment and tools just had to buy the 223 dies and shell holders .
Have new empty brass , power and bullets .
Been looking hard for them since the Spring in local sotres and online .
Watching the post about where they are available and when I get there they are gone .
Really only needed 1,000 to get started.
Only place I could find them was in Canda which can not ship them to the US.

 

[CajunRX8]

New reloader here, bought press and dies in July for 9 and 45 acp. Been buying up all the supplies I can when available. Local Academy's had LPP so stocked up and found SPP at Powder Valley 2 monthes ago, bullets from anywhere I could get them.
I have been interested in learning reloading for years but never took the plunge until I saw the political climate changing the wrong way so here I am.
I have been told by various people that reloading is unsafe, not profitable, ect... you will blow yourself or the gun up but after reading many websites and especially this one, I don't see the issues. Follow the load charts, cross check data, start low and never get complacent. Hope to continue reloading until health or wife stops me but she likes ammo too much for that to happen.

 

[hdbiker]

Best advice I can give any reloader is KEEP GOOD COMPLETE RECORDS. hdbiker

 

[bullseye308]

If you new guys would list a location someone may be willing to help you out if anyone is close to you. Don’t fret, everything is available still, it just takes patience and diligence to find it. I see new reloaders daily on a few of the Facebook reloading groups and you guys are definitely not alone. I have helped a few of them out and had a few over to show them the process and even sold some components at my cost from a few years ago. I have given away some of my excess brass to help get some guys started and traded with some other range rats for brass we both have collected but didn’t need.

 

[.308 Norma]

I have been told by various people that reloading is unsafe, not profitable, ect... you will blow yourself or the gun up but after reading many websites and especially this one

Stick around - there's a few folks right here on THR that will tell you those things.
Just kidding, CajunRX8. Welcome!

 

[buck460XVR]

We have all seen the effects of all the new first time gun buyers on gun and ammo supplies. I know two life time shooters just getting into reloading for the first time. One has had a press in storage for twenty years.
I have helped him some getting started with primers. Is it possible that new loaders are also a sizable part of the current component shortage.
I think it would be awesome to get tons of people new to reloading. I have only been reloading for two years and am loving it. This shortage has seemed like a perfect storm, I hope there is a bright lining of new loaders.

Problem is, the Catch-22 we are creating. As a handloader I once enjoyed being ale to walk into the LGS and get whatever I wanted for components. Most of the time I would get only what I needed for the next time at the bench. Later on, the same became true with buying online. First ammo shortage, I was still able to get components. Started to buy in bulk more and more. Second ammo shortage, all of a sudden things were harder to get. Now, it seems components dry up before the ammo shelves are empty. The latest shortages have seen the influx of many new bullet manufacturers, where at one time, the only jacketed bullets came from the big name manufacturers. Still, they seem to dry up fast too. Powder and primers are still mostly main stream and it seems those folks tend to use them for their proprietary ammo first. Part of the problem has been the volatility of ammo/component sales. For manufacturers, it's either feast or famine. So they are slow to increase production during heavy demand knowing that the demand in the past has dwindled. Folks hoard and stock-up and then don't need anything for a while. I'm guilty of that myself. So, while I agree, introducing folks to the hobby of reloading their own ammo can be satisfying, I wish it didn't come with that fear of not having enough myself. Kinda like showing someone you favorite hunting or fishing spot. Any of us that has hunted or fished for a while, knows how that generally turns out.

 

[Virginia Jim]

Hopefully, new enthusiasts will extend their passion to the ballot box.

 

[flatsticks]

Appreciate the insight that you all bring to the table. I have ended up with 2,000 small pistol primers as I have run low on 38 special bullets and look forward to reloading those in addition to the 223 and 6.5 creedmoor
Like one other poster said I would be willing to trade some small pistol primers for the small rifle primers and large rifle primers that I will need ( just ordered another gun and bullets will not be easy to find )
Located in PA in the Scranton area if anybody is local .
Look forward to learning what I can from the members here .

 

[otisrush]

I have been told by various people that reloading is unsafe, not profitable, ect... you will blow yourself or the gun up but after reading many websites and especially this one, I don't see the issues.

Safety
Driving is really dangerous if you're not paying attention. Working on your roof is really dangerous if you're not paying attention. Reloading is the same way: Understand it. Pay attention. Keep notes as someone stated. Recognize the process involves a human (which means it's fallible) - so put in checks, double-checks and triple-checks - and things will be fine.

Cost
Because many times the cost per *round* is less for reloaded ammo, the topic of saving money frequently gets into the conversation when talking about reloading. (I'm addressing the "not profitable" point you made.) I don't get why people think profit/savings need to be there to justify reloading. How much per lb did that hunter pay for the deer? Why would anyone hunt when meat can be had for so much less $? Because it's fun and challenging! I have a couple of friends, while they haven't said anything overtly, seem to have this attitude of "Oh - you're shooting reloads." - like I'm sacrificing something. Then they see how I shoot and it sort of speaks for itself. (Because the ammo is better and I practice A LOT more.) I'd load my own ammo if it cost more than buying commercial.

 

[.308 Norma]

(Because the ammo is better and I practice A LOT more.) I'd load my own ammo if it cost more than buying commercial.

Yeppers, that kind of defines the difference between a "reloader" and a "handloader." Well that, and the fact that it's almost impossible to find factory ammo anyway for a couple of the firearms I handload for.
Nevertheless, I started handloading so many years ago because it looked like it would be something I would enjoy. I was right - I do enjoy it. It was later on that I found I can often build ammo that's better (and sometimes cheaper) than mass-produced factory ammo.

 

[AJC1]

Safety
Driving is really dangerous if you're not paying attention. Working on your roof is really dangerous if you're not paying attention. Reloading is the same way: Understand it. Pay attention. Keep notes as someone stated. Recognize the process involves a human (which means it's fallible) - so put in checks, double-checks and triple-checks - and things will be fine.

Cost
Because many times the cost per *round* is less for reloaded ammo, the topic of saving money frequently gets into the conversation when talking about reloading. (I'm addressing the "not profitable" point you made.) I don't get why people think profit/savings need to be there to justify reloading. How much per lb did that hunter pay for the deer? Why would anyone hunt when meat can be had for so much less $? Because it's fun and challenging! I have a couple of friends, while they haven't said anything overtly, seem to have this attitude of "Oh - you're shooting reloads." - like I'm sacrificing something. Then they see how I shoot and it sort of speaks for itself. (Because the ammo is better and I practice A LOT more.) I'd load my own ammo if it cost more than buying commercial.

I was at bps today and a box of 50 44 mag rounds was 47 dollars plus tax. There is no way you could not save a pile at those rates. I shoot 357 and those were not a available at any cost.

 

[tcanthonyii]

I just got my neighbor interested. He's been laughing at me telling me it wasn't worth it with cheap ammo. Ive mostly been able to maintain at least a 50% discount to any caliber I reload for and more for than that for some.

I was loading up some 30-30 for deer season as the batch I made a few years ago was low and he was over hanging out. He ended up doing most of it for me with my supervision and powder loading.

We had a gun show last weekend and he picked up the needed stuff to load fir his .44 blackhawk. He had blue dot already. We did the math on the way home and he couldn’t believe the savings. He cranked out 50 on my LCT in no time after making a few test loads. We have a range right next to the house. He’s hooked. I told him just to use my stuff. It sits idle 99% of the time as I just don't shoot as much as I used to. (Too many hobbies).

 

[CRracer712]

I've been trying to buy a second set of 9mm dies, no one has any. I sign up for email notifications, I get the notification, check on product, still no luck. I've checked within 10 minutes of getting notifications.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I think that the panic buying turns into want to panic reload. That does hurt us in not being able to find supplies. Most of these people will not want to do the work it takes to load safely and a lot of them won't be able to afford the inventory us seasoned reloader have to keep to get through the shortages.
With most of them it will be a short lived endeavor.
The ones that feel they want to be dedicated to reloading ultimately end up here or another site.
We don't see or hear about all the wannabes. We just see their equipment for sale for high prices because they want to get out from under it and make a buck on the people that truly want to learn to reload.
They just sell off their reloading stuff on EBAY as soon as ammo becomes available again or they think it's to much work.
What irritates me are the people that truly want to learn the craft, can't get started because of the panic buying and the scalpers that are waiting to turn a fast buck, trying to take advantage of those of us new to the craft.
I just saw an add on our local Craigslist where someone said they had more primers than they needed so they were willing to sell them to someone for $100.00 per thousand.
That will turn off a new reloader faster then anything I can imagine.
The new reloader that turns out to be dedicated to learning the craft though will have to go through this once and then they will know what components they have to keep a good supply of for the next time it happens.

That is called sifting out the chaff. The motivated ones will be left in the future. The unmotivated people will call it quits.

 

[Scbadvr]

Im nee to it. Other than the lack of pri.ers to really start playing many aspects of the process seem attractive to me accuracy the time doing the reloading and customizing ammo to my weapons plus tinkering. Who dosen't love to tinker. I jave been able to find almost everything i needed but primers and will continue to be patient while hunting. Im in Central fl

 

[flatsticks]

Well looks you can add me to the quitter list . bought the stuff I needed except the primers that I can not find . shortest reloading career ever . wasted money on powder and components only to never get one load worked . suppose I can donate the stuff somewhere . hate quitting anything and never have but this just isn't working . hope the other newbies fair better. there has to be more to life than chasing a ghost , unicorn , bigfoot whatever you want to call it .